Within their dreams (Reverse Harem)

Chapter 38

Ivy's POV

A knock tears me from my thoughts and I mutter a small 'come in'. I try to hide my surprise as Simon walks in, holding my lunch tray. He sets it down on the dresser and I eye it, but make no move towards it. He pays no mind, assessing me with his hands clasped behind his back.

"Leo and Owen will be here soon."

I nod, smoothing out the wrinkles in my skirt to give my hands something to do. I hope he doesn't notice the tension lining my body. No one has entered my room in weeks; it's become the only safe haven I have here and him being in here reminds me how foolish that seems. Simon has the power to take away any sliver of freedom I have here, his presence a reminder of what he's already taken.

"Remember what we discussed."

"Of course."

"Good." He looks about the room, walking over to the bed and rearranging the already-made bed before perching on the edge.

"If this visit goes by without a hitch, I'll discuss returning you back to the palace."

"Thank you," I breathe, my pulse increasing.

"Don't forget our arrangement though. Your freedom, in exchange for your magic."

"I won't." I muster up a smile, though it feels more like a grimace as my cheeks tighten.

He stands, nodding over to the forgotten food on my dresser.

"Eat up. You're looking a little weak and we can't have that." He grins and I swallow down my nausea, walking over to the plate and grabbing a plum. He watches me eat the entire plate before standing, reaching out to clamp a hand down on my shoulder. I force myself not to flinch, loosening the muscles in my shoulders to appear relaxed.

"Do your best to charm them. They need to be completely enthralled with you by the time you go back." He gives me a hard squeeze before taking the tray and leaving me alone again. I run a shaky hand through my hair, walking into the bathroom to splash some cold water on my face.

I take a deep breath walking out of the room and down the stairs, heading for the garden again. There are children outside today, taking a lesson from an Elder. A boy is trying to make a lily bloom, but every time he tries, it wilts. On the third failed attempt, the Elder grips his arm shaking him so hard his head is nearly knocked off his shoulders. The action makes me flinch, but the other children just look down at the floor, inching away from him. He doesn't cry afterwards, just stares at the wilted lily before walking away.

"Gorgeous."

I smile, turning around and wrapping my arms around his neck tightly. He hugs me just as tight, as though we hadn't seen each other just a few hours prior.

"He's watching us today," I whisper, Owen's hair tickling my face. He nods slightly but doesn't reply.

"Shall I just leave?" I giggle, causing others in the garden to turn their heads. Leo wears an adorable pout and I pull out of Owen's grasp to place a gentle kiss on Leo's cheek.

"Hi."

"Hi." He grins.

We sit down together on the bench, me between the two of them.

"Have you eaten?"

"Yes." I roll my eyes but I see the look in Leo's eyes. It's been there since I arrived here and no matter what I say to him, it never leaves. I understand it though. Syphoning my magic has taken a toll on me. My skin is paler, my hair flatter and my clothes now hang from me. I place my hand in his, squeezing gently. He squeezes back and we fall into comfortable conversation, all of us carefully avoiding the cloud settled on top of us containing Simon, our mating bond and the secret we all know I'm keeping.

I spot Simon across the green, talking to a small group, his eyes trained on us. Owen follows my gaze, his expression darkening.

"Don't," I warn, cupping his cheek so I can turn him towards me. He closes his eyes and blows out a breath before opening them.

"Just a little longer," I whisper.

"I know."

We share a smile. After an hour or so, they get up to leave, Owen sending me a wink as they turn away. I stand from the bench, deciding to spend time in the library until my training with the Elders. A hand clamps down on my shoulder, and my body goes rigid.

"That seemed to go well."

"It did." I turn around to face Simon. "They miss me."

"Let's hope the novelty doesn't end when you return. You'll need to make sure that doesn't happen."

"It won't."

He nods, offering his arm. I force a smile, taking his arm and suppressing the shudder threatening to take over.

"The council are understandably cautious about returning you to the palace, as Leo and Owen will push for the mate bond even more."

I don't reply. As excited as I am to be reunited with them, I have doubts about tonight. Leo is certain that being mated will force the council to approve of our union, but what if it does the opposite?

"Being mated may complicate things," he continues. "It's probably best to delay it for as long as possible, so we can be sure our control over the crown is secure first."

He means he wants to be sure I'm under his control before I complete the bond with them. Does he truly think I'd betray my mates so easily for the illusion of power?

We walk inside, him guiding me upstairs to our usual room. I take a deep breath, preparing myself for what's to come. I'd hoped to avoid our session today, as I'd need all the energy I have for later tonight.

We take our usual seats, and Simon pulls my arm into him, clasping his hand around mine tightly. I close my eyes as he begins to draw out my magic, this time focusing on the flow of power from me to him. As I concentrate, I feel something different, making me almost pull my arm away.

It's a flicker but I zero in on it. The feeling grows stronger and its dark tendrils trickle into the tips of my fingertips. I jolt, letting it go quickly and opening my eyes to look at Simon. His eyes are closed, brows furrowed in concentration.

I could feel his magic. And if I could feel it, could I take it from him the way he does me? I don't investigate further, too worried he'll feel me pulling on it.

When he's done, I leave without a word, more energised than usual after our sessions. I return to my room to find a dinner tray on my bed, steam still wafting in the air. I'm left alone for the night, and I lie there, waiting for the sky to turn dark and for silence to engulf the coven. I agreed to meet Leo and Owen at the edge of the coven's property and I settle into the familiar feeling of floating to transport me there, not trusting my abilities to sneak downstairs without notice.

Once my feet feel the trickle of grass, I open my eyes, spotting two silhouettes in the distance. I run over to them, a smile on my face. They turn and smile back, Leo grasping my hand to drop a kiss on it.

"Are you ready?"

"I'm ready." I grin. He nods, intertwining our fingers as Owen grasps my other.

"Then let's go."