Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 215 Ava: Going to Sister Miriam Again (I)

The candle wick flickers to blazing life. Marcus and Liam's hands are heavy on my shoulders, grounding me as Adam and Vanessa complete the chain. Selene's fur brushes my leg, a silent reminder of her presence.

I focus on Sister Miriam, on my desperate need to understand… everything.

My powers. The city. These phone calls. Steve. The Fae. The Moon Goddess.

Lisa. And that damned Mad Prince.

The flame flickers, casting eerie shadows across the faces of those gathered around me. I close my eyes, picturing Sister Miriam's enigmatic smile, her ruby eyes glittering with secrets.

Sister Miriam, I need you.

I hold my breath, waiting for the rush of magic, the dizzying sensation of being transported across space and time.

But nothing happens.

I open my eyes, blinking in confusion. We're still in my room, surrounded by the trappings of my everyday life. Kellan and Jericho exchange a glance, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.

"When's it supposed to happen?" Kellan asks, his brow furrowing.

A sinking feeling takes hold of my gut. "I don't know. It worked before."

Staring at the candle, I whisper Sister Miriam's name, each syllable a desperate plea. "Sister Miriam. Sister Miriam, please."

The silence stretches, broken only by my harsh breathing. Selene presses closer to my leg.

I'm about to try again when my phone rings, the sudden sound making us all jump. I fumble for it, my hands shaking as I see the unknown number on the screen.

"Hello?" My voice cracks, betraying my nerves.

"Are you an idiot?" a robotic voice demands. "Trying to access your power now could kill everyone around you!"

Jericho and Kellan stare intently at the phone, and I put it on speaker.

"Who is this?"

sighs, the sound harsh and grating through the phone's speaker. "You're taking too

at the others, searching their faces for any hint of understanding. Kellan and

grip tightening on

help you," the voice snaps, frustration evident despite the robotic distortion. There's an edge to their words, something that doesn't translate through whatever

into your power," the voice continues, and my

you know that?"

the absence of sound almost deafening. Then, abruptly, the speaker changes the subject. "Lisa will

do you mean? What have you done with

hurry up," the voice repeats, ignoring

brow furrowed. "Who is

the speaker

my heart pounding. The candle flickers, casting eerie

to wolves," I tell Kellan, who huffs out a long breath, looking

that?" Jericho demands, his eyes

don't know," I whisper, my mind reeling. "But they know about my powers, and they said something about Lisa. Said

a hand through his hair, his expression grim. "For all we know,

person won't answer

Sister Miriam?" Vanessa asks, her voice

head, staring at the candle's flickering flame. "I don't know. Maybe she can't, or

with

just sit here," I say finally, my voice shaking.

for the part," a voice agrees, startling

to her figure, and she walks with mincing steps. There's a cigarette holder dangling from her fingers, a slender line of smoke curling toward

before I can blink, a wall of muscle and menace.

her ruby lips curving in a smile that's equal parts amusement and danger. "Is

How did

aimed toward her, she takes a long drag from her cigarette, the ember flaring bright in the

heart hammering against my ribs. "I

She laughs, but it sounds oddly affectionate. "Oh, Ava. You have so much to