THIRD PERSON'S POV
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Everyone lounged around the living room like they had lived there for years.
Some of the boys were sprawled on the floor, completely absorbed in a video game, shouting over each other. Others occupied the massive couch, lazily flipping through channels on a screen far too large for a normal house.
The girls huddled together on the opposite side, deep in conversation.
For once, Zoe sat with them.
She didn't contribute—just listened.
Nora leaned closer to Sarah, her eyes flicking toward the boys every few seconds.
"So… are the boys single?" she asked casually. "I'm asking for a friend."
"Yes," Sarah replied without hesitation. "All single."
Nora beamed instantly, looking like she had just secured a lifetime achievement.
Lily giggled, glancing at Ivy.
"Wow, you're such a contrast to your sister, Nora. Ivy's always so grumpy. This is my first time seeing her actually… happy. And free."
Ivy, who was currently licking cream off a biscuit like nothing in the world concerned her, didn't react.
"Is that my secret stash?"
Ivy froze mid-lick.
Blink.
Another blink.
Then she calmly continued eating.
Nora's eye twitched.
"Why not go to the botanical garden first?" One of the other girls suggested.
"It's not fun," Ivy muttered, not even looking up.
The front door opened.
Two boys walked in—identical twins, about ten years old, still in their school uniforms.
Dark hair, dark eyes.
One looked unnervingly cold for a child.
The other… slightly less terrifying.
They paused at the entrance to the living room, taking in the unfamiliar faces.
Then their gaze landed on Ivy.
Their expressions lit up instantly.
They ran.
Straight into her.
Shoving Nora aside without mercy as both boys clung to Ivy.
Albert snorted, watching Nora hit the floor.
She glared at him.
"Big sis, you're back!"
"Are you staying?"
Ivy shook her head.
Their smiles dropped—
Then quickly returned.
"It's still first semester. They'll be free by Christmas." Nora said, standing up and dusting herself dramatically
"Ah, right," Jordan said, then narrowed his eyes playfully. "Then why are you here? Did you escape? Ooooh… you're becoming bad, huh?"
He wiggled his eyebrows conspiratorially.
"Someone's in trouble~" Jonathan sang.
"I just want passes to Nirva," Ivy said flatly.
"Oh."
"Dad's not home."
"But we have some."
They spoke at the same time before sprinting upstairs.
"Brats," Nora muttered.
They returned moments later with a stack of passes—far more than necessary.
"And we're coming with you," they added.
Of course.
Before anyone could argue—
Ivy snapped her fingers again.
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Nirva
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Cold.
That was the first thing that hit them.
A sharp, biting cold that wrapped around their skin instantly.
Snow stretched endlessly in every direction, soft and untouched, reflecting the pale sky above. Beyond the gates, however, the world shifted—like a perfectly contained winter hidden inside a boundary.
Most of them shivered immediately.
Except Ivy, Donald, and George.
They walked toward the checkpoint, shoes crunching softly against the snow.
"Welcome back, young mistress," one of the guards greeted with a respectful nod. "I see you brought guests."
His gaze briefly scanned the others as additional guards stepped forward to verify each pass.
Nora crossed her arms.
"And me?"
The guard smiled politely.
"We see you often, young mistress. Your sister just returned."
Nora rolled her eyes and walked off.
"I'm changing."
The nearby store had everything—winter gear arranged neatly, from sleek coats to custom-fitted boots and gloves.
After changing, the group scattered.
Laughter echoed across the snow-covered space as they explored—some attempting (and failing) to skate, others diving straight into snowball fights.
After a while, Nathan spotted Ivy.
She was on the frozen lake, gliding.
Smooth. Effortless.
Like she belonged there.
He walked over carefully.
"Hey."
Ivy glanced up briefly.
"Mhm."
Nathan smiled faintly, studying her.
"Am I bothering you?"
"Maybe."
She slowed, stopping right in front of him.
Silence.
They stared at each other.
One minute.
Two.
Nathan chuckled under his breath.
"You're weird, you know."
"I've been told."
"…Thanks," he added after a beat. "For healing me."
Ivy blinked, like she had to process the memory, then gave a small nod.
"You're welcome. You still shouldn't walk too much."
Nathan raised an eyebrow, a smirk forming—rare.
It caught her off guard.
"You're worried? Didn't seem like it last night."
"I'm not worried," she said calmly. "You're strong… for a human."
Nathan leaned in slightly.
"You keep saying that. What does it mean? Aren't you half human?"
Ivy frowned.
"Why are you suddenly acting like Almundo?"
He huffed a quiet laugh.
"Don't worry—we're very different. Few girls catch my attention… or make me look twice. Doesn't mean I'm interested in you."
A pause.
"I'm just… intrigued."
Ivy stared at him.
Then—
Without a word—
She pushed him.
Nathan dropped straight into the snow.
A burst of laughter escaped him as he landed.
Ivy had already skated away like nothing happened.