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Ivy pulled back, her gaze searching his. "But what about Alice?" she whispered. "I'll never truly be fully happy unless my daughter is back with me." The longing in her eyes was unmistakable. "That little girls my world and it's killing me to be away from her."

Vice's expression softened, his grip on her loosening slightly. "I know," he said, his voice filled with sadness.

With a heavy sigh, she laid her head back on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. It was a comforting sound, a stark contrast to the chaos of the world outside. Hisarms remained around her, a warm cocoon of protection in the cold, stone room.

Vice felt her relax into his embrace, his hand idly stroking her hair. He knew she was torn, that her heart was elsewhere, but for now, he had her here, in his arms. As the minutes ticked by, her breathing grew deeper, more even, and he felt her body go slack. He held her tighter, savoring the weight of her against him, the softness of her skin.

When Ivy woke up, she found herself alone, the cold, empty space beside her a stark reminder of the reality of her situation. The warmth of his embrace was gone, and the room felt colder without him. She sat up, the sheets falling to her waist, and scanned the room. No sign of him.

Her heart raced as she slid out of bed, the cold stone floor a stark contrast to the warmth of the bed. She quickly dressed, her mind racing with the possibilities of what his absence could mean. Was this a trick? A test of some sort?

Her curiosity getting the better of her, she padded softly through the castle, her bare feet silent on the cold stone floors. She made her way to the grand staircase, the sun casting a soft glow through the stained-glass windows, painting the walls in a kaleidoscope of colors.

As she reached the top of the stairs, she spotted several servants scurrying about, their arms laden with mysterious boxes. They moved quickly, almost nervously, as if they were carrying secrets instead of mere objects. Her heart raced, her mind conjuring all sorts of scenarios. What could Vice be up to now? Was he planning something for her? Or was it something more sinister?

Summoning her courage, she stepped forward and caught one of the men by the arm. He flinched at her touch, his eyes darting around the hallway like a trapped animal. "What's in the boxes?" she asked, her voice firm despite the tremble in her chest.

The servant looked at her, his eyes wide with fear. "I-I can't tell you, Miss Ivy," he stammered, his grip tightening on the cardboard boxes.

"Why not?" she pressed, her voice steady despite the racing of her heart. "What's so important that it requires this much secrecy?"

The servant's eyes darted around the hallway before settling back on her. "Please, Miss Ivy," he whispered urgently, "it's not my place to say. I’ll get into trouble."

Her grip tightened slightly on his arm, her eyes searching his. "What's going on?" she demanded, her voice firm.

Vice stepped behind her. "Ivy," he said, his voice a low rumble. "Always the curious one."

Her heart skipped a beat as his strong arms wrapped around her from behind, pulling her back against his chest. She felt his hot breath against her neck as he kissed her, a gentle pressure that sent shivers down her spine. "What are you doing?" she whispered, her voice shaking slightly.

"Just setting the stage," he murmured, his hands sliding down to her hips. "You see, I have a surprise for you tonight. Something that will prove my word."

Her heart raced as she twisted in his arms to look up at him, hope blossoming in her chest. "What is it?"

"You'll see," he said, his lips curving into a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "But for now, you must trust me. Trust that I will keep my word." He kissed her again, his hand cupping her face gently.

The rest of the day passed by slowly. Ivy tried to occupy herself with books from the library, but her mind kept wandering back to the mysterious boxes and Vice's enigmatic promise. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the castle in a warm, golden glow, she felt a thrill of excitement mingled with fear. What did he have planned.

When the evening bell tolled, signaling the start of dinner, she descended the stairs with a heavy heart, her thoughts racing. The grand hall was set for three, the table adorned with candles and fine China.

Vice was already seated, his gaze intense as it met hers. He wore his usual attire. "Sit," he instructed, gesturing to the chair opposite him. She did so, her eyes never leaving him.

The silence was thick, a tapestry of unspoken words and unanswered questions. The scent of a roast filled the air, a stark contrast to the tension that hung between them. She eyed the third-place setting, her curiosity piqued. "Who's joining us?" she asked, her voice steady despite the tumult in her stomach.

Vice's smile grew, a wicked curve of his lips that sent a shiver down her spine. "A special guest," he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Someone I think you'll enjoy."

The double doors to the hall swung open, and two figures entered one smaller than the other, shrouded in shadow. Ivy's heart leaped as the person grew closer, and she recognizedthe familiar shape, the tentative gait. "Alice?" she gasped, her hand flying to her mouth.

The little girl looked up, her eyes wide with hope and fear. "Mommy?" she called out, her voice trembling.

Ivy couldn't believe it. She pushed back her chair and rushed to Alice, scooping her into her arms. The warmth of her daughter's embrace was like a beacon of light in the cold, dark castle. "Hey baby," she whispered, her voice thick with tears.

Alice clung to her, burying her face in Ivy's neck. "Mommy, I missed you so much," she sobbed. "Daddy told me you were dead, that that mean man who took you that night did it."

"No, baby girl," I'm okay, I've missed you so much." She said with tears in her eyes.

Ivy's eyes searched Alice over, ensuring she was unharmed. Horror filled Ivy's heart "Alice where's you're daddy?" she murmured, her heart racing.

Vice's voice cut through the room, cold and calculated. "He's unharmed, for now."