The room did not move. Not a whisper. Not even the sound of someone shifting.

Cassien’s eyes widened, confusion hitting him like a storm.

Darius’s mouth fell open. He stared at Ivy for a long moment, unable to form a word.

Then finally, in a broken voice, he whispered,

“Ivy, stop. Please stop. Tell me this is a joke.”

Ivy shook her head slowly, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Darius stepped forward again, his hands trembling.

“A joke right? This cannot be real. You were found. You ...