Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

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.

manage to pry the box free from the earth. It's a simple wooden affair, unremarkable save for a

a deep breath, I lift

nestled amid a bed of soft fabric, is a ring. But not just any ring—the centerpiece is a large, faceted crystal in a deep, vivid purple hue. It's almost identical to the one I currently have

Selene says, as if reading

the ring from its resting place. "But why? What's so special about

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

ominous," I mutter, but I obediently slip the ring onto my finger. An odd tingle dances across my skin as the two

Selene's tone is one of satisfaction. Now, let's get out of here before I

mud clinging to her paws. "Whatever you say, princess. I'll make sure to

a huff, Selene turns and begins to lead the way back through the

are you going to explain what all that

chuffs, twitching one ear in irritation. It means precisely what I said. You

frown. "Yeah, but becoming what,

for everyone involved. Selene's tone is firm as she pads across the small clearing

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

back toward the main path. It's only when

pause, taking a deep breath. There's a lightness to my body that wasn't there before, a sense of

even think about it, Selene's voice cuts through my thoughts

her a

Unless you want the attention

I echo, baffled. "What are you talking about? How would