Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 119 Ava: Her Power

I wish I could share Lisa's optimism, but the weight of this newfound knowledge settles heavily on my shoulders. If what Selene says is true, then I'm not just different from other shifters. I'm different from everyone.

There's something else you should know, Selene says, her voice taking on a somber note. Your connection to the elements is like a beacon. Other sensitive beings might be able to sense it, to feel the power that lies dormant within you.

My heart sinks at her words. "What does that mean for me?"

It means that you'll be in danger if you leave the safety of the Westwood pack lands, Selene replies, her tone grave. There are those who would seek to exploit your power for their own gain, or worse, to eliminate you as a threat. Though most shifters lack any true memory of our time as Great Wolves, as Lycans, the instinct is still there... if they're strong enough.

I slump back against the couch, my shoulders drooping under the weight of this revelation. It's not enough that I'm an outsider among my own kind, or that I'm caught between two powerful alphas—though Clayton has been absurdly kind about giving me the distance I need.

Now, I have to worry about being hunted down by god knows who, all because of some mystical connection to the elements that I never asked for.

"I can't even leave?" I whisper, my voice small and broken. "I'm trapped here, like some kind of prisoner?"

Perhaps for now, for your own protection, Selene says, nuzzling her head against my leg in a gesture of comfort. Until you learn to control your powers, until you can defend yourself, it's the only way to keep you safe.

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, hot and stinging. I blink them back, refusing to let them fall.

I'm stronger. I'll become stronger yet. I'm not going to cry over this.

"So, what am I supposed to do?" I ask, my voice hoarse with emotion. "Just sit here and wait for someone to come and teach me how to be a magician?"

out, Selene assures me, her voice filled with a quiet confidence. You're not alone in this, Ava. You have me, and

my life without constantly looking over my shoulder, without wondering if the next person I meet is going to try to

like a

tight hug. "I know, sweetie. But you're not alone in this. We'll get through it

from her presence. It's a small comfort, but

a way, Selene repeats, her voice filled with a quiet determination. I promise you, Ava. We'll find a way to keep you safe, to help

mentioned feeling as though you died a few times. What exactly do you mean by that?"

my thoughts. "It was... intense," I begin, my

with a sickening clarity. "I was burned alive, drowned, buried, and suffocated. Each time, it felt so real. The pain,

Your consciousness was trapped in the

as her expression shifts from shock to confusion. "What does that mean? Where is this

A place where the souls of our kind go when they are not bound to a physical form. It is a place of great power, but also

of Selene's words settling heavily on my shoulders. "So,

with sadness. Your soul was lost, trapped between life and death. I could sense your

was. Who else would be in my

you suffer, to watch as your soul was torn apart by the elements. I had to guide you back, to help

the corners of my eyes, hot and stinging. I blink them back, swallowing past the lump in my throat. "Thank you,

are strong, Ava, Selene assures me, her voice filled with a quiet conviction. Stronger

that, but I appreciate her faith in me nonetheless. It's a small comfort, knowing that I have someone in my corner, someone who believes in me even when I don't believe

sorry you had to go through that, Ava. I can't even

the words to express the depth of my gratitude for her support. Lisa has been a rock for me,