Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 233 Ava: Graceless Florice

"Hogwash!"

Magister Orion's roar rushes through the space with such force and volume that my foot slips off a stair coming down. Only Vanessa's quick reflexes in grabbing my arm and hauling me backward saves me from an undignified tumble down the stairs and whatever injuries that might have brought my way.

Marcus squeezes by me on the stairs, motioning for me to stay back as we strain our ears to listen in.

There's someone else talking, a female voice that's unrecognizable to any of us, judging by the looks on everyone's faces.

"Balderdash. This is nothing more than an attempt to curb my authority—"

The voice cuts Magister Orion off again, but I can't hear what she's saying.

Marcus' brows lower into a fierce look that sends shivers down my back, and Vanessa's jaw is tight enough to crack her teeth. Whatever they're hearing, it isn't good.

Magister Orion's voice continues to climb the decibel ladder.

"I refuse to be constrained by arbitrary regulations, Florice. Should you wish to summon me, do so with the proper backing. Your misuse of authority holds no sway here. This is a battle you cannot hope to win."

The argument between Magister Orion and Florice continues to echo through the stairwell, their voices a stark contrast. Florice's tone remains cool and low enough to keep her words muddled to my ears, while Magister Orion's fury builds with each exchange. Despite his growing anger, I can't help but admire how he maintains his professionalism.

Marcus motions that it's safe to descend, and we do so slowly, our ears trained on the room beyond the foyer.

"This discussion is over, Florice," Magister Orion's voice booms, finality in every syllable. "I suggest you take your leave."

approaching. Marcus tenses, and Vanessa's grip on my

room. Her platinum blonde hair is cut into a sleek bob, and her

a second, I can't breathe; at first glance, all I can see is my

I've thrown up over these past four months. As much as I'd love to say I'm over my parents and the

pain

wounds ever

I hope they do.

my feet at the woman

nose is too long

conventionally pretty, with a pinched look to her face that seems permanent, as though everyone around

looked elegant.

despite the lack of wrinkles in her skin,

at all, except

despite being cold and level. It stings my ears to listen to

she maintains eye contact with me, "housing diseased

belly, up my spine, and into my head with a rush of heat. The way she looks at us, like we're something foul she's stepped in, makes me want to launch myself

I saw her as my mother,

his wrist, a burst of orange energy surges towards Florice, shoving her towards the exit. She stumbles and nearly falls to her knees,

is unacceptable!" she protests, her composure finally cracking. "You

the door slams shut behind her,

to go now for relief, but there's a

face a mix of frustration and regret. "I apologize for allowing you to witness such a disgusting display," he says, his

head, I