Chapter 16 - : 16 : Throk Grimclaw
Aiden, Luna, and Lysandra walked through the grand palace corridors, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished stone floors.
But none of that seemed to impress Ivy as much as simply being inside a building.
Her red eyes sparkled as she took in the massive stone pillars, the endless hallways, and the fancy decorations. She spun around, trying to see everything at once.
"This place is huge!" Ivy exclaimed, her face lighting up with excitement.
Lysandra chuckled, crossing her arms as she watched. "You’re really happy, huh?"
Ivy nodded eagerly, her black hair bouncing. "Yeah! This is my first time under a roof!"
The three of them froze.
Luna’s ears twitched, her tail going still. Lysandra’s usual smirk faded, and Aiden’s brows knitted together.
First time under a roof?
Aiden clenched his fists. *Just how long had she suffered? How long had she lived without shelter, without warmth... without love?*
Without hesitation, he reached out and gently patted her head. "Ivy," he said softly, his voice full of warmth, "from now on, you’ll have everything you need. If you ever want something, just say the word."