Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 252 Ava: We Need Information

"Perhaps that is true for some vampires," Magister Orion concedes. "But for most of us, it is because of freedom. We do not wish to be regulated and numbered, at the whim of human demands, simply for being different. Those who breach the peace between the human world and that of Dakota Sanctuary are punished. Depending on the severity of their actions, some lose their lives.

We have had some vampires put to the guillotine for feeding on nearby human cities."

Fascinating.

"But what does that have to do with you?" I ask, circling back to the main topic.

"I am one of the few who advocate for increased trade and visitation between our city and the human realm." Magister Orion waves a hand around the room. "Very few of us wish to live within the Fae realm, under the rule of our kings. There is little freedom to be had under their tyranny. Here, we have equality, votes, and laws to protect us from the overreach of our leaders.

Vampires and gnomes are treated as equals. However, our reliance on the Fae realm for food and magical items means that we are at the mercy of the Fae kings. Our freedom here is little more than an illusion."

He slams a fist against the table. "I say, if we truly wish for freedom, we should establish connects with the human realm. We have things you do not. We can barter for food, even more land. We can be equals in this world, instead of living half in, and half out."

He sighs. "But that is heresy to many."

"Then why do you hate wolves so much, if you're willing to work with humans?" Vanessa asks, and I glance at her in surprise.

She's fascinated by everything he's saying, and I'd already forgotten about how he treated Vanessa and Marcus when we first got here.

"Lycans," and his lip curls before he shakes his head and sighs. "Ancient history, but prejudice is passed down in our history books."

"But what happened between wolves and Fae?"

Magister Orion waves a hand. "It is of little import in this situation. Suffice to say, very few Fae or vampires willingly work with the wolf packs. In our world, they're traitors, giving up their freedom to work as human dogs."

He pauses for a second, glancing between Vanessa and Marcus. "No offense intended."

the city are all against your views?"

hands with a shrug. "However, to call them my enemies is

victims of the riots?" I ask, rubbing the bridge of my nose as I try to think. "Wouldn't they be the leaders of the city? If that's so, then they're probably not

thoughtful. "Some families, yes. But that doesn't mean all

been quiet all this time, speaks up. "I can contact Layla and see if she's heard

movement of his head. "Yes. Get a list of every attack, and lists of victims. We must organize the

Tinker salutes, her mechanical wings slapping together, before she darts

puzzle without a reference picture. My head

dizziness washes over me, and I have to grip the arms of the

worse," she murmurs. "We need to get another dose of

adds another layer of complication to an already impossible situation. I feel tears of frustration prick at

don't have the luxury of being

Marcus says, his voice steady despite the tension in his shoulders, "do you have any way to contact the outside world safely? We need contact Sister Miriam and Selene, see what they know. With the city up in arms, coming back might not be easy. If it

But with Sister Miriam, it's possible. I can't guarantee how quickly we will get a response, but I'll

my brain immediately jumping to the internet and

smiles. "How do you think we send messages without your," and he waves vaguely toward

* * *

to be upgraded every few years

The Fae?

They have magic balls.

of a

actually made of

its depths,

it hurt?" I ask

even feel it." She places her entire palm on it, and several arcs of lightning connect