Chapter 5 04

Ivy Calleya

"Are you referring to the ball that will take place in Lyra?" Helena asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. The servants around us exchanged surprised looks, and whispers began to echo through the hall.

I took a deep breath, nervously tightening my grip on the silverware in my hand, and replied.

"Yes... I want to attend Emperor Adiel Viegas' engagement ceremony..." My eyes remained fixed on Helena's, and I saw her take a step back, incredulous at my request.

"Ivy... You know that ball will gather the nobility from all over the continent, right? And its purpose is purely political... Arranged marriages for economic reasons..." Victor said, coming closer to me, looking at me intently, as if he still saw me as a child.

I know that Ivy had never left her kingdom, growing up trapped in the castle, surrounded by healers and priests, all to prolong her short life.

She had never debuted, never been properly introduced to the Royal families and Nobles, and to me, that was a waste.

What was the point of living a life trapped like a bird in a cage, like a dog on a leash, barely surviving after each fainting spell, just to "stay alive"?

I didn't know what the real Ivy Calleya would think of my decision, and to be honest, I didn't care. The only thing that mattered to me was my son.

And if I had to marry that scoundrel Adiel again to hold my child in my arms, then I would.

I cleared my throat and, looking deep into my "father's" eyes, I answered him.

"Yes, I know..." My hands reached for his, and gently, I took them, holding them while I looked at him, trying to convey my feelings, my desire to leave, to go to that ball, which might be the first and last, given the state of this body's health.

"I'm tired, father... I want to see the world out there, to see the forests and deserts I've read about so many times in books. I want to visit the palaces of neighboring kingdoms and dance at balls... I just want to... live a little..."

I spoke, feeling the sadness welling up in Victor's eyes, and I saw him trying to hold back tears.

He let go of my hands and turned to Helena, who remained silent, looking at us, as sad and downcast as everyone else in the hall after hearing my request.

"Are you sure about this, Ivy?" Helena spoke softly, almost whispering, and I nodded.

"It's all I want..." I said, and I saw the Empress of this kingdom, Helena Calleya, nodding in agreement while averting her gaze, trying not to look at me.

A sincere smile appeared on my lips.

"Thank you, Mother... I'll be forever grateful," I said, dropping all formalities as I ran to her. Even though I knew Helena wasn't my real mother, I hugged her tightly, squeezing her with affection. For the first time in my life, I felt what a mother's embrace was like.

She returned the hug warmly, and as she held me close, she whispered near my ear, "I'm glad you've awakened. I'll arrange the ship for the Kingdom of Lyra, but please, be careful." She released the embrace and continued, "I'll organize everything... I want you to take some guards with you."

I understood her concern; the Kingdom of Lyra didn't have good relations with Oracalia, so it was wise to be cautious.

"Alright... I'll be careful," I promised. After we returned to our seats and finished eating, I went to my room and collapsed onto the soft, enormous bed.

I smiled, staring at the ceiling where a colorful landscape painting was displayed, and I imagined what it would be like to finally return home and have my son in my arms.

"Don't be silly, Camille, Alexandre won't recognize you... He won't even remember his mother," I muttered to myself, running my hand through my hair, lost in thought.

"He's already three years old... How must he be now? Did they tell him about me? About his deceased mother?" My heart ached, and my eyes blurred with tears, but I held them back, not allowing them to fall. I stood up and walked to the enormous mirror that covered almost the entire wall.

"He'll never recognize me like this..." I whispered, brushing my hand over my pale face and silver hair, letting out a sigh.

"So, I'll become his stepmother... I'll stay close to him, and I'll have plenty of time to earn his trust," I said to myself, then remembered Adiel. I felt anger course through me, and for some reason, I felt the wolf that belonged to Ivy growl within me, as if it agreed with my feelings.

After I died, I lost my true essence, and now, I possessed Ivy's.

I felt warmth spread through me, and placing my hand over my chest, I spoke to that beast that had seemed dormant until now.

"I'm sorry... I don't know what happened to the real owner of this body, but I promise that if you help me, I'll do everything to make up for the lost time behind these walls. I'll set you free, and together, we'll dominate, we'll crush anyone who stands in our way."

I closed my eyes and could see the image of the beast that lived inside Ivy. I felt its anger, its fear, and its desire to live. Its fur was gray, shining like molten silver, its golden eyes gleamed, and its fangs were sharp, ready to tear apart anyone who dared to go against us.

I smiled, opening my eyes, and walked to the window. I gazed at the snow-covered mountains, so white that they made my eyes ache. I felt the cold wind hit my face, and I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with air. I finally felt alive, and now, I could truly live all that had been forbidden to me.

I was no longer Camille Larsen, the omega destined to give heirs to Adiel. Now, I was Ivy Calleya, the daughter of the forgotten kingdom, and the frozen magic.

A few days later.

On one of those cloudy mornings, one of Helena's maids came to me, carrying a sealed letter with the Viegas family crest. It was the response to my confirmation for the ball.

Gently, I took the decorated paper into my hands, and once the maid finally left, leaving me alone in my room, I quickly opened the letter, eager to read its contents.

As my eyes scanned over the words, I felt a tingling sensation run through my body, and with a smile on my face, I carefully folded the paper.

Adiel had replied, expressing his surprise at receiving my letter and my interest in attending his ball. He knew Ivy was a woman of fragile health, so he never imagined she would attend such a grand event. He also mentioned in the letter that he would be waiting for me at his palace, and if I honored him, we would have the first dance to open the celebration.

This was perfect-a true blessing from the Goddess-and if things continued as planned, it wouldn't be long before I could finally have my son back.