Chapter 6

The weeks go by faster when you're always worried about a stalker. When Ivy came home one Friday night, after hanging out with Luke, she heard several voices in the kitchen. At first, she was afraid that it was the intruder, but then she heard laughs and recognised Jason's voice. After taking a deep breath to calm herself down, she walked to the kitchen and saw Jason talking with Lila Armstrong and a stranger who Ivy assumed was Mr Armstrong. It took them a while before any of them noticed Ivy standing in the doorway. Lila was the first one to do it and she approached her.

"Hi Ivy, how are you?" Lila greeted with a smile.

"Oh, I'm fine thanks," Ivy replied awkwardly but smiled back.

"The Armstrongs are staying over for supper," Jason explained when he saw Ivy's slightly confused look. "Elisia and Jack are in the living room."

Ivy cursed in her head. Jack, Ivy's far from favourite person, was in her house. She was happy that Elisia was here, but dealing with weird looks from Jack in school was enough. Now she had to deal with him at home too, a place she never thought he would set a foot in. Only thinking of him in her house made her exhausted. While Ivy was mentally complaining about life Mr Armstrong walked up to her. He was as tall as Jason with Beeline Honey hair and brown eyes. Ivy saw some similarities with him and his children in nose shape, but otherwise, they had gotten most from their mother.

"Good day Ivy," He greeted and held his hand so that Ivy could shake it. "I'm Povel Armstrong, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"The pleasure is on my side," Ivy replied politely as she shook his hand. She hated that she had to be awkwardly polite, Ivy always thought that it made the whole situation more uncomfortable than it already was, which it probably did.

"Ivy, can you show Elisia and Jack around?" Jason asked. "I think they'll get bored out of their minds if they sit there any longer.

Ivy nodded as a reply. Yay, playing guide with her former undercover bully and his so much better sister. Could this day be any better? Notice the sarcasm in the words.

Ivy walked out of the kitchen, through the hallway and into the living room where she found Elisia and Jack watching the family photos as they talked. This would be embarrassing, this was already embarrassing. They were both dressed quite simple, but their beauty wasn't mainly from their clothes. The siblings had both beautiful dark hair and shiny blue eyes, traits that made Ivy envy them.

Ivy coughed to get their attention, they both turned around to see who it was.

"Ivy!" Elisia shouted happily. "We've been waiting for you."

While Elisia embraced Ivy in a hug, her eyes met Jack's. Jack didn't have any special expression on his face that she could read, he just nodded at her and Ivy returned the nod. She knew that this would be tough, that having him treating her like this would make it difficult for them both. She just wished that they wouldn't have to act like enemies. She didn't see him as one anymore, but perhaps they were just two people that don't like each other, perhaps that was the best she was going to get.

"I got the task to show you around," Ivy said when Elisia let her go. "If you want to of course, or you could stay here and mind your own business."

"We would love to see your house," Elisia replied and Jack rolled his eyes, apparently he didn't get to decide for himself. They both followed Ivy out of the living room and into the hall. They already knew where the living room and the kitchen were, so she showed them the bathroom and the storage for potions and other important warlock stuff. Then they walked upstairs, on the right side were Jason's room and the designer studio, where he had everything he needed when he wanted to design clothes. On the left side was Ivy's two rooms.

"Two rooms?" Jack muttered under his breath. "Who needs two rooms?"

"Well, we had a spare room so why not," Ivy said. "Besides this one is my bedroom, the other is just a room where I have some of my things,"

"Can we go in?" Elisia asked and Ivy hesitated before she answered.

"There's nothing special in there, but why not?" Ivy opened the door and they went in.

It was a quite big room, bigger than her other room. There were two full bookshelves surrounded by piles of books in two different corners. Between them, there was an open fire and a couch where Ivy usually sits when she reads. On the opposite corner, there was a piano and besides, it was a desk with all her school stuff, makeup and jewellery. At last, there were various weapons hanging on a weapon board. The many different things made the room look crowded, but Ivy loved this room.

"Do you do archery?" Jack asked as he looked on the bow and quiver.

"Not as a professional," Ivy replied. "Most of these weapons were Catrine's. She loves collecting weapons with a certain story or a unique look. The bow and quiver are an ancient weapon which was used by Catrine's ancestors."

"Jack does archery, it's his special weapon," Elisia explains. "I prefer a small sword. Don't need time to load and kill quickly."

"Is it often you need weapons during your missions?" Ivy asked curiously.

"We don't need them often, but the elite group do. Luke's family is one of them. They haunt creatures who threaten to expose our world or have intentions of starting a revolution," Elisia said. "In our age, we usually get spy jobs, and it's not as exciting as it sounds."

Ivy watched the siblings as they studied the weapons on the board. For once, Jack actually seemed fascinated by the various weapons, maybe even impressed. Ivy studied the dark curly hair and the blue eyes of his. His face was so focused, but no longer on the weapons, it looked like he was deep in his thoughts. A point of her was curious, what was the boy thinking about?

"I would love to be able to fight with a whip, people always look so badass when they use a whip," Elisia sighed as she dragged her fingers over a golden whip, completely taking Ivy out of her trance. "But it's also the elite level."

"Whip? Archery and whip? I sense Lightwood vibes," Ivy muttered.

"What did you say?" Jack asked so harshly that it caught Ivy off guard.

"Nothing," Ivy lied. Jack looked suspiciously at her as she tried to ignore him. Something she couldn't help doing was connecting reality to books, series and movies. Something that helped her through her days sometimes. Her reality was, well, real and boring. She found out that books are a way to escape everything.

"I didn't say it before, but I love this room," Elisia complimented. "I don't read or play the piano, but I love that you've made a hobby room. It's so cute."

"Thanks," Ivy smiled, happy that someone in this room was nice. "What would you like to do now? I've shown you everything and we don't have much more in this house."

"We haven't seen your other bedroom, and I want to see your wardrobe," Elisia said. "I always learn something new about the person while looking at their clothes."

"It's called judging by the style and it's awful. Clothes don't identify you," Jack pointed out. "The same thing with the first impression. It's just lazy ways to get to know each other."

"Chill big bro. Don't have to be so serious," Elisia flipped her hair and dragged Ivy out so that they could look at her bedroom. Ivy wasn't focusing on Elisia, the word Jack said rung in her ears. She never thought of him as a person with such strong and rightful opinions. Ivy had always seen him as a bully without ambitions, but then she remembered that he was assigned that role. The past weeks are the true definition of "her life is a lie".

"This one is cute," Elisia said and took out a golden dress that Ivy didn't use often, she didn't like the way it was designed or how it made her feel uncomfortable.

"I don't usually use that, and it probably looks better on you than on me," Ivy commented. "You can try it on if you want to. The bathroom is down the hall."

Elisia squealed by excitement and happiness as she skipped out as a child. Ivy could help but let out a giggle, that girl had a special positive aura around her that lit up people's presence. Ivy was glad that she had the opportunity to meet Elisia, there are too few happy people in this world.

"You've seen each other twice and you've already started to try each other's clothes. Girls are so ordinary," Jack laughed for himself. "The only thing you do is guys, judge girls and clothes."

"You're judging us judging others?" Ivy questioned. "Everyone judge everyone and besides can't you just be happy for once. Did you see that smile your sister had when she walked out."

"Of course I did," Jack replied nonchalantly. "Happy over clothes, it's just temporary."

"No wonder why girls with brothers hate it so much," Ivy sighed. "I wouldn't be able to live with you for a minute."

Jack glared at her and was about to say something unpleasant when Elisia came in with the dress. Ivy really liked it on her, it fitted her in most places, loose around the waist but otherwise perfect. Ivy wasn't surprised, Elisia would probably look good in almost everything, there were always those lucky people in this world. Elisia seemed overjoyed over the dress. She had a huge smile as she inspected herself in Ivy's body mirror.

"It looks wonderful on you," Ivy complimented. "You should have it. I don't use that kind of dress anyway."

"Really?" Elisia was surprised and turned to Ivy. "I mean I love this, but are you sure?"

Ivy nodded in response and Elisia jumped up and down in excitement before she gave Ivy a grateful look. Jack hadn't said anything since Elisia came in, Ivy pitted her and hoped that he wasn't as cold towards her other days. If he was, Ivy would probably come up with a plan to kidnap her and take her away from him.

"If you want to I can sew in some places," Ivy offered. "I'm not professional as Jason, but that's simple. It's if you want it to fit a little more."

"I appreciate that, but no need," Elisia said and Jack shook his head.

They were heading out when Ivy heard knocks on her window. Her body froze and a shiver went down her spine, she held her breath in fear. At first, she was afraid that it was the mysterious shadow again, but it turned out to be Luke waving at her from the other side of the window. She released a breath in relief, before opening the window to see that he took the ladder to reach the window.

"Luke!" Ivy hissed. "What are you doing? Why didn't you just call me?"

"I did it!" Luke replied. "Several times and you didn't pick up. It's about the shadow or the man who's following you or whatever."

Ivy tried to signal him that it wasn't the right time because she knew that Elisia and Jack were behind her, eavesdropping on their conversation. Luke didn't get the signs so he just continued. He told her about the case, repeating what Ivy and Isaac told him earlier and talked about his plan he wanted to introduce to the Prostátis. Ivy tried to shut him up and considered pushing him off the ladder.

"What?!" Luke finally reacted after a while, but Ivy just took a deep frustrating breath because by now, they knew most of it. Ivy moved aside so that Luke could see what she meant. His face got pale when he saw the two faces looking back at him.

"Shit," Was everything Luke said when he saw Elisia and Jack.

"That's a way to say it," Ivy sighed. "Come in, Luke. We owe them an explanation, now."

So they all sat in Ivy's room as Luke and she tried to explain what had happened. Elisia interrupted with questions sometimes and Ivy tried to answer them as best as possible. Jack on the other hand just listened patiently which made Ivy really nervous. She couldn't read his facial expressions, it was all blank.

"This is insane," Elisia muttered. "You and Isaac could be in big danger."

Jack remained silent and deep in his thoughts. Ivy wanted to scream at him, to tell him to react or anything. It drove Ivy mad that he just sat there without a word, but she took a slow and deep breath to calm herself down. Patience, it's something Ivy had to train on. Especially patience towards irritating people that don't speak their mind in situations like these.

"There are three protectors in our school," Jack finally spoke up, Ivy almost made a victory dance. "Those two are never gonna be alone without a protector. Luke, you'll have personal responsibility for Ivy and I'll mainly watch over Isaac. Aiden will help where he needs to be."

"Protector?" Ivy questioned as Elisia gave Jack a little smirk. "I thought you were the Prostátis."

"Prostátis is the higher and more experienced group, also known as the elite," Elisia explained. "Beginners or trainers are called protectors, even if some already refer themselves as Prostátis. The name of the organisation is The organisation of Protectors and Prostátis, but it's easier to just say Prostátis."

"Your plan would be awesome if it weren't for the fact that we can't stalk them 24/7. They need privacy, we can't just invade their lives," Luke commented on Jack's solution, slightly irritated that the Armstrong boy had decided to take over.

"I'm pretty sure that they can give up privacy a while if it means that they stay safe," Jack muttered.

"And how long is 'for a while' if I may ask?" Luke stared at Jack with fire in his eyes. "A week? A month? Years? We don't know for sure!"

"I'm pretty sure that they need all protection available," Jack answered. "No matter how long it's our job to protect them."

"We're just teenagers, remember?" Luke hissed.

"But we're not ordinary teenagers," Jack added. "It's our duty to..."

"Stop discussing as if I'm not here!" Ivy interrupted their little argument. "I am capable of taking care of myself, and I'm pretty sure Isaac is too. That boy can scare the hell out of people by just staring at them for heaven's sake! I may not be that powerful, but I have powers that I can use to defend myself. Can you both relax and discuss this like civilised people?"

They both stared at her for a while with wide eyes. Her interruption hadn't just been an interruption. When they looked at her she was full of emotions, almost as if she was going to have a panic attack. Not only was she shaking, but her eyes were also mixed with overwhelming feelings. At last, she sunk down on her bed with her head buried in her hands, taking deep and slow breaths.

"I'm sorry," She mumbled in her hands before she looked up at the boys. "It's this terrible headache that I've had the past few days. It's killing me."

Neither Luke nor Jack could decide what to do. Were they going to comfort her or give her space? Luke decided to do the first option but Elisia was first. She sat down beside Ivy and took her hands before embracing Ivy in a comforting hug. Ivy relaxed a little and gave Elisia a weak smile.

"It's normal to feel stressed when things like this happen," Elisia explained. "Hopefully it doesn't have to happen so many times that you'll get used to it, but it gets better after a while."

Luke sat down on her other side, they sat there for a moment just to embrace the silence. Jack watched over them, analysed the situation. He had to admit that he didn't understand feelings, he would never automatically embrace strangers so quickly. Already at a young age, he learned himself to lock in the feelings until they fade away, it was easier that way, at least until the person has proven that they could be trusted.

Suddenly, Ivy's phone rang. It was Isaac. They all tried to hear what they said because Ivy sounded really worried. It took a while for Ivy and Isaac to discuss whatever it was about, and everyone waited impatiently so that they could get details of the information. They were whispering, it was the first sign that something was wrong. In the end, Ivy told Isaac not to hang up, but he did it anyway.

"He's there..." Ivy whispered. "He's with Isaac. Isaac might be in danger."

Without hesitation, everyone ran down to the kitchen where the adults were talking and laughing. When the teenagers came through the door the adults gave them their attention.

"Jason, it's an emergency. Can you make a portal to Isaac's house?" Ivy asked quickly.

"What's going on?" Jason was clearly worried about Ivy's behaviour while the Armstrong couple was confused. They looked at their children but didn't get any answers.

"The intruder he's..." Before Ivy could finish she lost her consciousness. Luke was quick enough to catch her and sat gently down on the floor with Ivy's body resting on him.

"Something must have happened to Isaac," Luke gasped terrified.

Jason quickly walked up to her and scanned her with his magic, they were all holding their breaths until Jason had confirmed that she was okay. Without any hesitation, Jason made a spark of magic which turned to a huge portal to Isaac's house. Jason stepped into the portal with the Armstrongs. Elisia and Luke stayed behind to make sure that Ivy was safe.

The house was a mess. Everything was on the floor and an awful silence rang in the air. This was a clear sign of struggle, or more specifically, a fight. Jason analysed the room while the Armstrong trio stood behind with their weapons ready. He took some steps forward and had all his senses ready for any movement or sound. That's when he noticed a hand on the floor behind the counter. He slowly sneaked up, hoping that it would be attached to a body, and thank the stars that it was.

Isaac was unconscious on the floor. Jason sat down beside him and was relieved when he saw that Isaac was still breathing. Jason could not see any type of damage done on Isaac's body. He scanned around the room for a strangers presence one last time, but whoever made the mess had been gone for a while.

"Isaac?" Jason whispered as he shook his body, hoping that he could wake him up, but he didn't, the boy just laid there with his eyes closed. So Jason carried him up and turned to the others.

"Let's take him to our house," Jason said and the others nodded.

"What are we going to do with the guilty one? There could be evidence here," Povel asked.

"It's not safe enough for now. We will return to search for clues, but right now we have to take care of Isaac," Jason went through the portal together with Isaac.

Luke and Elisia had moved Ivy to the couch in the living room. Jason placed Isaac on the floor. Neither of them was going to wake up without the other. It was how this soulmate thing worked, a physical action caused Isaac to blackout and therefore Ivy blacked out with him.

"What happened to him?" Luke burst out when he saw Isaac's body.

Isaac's beige ivory skin was paler than usual. Even if he was unconscious, every muscle in his body seemed tense. His breaths were slow but stable, just like his pulse.

"We found him this way," Lila replied. "I'm not sure what's going on, but something serious is happening and we need to inform the Prostátis."

"I agree," Povel said. "Do any of you have any idea what's going on?"

"It started with a shadow, an intruder," Jason explained. "Ivy saw him but he was gone when I tried to confront him. She described him as a shadow outside her window, a shadow that was watching her."

"Why didn't you inform us immediately?" Povel asked. Jason felt how quickly this turned some kind of investigation. He didn't like the fact that informing the Prostátis was Povel's biggest problem in this crisis, but he took a deep breath and stayed calm.

"We weren't certain if it was something serious," Jason answered while staring Povel right in the eyes. "This is the first attack, or else you would've known"

Povel nodded but didn't seem convinced. It was better to let it go because he knew that it would be stupid to push Jason even more, especially when he was arguing alone.

They studied Ivy and Isaac, for something that felt like hours. Their chests moved in sync for every breath they took. Isaac's pale skin had returned to its original tone and he somehow seemed more relaxed now. Suddenly every small movement seemed like a big gesture, the clicking of the clock seemed to echo through the room while they all waited.

That's when Jack got enough. After muttering a little excuse, he walked out through the front door to get some fresh air. Everything in there was driving him insane. The clock, the people. The fact that they all were pretending as if they were waiting for them to wake up when the real reason for the waiting was something completely different. His father was waiting for a time of an investigation and Jason was waiting for some answers about the happening. Everything in the drove him mad, but out here, everything was so peaceful.

"How are you, big bro?"

Elisia was behind him with a smile on her face. She knew her brother, he was always so stressed, always trying to prove himself to others. Through the years, she learned that he always wanted to be one step ahead, but the consequences of that were the fact that he's always so tense. So when she saw him, relaxed and peaceful, she couldn't help but be happy for him, be happy that she could see him like this.

"Something is not right," He sighed and turned to his little sister. "It's so much that doesn't make sense. What is the man's target?"

"I know," Elisia answered. "But there's nothing we can do right now, we barely have any information at all. We'll have to wait for them to wake up and then we take care of that shadow, as we Armstrongs always have done. We make a target, and hit it with all we got."

Jack looked proudly at Elisia, glad to know that he wasn't the only one feeling the Armstrong burden, they were two. It was their father that had said those words to them when they were younger, it was something that's been stuck in their head since then. Suddenly the door opened, and their mother came out. She made sure that they both were okay before telling them what she had intended to tell when she came out.

"They're awake,"

The three hurried inside to see Ivy and Isaac sitting up. They were both shaking and looked mentally scarred. Isaac was scared of the people around him as if he didn't know if he could trust them, while Ivy was in a shock. Jason and Luke were doing their best to help them, but it seemed like everything they could do was waiting for the duo to calm down.

"You have to tell us," Jason said when he thought that they were calm enough. "What exactly happened?"

Isaac and Ivy stared at each other for a while, it seemed like they had a telepathic conversation. Jack wondered if it was possible for them since their Soulmates and everything. There was an uncomfortable silence. Something wasn't right, everyone could understand it by the Soulmates' behaviour.

"He's here," Ivy whispered. "He's somewhere in here."