chapter 16

Gannon THE NEXT DAY The nauseating tension that has been building since we left the castle doesn’t let up, and I know Kyson feels it, too. He hasn’t stopped glancing out the car window or fidgeting with his cuffs. Leaving Ivy behind has him more on edge than usual, though he tries to mask it. We’re an hour into the drive now, the road twisting through thick forested terrain. I grip the wheel tightly, focusing on the curves, while the king stares out at the passing scenery. His silence is heavy, filled with thoughts he hasn’t voiced yet, but I know his mind is on Ivy. It always is. Damian is back at the castle, keeping an eye on her and ensuring her safety while Kyson and I deal with this trip. The meeting with Alpha Dean is important, especially if it sheds light on Ivy’s lineage, but the king’s patience is wearing thin. He’s itching to return to her just as I am itching to return to Abbie. I glance at him in the mirror. He’s leaning back in his seat, one hand on his temple, the other