Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 224 Ava: The Fae Ward (VI)

"Magister Orion." A little concerned at how the strange man who claims to be my teacher will respond to my next words, I brace myself once more for the flood of emotions that might roll off him. "I understand your wish for me to stay here and learn from you, but it is impossible for me to stay here for as long as you wish.

And with my wolf unable to tolerate your wards, it makes it even more impractical."

Wiw be fwine.

"No, it won't be."

Magister Orion's brow furrows as he scrutinizes Selene, his gaze sharp and assessing. The air thickens with tension.

Finally, he turns to me, his expression unreadable.

"If you cannot remain here in the Fae Ward, Ava Grey, then it is my duty as your mentor to go where you go."

Layla and Tinker erupt into a chorus of protests, their voices overlapping in a cacophony of disbelief.

"Magister Orion, you can't be serious!" Layla exclaims, her eyes wide with shock. "Leaving the Fae Ward? Impossible. Your request would be rejected on the spot!"

Tinker nods vigorously, her mechanical wings fluttering in agitation. "She's right, Magister. The Fae Ward is your domain. To leave its sanctuary is little better than," and her voice lowers to a whisper, "suicide!"

But Magister Orion is unmoved by their objections. He rises to his full, imposing height, his voice booming like thunder. "Enough! This goes beyond convention. I will not leave my chance at a student behind."

Watching the argument unfold, my stomach twists with unease. The idea of Magister Orion accompanying me back to the pack lands fills me with dread.

were to occur, would

and Marcus exchange worried glances, their postures tense and alert. I can feel their apprehension

Orion, forgive me for asking, but how can you handle being on pack lands when you hold such

emotion I can't quite decipher—anger? Resentment? Something else entirely? "My personal feelings are irrelevant," he says, his tone clipped. "What matters is the greater

trying to process his words. Having to use the word endure when

see you from time to time? Once a week?" The horror on his face has me scrambling.

at my feet, her discomfort palpable as she sneezes

"Three times?"

isn't something so easily taught, child. It's a daily exercise." He rubs between his eyebrows with a sigh. "If only the

but something deep within me stirs, as if trying to warn me of

resonates through the room, taking on the cadence of a professor in a lecture

the air, heavy with the

are raised with the Moon Goddess. And for humans, it's usually God. Some few in the area even speak of Allah, but my father forbade me from learning

hint of amusement creeping

"Magister, you're too boring.

see, Ava, the Crone was the one to record the teachings and knowledge of the witches in this ancient book passed down through

considered the beginning

which is absolutely what

whisper. "Some say the Crone's book is still out there, hidden away, waiting for the right

cracks like a whip, cutting off

woman pouts. "But Magister, your lecture are so dry! Nobody wants to listen to

found it

off with one massive hand, he ignores her scowl as