Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 205 Ava: Past Ava Was Stupid

"I had to look through history books," Lucas explains.

"What are they like?"

"Selfish. Arrogant. They like mysteries and intrigue. They'll never enter a losing bet, and they'll ensure they never lose. Some say they can't lie, and others say they're full of deceit. The stories don't tell us much, except not to trust a Fae."

The lack of consensus on their truth-telling abilities has me thinking. "Maybe that's why people think Fae can't lie," I muse aloud. "Because of their food." The implications unsettle me. If Fae food can compel honesty, what other powers might they possess? Steve had mentioned that the callers seemed to use Fae magic.

What are the limitations of such a power?

Lucas's voice cuts through my reverie. "Are you worried, Ava?"

I hesitate, not wanting to add to his burdens, but the truth spills out anyway. "Yeah, I am. The person on the phone… They were so insistent that I need to learn my powers before something terrible happens."

My mind flashes back to first learning of my power, which I still can't wield properly. It feels like it's been so long since then, but hasn't it only been a few months? How does it feel like forever already?

"Selene said many people died trying to learn their powers before they started learning from others. It's worrisome."

His silence speaks of his concern, and I can imagine the worry etched into Lucas' handsome face.

"I don't like the sound of that." He pauses, seeming to weigh his next words carefully. "They said you were given a book from Mrs. Elkins. But how exactly did she even get there? Kellan's text message didn't make sense."

I can't help but chuckle at the memory of Mrs. Elkins surrounded by perplexed guards. "That's because it doesn't. She claims it was divine intervention from the Moon Goddess."

grunt of acceptance, accepting this outlandish explanation with

to you?" I ask,

the vampire attacks and discovering your existence, let's just say my

A very good point. "I

"We'll figure it out

wrap around me like a soothing balm, temporarily quieting the whirlwind of worries

When I was sure

Past Ava was stupid.

present Ava. Selene's words interrupt my thoughts,

how dangerous

phone, I roll onto my back, absently tugging at Selene's ears as she rests her head on my belly. "I don't know. I can't even access it when I want to. You saw me running; that's the first and only time I've really been able

doesn't seem that dangerous, so there has to

it might have to do with the elements, but

goes quiet again. Probably worrying about me, when he already has so much to deal

out, Lucas.

the phone, a sound that brings an amused smile to my lips. "Sorry for reminding you of them," I say, my voice light despite the heaviness that seems to

heartbeat of silence, before Lucas speaks again. "Ava, I heard

knocking the breath from my lungs. In the chaos, I'd almost forgotten. No, not almost. I had forgotten, purposely shoving it so far in the back of my

me

faint patterns in the paint with my eyes as I try to sort through the tangled web of emotions in my chest. It's

don't know how to feel," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's like... most of me doesn't realize she's really gone. Like I'm waiting to hear her voice any minute. Like she's going to walk through the

long in the pot. I can almost smell the acrid scent, can almost feel the gritty texture on my teeth. It's a sensation that's perfectly synonymous with my relationship

can almost see him in my mind's eye—brows furrowed, jaw clenched, golden eyes dark with concern. "Are you going to hold a funeral for her?" he asks after a