Page 163 of Vicious Knight

I want the world to know she’s mine and I’m never letting her go ever again.

Chapter 40

Ivy

I’m back at Raventhorn and everything looks and feels amazing to me.

I arrived half an hour ago and decided to go for a walk by the river. I’m seeing Thorne later, but I wanted to get reacquainted with the campus.

I’ve been away for a total of two weeks. The bulk of that time was spent with my mother and father.

The Knights gave Dad a two-story mansion in Lexington and released all his assets so he has access to everything he previously owned.

He’s been given that part of his life back, but my parents have a lot to figure out for themselves.

I have no doubt that they’ll get back together, though. Mom is talking about relocating here in Boston, so that’s a good step. I want them to get back together.

I know we won’t forget Levgen’s’ treachery anytime soon, but focusing on him taints the goodness we have received in getting Dad back. It also prevents us from moving on.

With my parents taken care of, I now step back into the shoes of my life here, but I don’t feel like the same person I was when I left.

For the first time since coming here, I feel like I belong.

I’m not a stepchild anymore, who has to be careful with her secrets. I’m here as the daughter of a Knight who is no longer disgraced.

That’s why everything feels so different.

I walk along the river and spot Isabelle and Mackenzie crossing over the bridge. The two see me, too, and start running toward me.

No one knows the truth yet. It will be announced next week as part of the protocol to clear my father’s name, but I want to tell them.

Especially because I’m going back to my old name—Annika.

I never really stopped being her so it won’t be hard.

“Oh my gosh, you’re actually back.” Isabelle hugs me.

“I’m back.”

“We missed you, girl.” Mackenzie gives me a hug too. “I hope everything is okay at home.”

“Yeah, how are your parents?” Isabelle stares at me with concern.

“There’s … some stuff I have to tell you. Can we grab a coffee?”

“Of course,” Isabelle says and Mackenzie nods, then the two exchange worried glances. “Come on. It will be our treat.”

“Thanks.”

We head down the path. I look at them and feel grateful to have them as my friends. That feels good, too.

Thorne is standing by my living room window when I return to my room.

My heart lifts at the sight of him.

Talking with Isabelle and Mackenzie was quite emotional, but I did it. I feel better for getting everything off my chest and my life feels more real now.

I’m no longer a secret shared by a handful of people.