Chapter 32

(IVY POV)

My hands trembled as I gripped the cold iron bars of the gate.

I fumbled with the latch.

My breath came in short, gasps, every exhale a silent prayer

"Ethan! Lily!"

I called out, my voice thin and reedy

There was no answer. I tried again, louder this time, but only the echoes of my own desperation answered back. There was no response.

The latch jammed under my jittery touch.

"Please... please..." I muttered, my heart racing, fumbling with it again.

Finally, the rusty latch gave way with a metallic screech, and I shoved the gate open with a grunt my pulse thundering in my ears.

“Oh my God” I whispered.

I pushed through, calling their names again.

"Ethan! Lily!" My feet stumbled on the uneven path toward the main door that led to the sitting room.

I reached for the handle, my tightly turning and flinging the door open.

The silence inside was deafening, it pressed against my chest like a weight.

I paused, straining to hear any sound, any sign of my little babies.

My hear