Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 268 Lisa: Flying?

Oh…

That explains the defying-gravity feeling.

I look from Elverly to the Grand Sage, waiting for one of them to crack a smile, to tell me it's all an elaborate joke. But their expressions remain deadly serious.

"Flying," I repeat, the word feeling strange on my tongue. "As in... up in the air? Like a plane?"

The Grand Sage chuckles, a warm sound that seems at odds with our dire situation. "Not quite like a plane, my dear. Our methods are a bit more unconventional."

I want to ask more, to understand exactly what's happening, but another violent shake rocks our little sanctuary. This time, I'm certain I feel us lifting off the ground. My stomach does a somersault, and I have to swallow hard to keep from being sick.

The room continues to vibrate around us, and I can't shake the feeling that we're ascending rapidly. My ears pop, confirming my suspicions.

"Where exactly are we going?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

The Grand Sage's expression grows somber. "There are multiple safe havens through the land. I know of one, and I can only hope it has not been breached."

Despite the size of his building, we are the only 3 living beings within it.

"I heard screaming."

"Yes. We have guards." He corrects himself. "We had guards. You never had a chance to see them, but they have always been there."

"And we're just leaving them behind?"

Elverly's face hardens, her wrinkles deepening. "They knew the risks. They chose to stay and fight."

She sounds angry, but there are unshed tears in her eyes. Despite her harsh words, she's mourning. That angry mask of hers is nothing more than a facade for her grief.

"Fight who?" I press, desperation creeping into my voice. "Who's attacking you? Is it... is it because of me?"

Sage shakes his head. "No, child. There are forces at play that

"Even I did not see this coming,

* * *

sure my butt is permanently fused to this uncomfortable seat. I shift, trying to find a position that doesn't make me want to scream, but it's hopeless. We've been in this

probably only been

I ask, not for the first time. Elverly shoots me a look that could curdle milk, but I ignore her.

pose. "Not much longer now, my dear. But tell me, aren't you curious

be honest, I hadn't given it much thought. I've been too preoccupied with

to make it to this

His eyes light up, and for the first time since this nightmare began, a genuine smile spreads across his face. It's like he's been

you asked," he says, leaning forward eagerly. "You see, I've manufactured

lips twitch at his pronunciation. It's such a stark contrast to his

trying to keep the amusement out of

a hand dismissively. "Yes, yes, that's what

Instead, I focus on what he's actually saying. "How do you know it beats radar? Have you

Sage nods enthusiastically. "Oh yes, multiple times! We've taken many flights to ensure its effectiveness. I have a friend in

off about how he says "aviation," but I can't quite put my finger on it.

me. "Is your friend

chuckles. "No, no. He passes as what humans call a 'little person' in

how to process that information. A non-human passing as a little person? Working

like the 'little people' he's talking about. They're too

test the cloaking

exclaims. "He's been instrumental in

my mind wandering. I think about Ava, wondering if she's

Grand

turn back to him, forcing a smile. "Sorry, I got lost in

me closely, his earlier excitement dimming. "You're worried about your

voice. The lump in my throat feels like it might choke me if I try to