It isn't that I'm avoiding her because of my feelings. I'm avoiding all the eyes that will be glued to us during our entire interaction. These stupid co-Luna rumors have gotten popular.
"Please. I'd avoid her too." Lisa watches Tommy demonstrate his perfect snowball technique to an attentive audience. "Actually, I am avoiding her. Hence why I'm out here with two thermoses of hot chocolate and way more cups than necessary."
"At least you have an excuse. You're human."
"And you're Luna. You can do whatever you want." She grins. "But there's nothing wrong with strategic avoidance. It's better than snapping and setting her on fire."
I snort. "I wouldn't set her on fire."
"No?" She arches an eyebrow, studying . "Because your magic is kind of making you sparkly. Thought it might be because you're angry."
I glance down at my hands, noticing the faint shimr beneath my skin. "That's different. That's just... excess magic."
Strange. I shouldn't have much.
That is strange, Grimoire agrees, sounding confused.
"Right. Excess magic that showed up when soone ntioned her na."
"You're exaggerating."
"Am I?" Lisa's voice drops to a whisper. "Ivy."
The shimr intensifies. I can see it.
I can, too.
"Stop that, Lise."
"See? I rest my case." Lisa looks far too pleased with herself. "Though I have to admit, the whole glowing thing is pretty cool. Like a built-in mood ring. When did that start?"
She's taking it in stride more than I am. I'm freaking out a little and trying to pretend it isn't happening. "It's not cool when I'm trying to maintain my composure as a dignified Luna."
"Who says Lunas can't glow? Maybe it's a feature, not a bug."
Despite myself, a laugh bubbles up. Trust Lisa to find humor in my magical tells. "Yeah, because nothing says 'respect my authority' like lighting up like a Christmas tree whenever I'm annoyed. Maybe I should star in the next Blockbuster vampire flick."
"Better than what I do. Last ti she tried to talk to , I knocked over an entire rack of practice weapons. Just... whoosh. Down they went. Had to distract myself before I got too mouthy with her too-perfect persona."
"That was you?"
"Yep. Kellan had to help clean it up." Lisa's smile turns wistful. "He thought I tripped."
"Did you?"
"Nope. Pure spite. Though I did pretend to stumble so I wouldn't look completely unhinged."
The kids' laughter rings out across the clearing as they perfect their snowball techniques. Their joy is infectious, making it hard to maintain my sour mood.
"Maybe we're being unfair," I say, though the words taste like I vomited into my own mouth. "She did just lose her entire escort team." That's actually, objectively terrible. It's a tragedy, and I'm over here whining because I don't like her. What kind of shitty Luna does that make ? Even if they weren't my pack mbers, these are people who have spent a long ti with us in Wolf's Landing.
"Maybe." Lisa doesn't sound convinced. "Or maybe she's playing up the sympathy angle. Just wait until you see her. You'll notice how the bandage on her face sohow makes her look more attractive. Like so kind of wounded warrior princess."
"Lisa!"
"What? You will."
She's coming, Selene says sourly.
Shit. I need to put on my proper Luna face, and not grumpy-she's-back Ava face.
The sound of people crunching through packed snow has turning, and my petty irritation dissolves at the sight of Ivy's face. A white bandage covers her left cheek, and dark circles rim her eyes. Her usual perfect posture is gone, replaced by slumped shoulders and dragging feet.
"Luna." Her voice lacks its usual musical quality.
"Ivy." I step forward, leaving Lisa with the kids. "How are you doing?"
"I've had better days." She touches the bandage on her face, a gesture that seems unconscious rather than calculated. "Much better days."
The genuine grief in her voice strikes harder than expected. Whatever issues exist between us, she's lost people who mattered to her. Her escort team wasn't just protection—they were companions, and likely friends.
"I'm so sorry about your team." The words co naturally, powered by real empathy rather than social obligation. "If there's anything you need..."
"Thank you." She swallows hard, her eyes fixed on so distant point. Her voice cracks. "We were together for three years."
My heart aches. How many tis have I worried about losing my own guards? Marcus, Greg, all of them—they're more than just protection. They're family.
"The kids are having hot chocolate," I offer. "There's plenty to share."
Ivy glances at the clearing where the children play, their laughter a stark contrast to her pain. "Maybe later. I think I'll rest for now."
"Let walk you to your building." The words slip out without thinking. Maybe it's the grief etched into her face, or maybe I'm just tired of being petty. "You look exhausted."
"Thank you." Ivy's voice carries none of its usual musical lilt. "I'd appreciate that."
We walk in silence through the packed snow, our boots crunching with each step. The cold bites at our exposed skin, but it's been a constant companion for months.
Living in Wolf's Landing has made winter feel like an old friend—harsh but familiar.
She's watching you, Selene mutters.
Yes, she glances at occasionally, but her eyes lack their usual calculating gleam. She just looks... lost.
"How are you doing, Ava?" Ivy breaks the silence as we round the corner of the cafeteria. "I heard you've been working non-stop with the corruption. You must be exhausted."
My spine stiffens. There it is—that hint of concern that could be genuine or could be another subtle dig. Another way to suggest that maybe Lucas needs soone to pick up my slack. Soone who isn't constantly drained from magical duties.
Don't trust her. She's playing you.
But maybe this is her attempt at normal conversation, at finding common ground. It's always hard to tell with Ivy.
"I'm managing." I keep my voice neutral, choosing the high road.
"It must be hard to keep up with everything. And dangerous, too."
I wait for the other shoe to drop, for the suggestion that maybe I shouldn't be out there alone, that maybe Lucas needs soone else to help shoulder the burden. But Ivy just trails off, her eyes distant and pained.
She's good, Selene grumbles. Very good.
"We take precautions." I gesture toward Marcus and Greg, who maintain a respectful distance. It occurs to that they probably deserve a day off. "And the work has to be done."
Ivy nods, and we lapse back into silence until we reach her temporary quarters. She pauses at the door, her hand resting on the handle. "Thank you, Ava. For walking with . And for... for not treating like I might break."
The sincerity in her voice catches off guard. I search her face for any sign of manipulation but find only exhaustion and grief.
"Of course." I hesitate, then add, "If you need anything..."
"I know where to find you." A ghost of her usual smile flickers across her face. "Get so rest, Luna. You really do look tired."
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