A Love Like No Other

Part 19

Ivy couldn't stop thinking about what Anton said to her last night. Sleep never came. Her mind raced with questions and courage.

The moment the sun rose, Serena was up and about. Kicking Ivy and Anton awake. Kept repeating that they had a schedule to keep.

Ivy tried to stay away from Anton. It may have been easier because he also didn't want to talk. Both were embarrassed about the conversation last night.

"Pick up the pace," Serena snapped.

Ivy did, of course. Being on Serena's bad side isn't something you want. Especially when you just got off the list.

Though, if she ever found out what Ivy and Anton discussed last night, it was a sure way of ending back on there.

Ivy can handle a rude Serena. Has been for six years. Serena may be older, wiser, and stronger, but Ivy is confident and brave. She isn't easily intimidated by a Shadow Summoner.

"Hey," Anton said, sliding up next to her. "About last night..."

"Yes, about that-"

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-"

"Anton," Ivy interrupts him. "I'm glad you did. Truthfully."

She was. It's always better when you know what someone is thinking. If they hate you, if they secretly want to be you, if they love you. All of these are great things to know.

Does it make some situations awkward? Of course, but communication is better than what most people try to admit.

"I actually want to say something," Ivy whispers.

"Of course," Anton answered.

Ivy looks over to Serena. She was far ahead. As long as the two whisper, she shouldn't overhear anything.

"I think you're amazing, Anton," Ivy starts. "You're the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. But have you ever thought that maybe you're only feeling attraction because I'm the only other Grisha you've talked to?"

Anton furrows his brows. He looks very hurt at Ivy's suggestion.

"I've seen who you are, Ivy," he answered. "I've seen you at your lows and highs. I don't need to meet any new Grisha, I already know I want you."

Ivy wants to shake her head. Tell Anton that he is wrong. But she doesn't want to denounce his feelings. They are his. She feels the same way about him, but there is no way she can let those feelings happen.

"I know," was all Ivy could say.

"Hurry up!" Serena called.

"I don't want to lose you," Anton says, "but I don't just want to be friends."

He picks his pace up, walking to his mothers side. His words echo through Ivy's mind. Words that make Ivy smile.

With some of the awkward tension finally acknowledged, the group arrived at the village within the hour. People were walking about. Buying food from stands. Speaking to acquaintances.

As Ivy looked around at the people, looked at the buildings, her gaze caught something familiar.

A chapel. Elegant engravings on the doors. A design very familiar to Ivy.

"Wait," Ivy said. Her gaze flickering over every building. A feeling of familiarity flares in her mind.

"What?" Anton said.

"I know this town."

Serena looks around the town. Trying to figure out if they all have. If they've been here before, they will have to pack up and leave again. More days of walking.

"How?" Serena asks.

It's like a dream, she thought. A distant memory.

"I believe this-" Ivy trails off.

"Luna?" a stranger's voice echoes through the air.

Ivy's heart stopped. A name only three people recognize. Her, her mother, and her father.

The three Grisha turn to look at the stranger. A stranger holding a basket of vegetables.

The man standing in front of her was her father.

"Papa?" Ivy whispers, mostly to herself.