Chapter 24 Ava: Paranoia and Secrets (V)

I stare at Selene in utter confusion. "Dig? What do you mean, dig?"

Precisely what I said, she replies, her tone brooking no argument. Dig.

I glance around the small clearing, taking in the soft carpet of moss and fallen leaves. "With what? My hands?" The mere thought of digging into the earth with my bare fingers fills me with a strange revulsion.

Selene lets out a huff of annoyance. Yes, with your hands. I would do it myself, but... She pauses, eyeing the ground with distaste. I don't like to get mud between my claws.

I can't help but snort at that. "Are you sure you're not just a husky after all? Because that's a very husky-like attitude."

In response, Selene snaps at the air, her jaws closing with an audible click. Enough stalling, she growls. Dig.

With a sigh, I sink to my knees and begin to dig, scooping handfuls of damp earth aside. Selene watches me intently, her tail swishing back and forth.

Deeper, she urges after a few moments.

I grimace as my fingers sink into the cool, loamy soil. "This is so gross. You owe me a manicure after this."

Selene merely flicks an ear, unimpressed by my complaints.

As I continue to dig, my arms quickly grow tired from the exertion. Sweat beads on my brow, and I can feel the grime caking beneath my nails. Ugh.

Finally, my fingers scrape against something hard and unyielding. I pause, brushing away the remaining soil to reveal...a box?

Keep going, Selene prompts.

from the earth. It's a simple wooden affair, unremarkable save for a strange symbol carved into the lid. I shoot Selene a questioning look, but she merely

breath, I lift

is a large, faceted crystal in a deep, vivid purple hue. It's almost identical to the one I currently have in my

says, as

frown, gingerly lifting the ring from its resting place. "But why?

shakes her head. It's not yet time for you to know that. For now, you

I obediently slip the ring onto my finger. An odd tingle dances across my skin as the two

here before I have to groom myself for days

paws. "Whatever you

turns and begins to lead the way back through the trees, leaving me to hurry

warily as we walk, the empty box tucked under my arm. "So, are you going to explain what all

one ear in irritation. It means precisely what I said. You were

but

the best thing for everyone involved. Selene's tone is firm as she pads

hurry to catch up, leaves crunching underfoot. "Well, it's not the best thing

our steps back toward the main path. It's only when we reach

taking a deep breath. There's a lightness to my body that wasn't there before, a sense of renewed energy thrumming through my veins. The

voice cuts through my thoughts in a

a perplexed look. "Think about

Unless you want the attention it will

are you talking about? How would me

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