IvyI tighten my grip on Kaelan's hand, hoping to intensify our connection. "Alice was there before Esther was hurt?" I ask him to repeat.Kaelan nods, his expression determined. "Yes, you were alive and laughing with me. Telling me a story, then Mom, I mean Alice, walked in.""Kaelan, I don't know what you're remembering, but I assure you, I would never wish harm upon Esther. I was there to protect both of you," Alice protests.Kaelan's words send a shiver down my spine. I exchange a glance with Alice.Alice breaks the silence, her voice filled with a mix of concern and confusion. "Kaelan, I understand that your memories might be vivid, but there seems to be a mistake here. I would never do anything to harm Esther, your birth mother."Kaelan's expression wavers, his gaze shifting between Alice and me. "I... I don't know what to believe. The memories feel real. I saw you coming in. You were smiling.""Then what happened?" I ask and keep my eyes on Alice."She charged at her!" Kaelan g

IvyMy voice trembles with a mixture of shock and confusion. I look at Ryder and then at the shaman, searching for clarity in his eyes. "Are you saying I'm pregnant?"The shaman nods, still smiling. "Yes, Ivy. Congratulations!"My mind races, trying to process the overwhelming revelation. "I... I don't understand. How did this happen? Ryder and I...""We mated and I put a baby in you!" Ryder chimes, his eyes sparkling with joy."That means I will have to raise a baby and take care of a teenager," I murmur.Oh my moon goddess. This is happening all too fast!The shaman's smile falters slightly, sensing my mixed emotions. "Ivy, I understand that this news may feel overwhelming and unexpected. The path of motherhood is a journey filled with challenges and joys. You have the strength to navigate this new chapter of your life."He is talking, but I am not listening. A thousand thoughts running through my mind. I never gave too much thought to being a mother. My whole life, I'd been focused

Ivy"Ryder, I am serious! Someone keeps talking. Don't you hear it?" I say. I want to grab his shoulder and shake him because he is just looking at me and grinning like I am crazy."Ivy, just calm down," Ryder says."Don't tell me to calm down!" I roar."Jeez...sorry. Don't bite my head off. But let's just be quiet and listen. Maybe you can tell me what the voice sounds like?" Ryder suggests.Ryder's tone finally registers, and I take a deep breath, attempting to regain control of my emotions. He's right; I shouldn't let frustration get the best of me. Maybe he can help me figure out what's going on."Okay," I say, my voice steadier now. "I'll try to focus and describe the voice to you."I close my eyes, shutting out the distractions around me, and listen intently. Amidst the sounds of nature, I can faintly hear a soft, melodic whisper, like a gentle breeze rustling through leaves."It's a soft voice," I begin. "Almost like a whisper. It sounds...familiar, but I can't quite place it."

IvyIt's nighttime. The stars and the moon are silent witnesses to the strange and mystic transformations that are about to take place inside me.Okay, maybe I am exaggerating a bit. I am not about to be transformed. All I am doing is learning how to control my powers with the help of Phoenix.Phoenix is leading me toward a temple-looking house while Ryder follows us closely. He has a grumpy expression on his face as he doesn't like this arrangement."What is this place?" I ask as I stare at the gold-plated ceilings in amazement. "My house," Phoenix says."Wow, it's gorgeous!"Ryder scoffs behind me. "I've seen better."Phoenix ignores him and gives me a knowing look. He motions me to walk toward an altar. He opens a small box and takes out a crystal necklace, and hands it to me.I nervously take the necklace from Phoenix, my hands trembling as I hold it. "What do I do with this?""Put it on, it will help," Phoenix says.I slowly put on the necklace, then look up into Phoenix's eyes.

IvyI start getting ready for the party. I pick out the perfect dress and slip it on, feeling the soft fabric hug my body in all the right places. It's a sleek green cocktail dress that oozes elegance and confidence. I glance at myself in the mirror."You look gorgeous. Everyone at the party will be jealous," Ryder comments from the side.I turn to him and laugh. "Are you being sarcastic?"He shakes his head. "Heck no, I am dead serious," he says and kisses me on the forehead. "Did you invite everyone?" I ask."Yes.""Even Mindy? I really wanted her to come," I said.Ryder narrows his eyes. "What are you scheming, Ivy?"I feign shock. "Scheming? Why would you think I am scheming!?"I playfully bat my eyelashes at Ryder, trying to maintain my innocent facade. "I just thought it would be nice to have Mindy there. It's not like I have any ulterior motives or anything," I say with a mischievous grin.Ryder chuckles, seeing through my act. "Ivy, you always have something up your sleeve. J