Disclaimer: All characters mentioned or inferred are the property of Kim Harrison. I thank her for such a fascinating character, and I hope I do her justice.
A/N: Originally this is all I intended to write. I was moved, after reading the books, by Ivy's plight. Her pain haunted me, and I had to get it on paper. I was inspired by this piece of Ivy's mind. I'm working on a longer piece.
I love her. It is a soul-burning love; ready to flash fire the instant I let down my guard. She has never used it against me, never bent me to her will, to draw my hate as well as my love. No, the love I have for her is my saving grace, the only pure thing I have left. I don't deserve her. I don't deserve anyone who so freely gives of herself, not requiring prostration or subjection in return. My soul is too black with guilt and death, too eager to be dominated and broken to be worthy of such purity. I welcome the burn of this love; the penance for the hope I carry that one day it will burn away the blackness and she will love me in return.
