Royal Flower

Chapter Twenty Nine

Ivy's wide silver eyes darted around the dark forest as she frantically ran farther from the citadel. She could feel her blood slowly stir with unfamiliar power. Stopping to take a breath, she laid a hand on a tree trunk. She glanced nervously at the dark vines that had circled her arms. She wasn't sure what to think of them. It felt normal, but part of it felt ominous.

What are you doing? Turn around. The dark voice inside her mind taunted.

Ivy gritted her teeth. Where all the citizens are? I don't think so. I don't want to hurt anyone else.

What you want doesn't matter. Turn around. The voice grew more impatient.

You're going to have to make me. Ivy mentally growled back.

Fine, eventually you will lose yourself to me again. When that happens, I will make sure you go back. Ivy relaxed only slightly when she felt the voice fade away.

Feeling more dark power surge within her, Ivy pushed herself to run further into the night lit woods. She didn't turn back to look at the tree bark that had started to die from her touch.

--

Chase continued to search the large forest. There were so many sounds to decipher and it was hard to pin out Ivy. Chase then saw a figure strutting through the forest.

"Reese!" Chase called. Reese turned as Chase hopped down from the trees, landing swiftly on his feet.

"Chase," Reese replied. To Chase's surprise, Reese didn't sound angry with him like how he had been last time with Lily. "What are you doing?"

Chase sighed. "I'm looking for Ivy."

"Ivy?"

"Yeah, apparently Aster issued a kill order," Chase explained.

"Aster issued on a kill order?" Reese raised his voice in surprise. "I was actually thinking about Ivy, too."

"You were?"

Reese nodded. "I led an attack tonight. My people managed to kill a lot of knights, but they also died in the process. Lorraine and Derek... they..." Reese trailed off in a whisper. After about a moment, Reese said clearly, "Something happened with Ivy and she... she killed them." Chase stared longingly at the trees, realizing the surprising turn of events. "I heard that... I heard that a few citizens died. I'm not stupid, Chase. Ivy was the only one I stabbed. I didn't know that losing her powers would mean she would turn into a monster. Those lives... they're not on Ivy. They're on me. I came to the forest to think on what I should do."

Chase gestured. "We could both look for Ivy. I mean, Aster issued a kill order. As long as the kingdom is safe, that's all that matters."

Reese looked up at Chase. "I guess that would be best. I feel like it's my responsibility to stop Ivy before she kills anyone else. I'm willing to help look for Ivy, that is, if you can forgive me for getting angry with you before." Chase tilted his head, a little surprised. "I was wrong for lashing out at you. I was angry with Lily, and I took it out on you. I'm sorry."

Chase didn't say anything for a moment. He finally mustered a nod, not wanting to dwell on the matter further.

"I'm sorry too," Chase said.

Reese nodded, accepting that the matter was settled. "Chase," he spoke up.

"Yeah?"

"I know Aster will hunt me down for my actions. I know I'm going to be executed sooner or later after everything that has happened. I want you to promise me something, in case this is the last time I see you."