Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 254 Ava: In the Attic

Just as I'm about to suggest we try something else—anything else, like banging until we find a hidden door—movement catches my eye. A shimmer ripples across the far wall, like heat waves rising from sun-baked asphalt. It swirls and coalesces, taking on the familiar appearance of the portals we used to travel to Dakota Sanctuary.

Relief floods through me, tempered by caution.

Magister Orion asked for a portal, but his directions were vague. There's a hell of a lot of world out there.

Marcus steps forward, his jaw set with determination. "I'll go first," he says, his tone brooking no argument. Before I can protest, he's through the portal, vanishing in a blink.

Vanessa and I exchange a quick glance, an entire conversation passing between us in that split second. Together, we step into the swirling vortex.

The world twists and blurs around us, and for a heart-stopping moment, I feel like I'm falling through an endless void. Then, abruptly, solid ground materializes beneath my feet. I stumble forward, colliding with warm bodies in the darkness.

"Oof!" Vanessa grunts as we all tangle together, a mess of limbs in a space that feels far too small.

"Sorry," I mutter, trying to extricate myself without elbowing anyone in the face. "Where are we?"

A rustling sound, then a click. Soft light floods the space.

Marcus stands a few feet away, his hand on a dangling pull cord attached to a bare bulb.

our surroundings with growing amazement. We're in what appears to be an attic, but unlike any attic I've ever seen. The space is absolutely crammed with... stuff. Artifacts of every description crowd the room, lining shelves, stacked in corners, hanging from the

porcelain figurines pose next to weathered leather-bound books. Intricate clockwork devices tick softly, their gears exposed like mechanical organs. Crystals of various sizes and colors catch the light, throwing rainbow reflections

cobwebs drape the corners, no dust coats the surfaces. It's as if time has been suspended here, preserving everything in a perfect state

breathes, her eyes wide as

with potential, tingling against my skin. My newly awakened

he says after a moment. "But I wouldn't

in agreement, though my fingers itch to explore. We might not know where

object seems to whisper secrets, promising knowledge and power if only I'd reach out and grasp them. I clench my fists

where we are," I say, forcing myself to focus on our immediate situation. "And more importantly, how to contact Lucas and the others. They need to know what's happening. Sister Miriam and Selene will have no idea how to get

Orion how to use that damn

investigate the area. We need to

peaceful doesn't mean it is," the

response to her words, a faint sound reaches their ears. I don't hear anything, but Marcus holds a finger

hear

below us. My breath catches in my throat as

We're not alone.

Vanessa move in tandem, shoving me behind them. Their bodies form a living shield, and I struggle to quell the surge of guilt that rises in my throat. They shouldn't have to risk themselves for me. I'm not worth

lips together, fighting the urge to protest. Now isn't the time for heroics or misplaced pride. I force

by our shallow breathing. Sweat beads on my forehead, trickling down my temple. The air feels