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.

in what appears to be an attic, but unlike any attic I've ever seen. The

figurines pose next to weathered leather-bound books. Intricate clockwork devices tick softly,

of objects, the attic is surprisingly clean. No cobwebs drape the corners, no dust coats the surfaces. It's

is this place?" Vanessa breathes, her eyes wide

air itself seems charged with potential, tingling against my skin. My newly awakened magical senses

seems safe enough," he says after a moment. "But I wouldn't touch anything if I were you. No telling

to explore. We might not know where

knowledge and power if only I'd reach out and grasp them. I clench my fists

immediate situation. "And more importantly, how to contact Lucas and the others. They need to know what's happening. Sister Miriam and Selene

didn't ask Magister Orion how to use that damn communication orb, but at least Vanessa

Vanessa. I'll investigate the

looks peaceful doesn't mean

I don't hear anything, but Marcus holds a finger to his lips, tugging at the light again and letting the attic go

hear it

somewhere below us. My breath catches in my throat

We're not alone.

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

my lips together, fighting the urge to protest. Now isn't the time for heroics or misplaced pride. I force myself to stay still, to become as small and quiet as possible in this

forehead, trickling down my temple. The air