Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 219 Ava: The Fae Ward (I)

"I don't have ADHD, Selene."

"Don't you?" Vanessa looks surprised.

"Do I?" My surprise mirrors hers.

"I assumed you… Well, I'm not a doctor, only a pack healer, so I could be wrong."

"ADHD or not, we're taking too long. Let's go, children. Ava, finish your conversation or talk while you walk, please."

Sister Miriam's stern housemistress voice has us all straightening up and following, as I mutter into the phone, "We're all safe, and have a few things to tell you later when we get settled."

Kellan sighs. "Make sure you call, Ava. And call Lucas too. You know he's going to be worried. I've already updated him through text. Since he hasn't blown my phone up or ripped my head off from afar, I can only assume he's busy with the Council."

"Got it. I will."

Hanging up, I see Vanessa sliding her own phone into her pocket, flashing an amused smile in my direction. "Had to text Vester and warn him."

"Doesn't he know you're doing this?"

"Of course, but he worries."

As we walk, Vanessa quickens her pace to catch up with Sister Miriam. "What did you mean earlier, before we went through the portal? About that vampire in Blackwood territory never existing?"

Sister Miriam pauses, turning to face us with an enigmatic smile. "Ah, yes. Marjory, was it? The one who died screaming during your interrogation?"

My best guess is that she's talking about my neighbor, Margot Mitchell. The idea that she's dead sits heavy on my mind; I'm not sure how to feel about it.

did you even know about it?" Marcus

was not real," she continues, her voice low and serious. "He was a fabrication, a

Confused, I trot a little faster to reach her side. "Who would do

"That, my dear, is a question with a complicated answer. One that

you won't

tell you, wolf. No matter what

we navigate the winding corridors of the mansion, I find myself drawn to the eclectic mix of artifacts on display. A gleaming sword catches my eye, its blade etched with intricate runes that seem to shimmer in the

it?" Sister Miriam notes, following my gaze. "That sword once belonged to a great warrior, a man who

reach out, my fingertips hovering just above the cool metal.

I have a knack for acquiring rare and valuable items. Over the centuries, I've amassed quite

in the air, a reminder of the vast chasm of experience and knowledge that separates Sister Miriam from the rest of us. I can't even begin

Sister Miriam says, as if reading my thoughts. "There is so much more

main foyer, where a peculiar group awaits

of them bear a striking resemblance to the thralls who served me during my previous visit to Sister Miriam's home. However, it's the third individual who captures my attention—an incredibly short woman, standing no taller

stature, her face reveals the maturity of a woman well into her forties. Long blonde pigtails

falter in our steps, taken aback by the sight before us. Vanessa mutters under her breath, her medical knowledge kicking into gear as she attempts to rationalize the woman's unique proportions. "Not dwarfism," she whispers, her brow furrowed in concentration. "She's too proportionate for

continue her speculations, the woman in question speaks in exasperation. "Haven't you ever seen a gnome before?" Her tone is deep and fully

she quickly apologizes for her rudeness. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stare. I've never

clouds the woman's

I've never encountered

never seen

"Well, now you have. And I'd appreciate it

her garden, saying something about it warding off bad energy.

her nose twitching as she takes

voice sharp and authoritative. Selene, startled by the gnome's reaction, takes a