Page 114 of Hero of Havoc

“I’m not doing that,” he retorts, and she huffs, folding her arms over her chest.

“And I'm not going to have you be so awful to him. It's my fault.”

“It's not your fault,” Sax interjects, kicking the door shut behind him, and Ivy sighs.

"Do you want to apologize to me for telling me I'm wrong too?” she sasses, and Teddy snickers, while I have to cover my mouth to hide my amusement at her energy. “The fact of the matter is, I shouldn't have been creeping up behind a freaking white tiger. But Hugo mentioned to me that the bear is Meadow? I thought the bear was a threat. I was trying to be helpful. This is… this all just got a little out of hand, but I'm okay.”

“I’m so sorry, Ivy,” Sax breathes, and she offers him a warm smile.

“Your eyes were orange,” she admits, and he nods.

“I feared the same.”

“You feared?” she asks, puzzled, and he nods.

“Just like with Teddy.”

The Water Protector exhales. “These power enhancements feel uncontrollable,” he murmurs, glancing at Sax, who hums in agreement.

“And they all seem to be triggered at the hands of somebody threatening or causing disaster,” I add, scratching at my jaw.

“It's almost like people want to see us go insane,” Sax breathes, and Ivy gulps.

“But who would want that?”

Her words linger in the air as my gut twists.

“Nobody good.”

26

IVY

“You're all set to go, Miss Hayworth. Please just take it easy for the next few days and continue applying that ointment to your back. The bruises will disappear soon enough,” the nurse advises, offering me a small bag with the ointment inside.

After they forced me to stay for an extra night to ensure I was okay, I’d do just about anything if it meant getting out of this room, and I think the nurse knows it.

Thankfully, I don't need to make a second walk of shame since Archer brought me something comfy to wear instead. Gone is my cute dress as I twist my hair into a ball of messiness on top of my head, pairing it with a full black sweater and sweatpants set, all loose-fitted and snuggly.

I feel like I’ve been blessed by The Fates themselves.

“What do you want to do, Princess?” Teddy asks as the nurse exits, and I exhale. “We can head back to the dorms if you want to rest?”

“I’d love to grab some lunch,” I murmur.

Even though the medical center is on campus, the food here isn't quite the same, and after an extra overnight stay, I’m ready to feel the essence of freedom.

“Perfect,” Teddy declares, stroking the tip of his finger down my face as he smiles softly, and I lean into his touch.

Since my sass erupted into the room yesterday, no one has been an ass to Sax, which I’m grateful for, but I still need to keep an eye on him; he’s quieter than usual, and I need him to know that I don’t blame him at all.

“How about I take the things Hugo grabbed for you back to the room?” Archer offers. “And I know Baron needs to go and see Alaric.”

The man in question huffs, and a wince gathers his eyebrows together. “If I don't let that dragon know that you're okay, he's probably going to burn me alive.”

It’s slightly concerning how much I believe him.

“And if you don't mind, I'm just going to pop my head in with the Land Protector section to see how our bear is adjusting, and then we can all meet for lunch?” Sax offers, and I nod, despite the concern churning more harshly inside of me. Instead of focusing on him, I consider my friend.