The Fire Underneath of Things - 30

~1300 words

Ivy

They had finished their meal a while ago—Ivy was so glad that Grey had enjoyed the soup and cheese scones—and they had had an easy conversation, talking about everything from favorite books to crazy neighbors. Ivy realized how much she actually liked Grey as the conversation continued. Sure, he was a little quirky and eccentric, and maybe he was a bit socially awkward, but Ivy could tell from their conversation that he was passionate about things he cared about. Especially about Ivy. It was a little embarrassing watching him lay it on so thick, but Ivy was flattered anyway. His social faux pas made him cuter, and now Ivy could see his true character, the dirty face and somewhat-silly cloak he always wore didn’t phase her. It was just part of what made him who he was. He was bumbling and awkward, smart and passionate, and Ivy was falling harder for him every minute they talked. How could she ever have thought him creepy? He was just trying his best. Ivy realized she had never had this big of a crush on anyone before, and here he was in front of her, earnestly trying to win her affections. It was really nice to feel like this.

Eventually, however, there was a lull in the conversation where they both realized it was time to get a move-on to the main event. Grey went up to the bartender and paid for the meal, leaving a fistful of small coins on the table for Claire’s tip. When Grey’s back was turned, Ivy doubled the amount.

They stepped out of The Silver Crane Inn. By now it was very dark, almost the middle of the night. Ivy hadn’t realized how long they’d been talking for. Grey immediately started leading Ivy toward the nicer part of town. Grey began to babble. Maybe from nervousness, maybe from excitement, or maybe a mixture of the two. Ivy couldn’t really understand what he was saying: he was speaking really fast, but she didn’t catch some parts.

“So, I had Gidgit before and he did okay, but I needed something better, because the best ones still elude me and you know they’re the best for a reason. So I thought I’d make one just for this and make it the best anyone’s ever seen, and I didn’t know if I could do it, but I did! And we’re gonna see if it works like I think it will tonight. I even put a scrying sphere on it just in case something goes wrong. I put so much time into making this machine and I think it’s the smoothest piece of work I’ve ever completed, especially considering I did it on my own, and I’m so happy you’re here! I know you might not like the idea at first, but you’ve got to promise me you’ll try. You’ve just got to try!” He paused his waterfall of words to cock his head at Ivy, obviously expecting her to respond.

“Uh, okay, yeah sure. I promise,” she said, baffled. They were deeply entrenched in the rich part of town. Ivy felt a little grubby just standing next to the darkened opulent houses.

Grey blew a lot of air out. “I’m glad to hear you’re gonna try at least. I know it might not be up your alley, but I didn’t think it was up mine until I tried it and it was like the best rush. And you don’t need to worry! I made sure everything’s going to go smoothly ahead of time. Talked to some people who know things. I’d only be worried about dogs and maybe that old woman? But she sleeps early. It’s going to be fine. That’s why I made sure to add the scrying sphere. Should work perfectly. I’m just so glad you’re here with me.” He smiled, but Ivy saw something start to crawl into his expression.

His eyes were filled with so much concentration and elation. Maybe it was just his incomprehensible rambling that was beginning to make Ivy think he was truly cracked. They stopped right outside the door of an enormous house. The house had two turrets, each topped with fancy spikes; it had gables and columns, balconies and a widow’s walk. In short, it was the fanciest house Ivy had ever seen.

“Grey,” Ivy said, suddenly anxious, “I’m sorry if I’m missing something, but I still don’t understand. What does your machine do?”

“I’ll show you,” he said, and grinned, his expression now looking completely mad. Ivy felt dread pool in her stomach as Grey slipped the machine on, the metal bracing snug against his forearm. He flexed his fingers experimentally and the long spindle fingers of the machine danced intricately. He approached the door and inserted the needle-like fingers into the keyhole of the ornate brass doorknob. Ivy shuddered at the clicking sound they made as they scraped around in the lock. Then, with a jerk of Grey’s wrist, Ivy heard the lock click open.

Ivy didn’t know what emotion to feel first. Should she feel impressed that his machine had worked so well? Terror that someone would find them breaking in? Curiosity at what he was planning? Fury at Grey for dragging her into this? Upset that he would think she enjoyed this sort of thing? Fear that he was keeping many other dark secrets? Disbelief that the guy she had fallen for so hard would do something like this? In the end, Ivy’s face refused to make any expression at all, and, not knowing what to say, she said nothing.

Grey turned to look at her to gauge her reaction. He seemed to take a blank face as a good sign, because he smiled that lopsided grin at her, as if he’d just cracked a joke instead of broke into a house. Maybe that’s what this is, Ivy reasoned, a joke. Or if it’s not… I’m sure he has a good reason for being here. Maybe this is where his parents live. He did say they were part of the upper class. But he also said they lived out of town, and why would he have to break in? …I’m sure he has a good reason for this.

“Ready?” He asked, but he didn’t wait for an answer, instead, he grabbed Ivy’s hand and pulled her closer to him and the door. “Now see this?” He pointed at the scrying sphere inset into the machine. Currently, it was reflecting the world around them in miniature. Grey waved at Ivy playfully in the reflection, but Ivy just stared.

“If we put it close enough to the door,” Grey moved his hand as close to the door as he could without obstructing their view of the sphere, “then it can see through walls. It’s magic, after all!” And sure enough, the sphere was no longer reflecting the street and the front door to the house. Instead, it showed a great entryway, lit only by the moonlight that slanted through the window above the door.

Grey grinned again. “All clear. No dogs to bite us, no old ladies. Let’s go.” He opened the door soundlessly and pulled Ivy into the dark room. Their footsteps were muffled by a thick, rich carpet that had a design Ivy thought she recognized from her and her father’s travels.

The house was so quiet Ivy was afraid to breathe. She couldn’t believe she was letting Grey literally drag her into this, but morbid curiosity held her tongue. What she really wanted to do was shout, “Are you out of your addled mind?” But she didn’t want to make even the slightest noise. She felt strangely disembodied, like she was watching her life play out like a train-wreck, and she couldn’t look away.