Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 283 Ava: Create Contact

I slam my hand on the table, frustration boiling over. "What's the point of all this magical training if I can't even activate a simple orb?"

The communication ball sits there, mocking me with its inert silence. I've tried everything I can think of—touching it, willing it to work, even whispering different incantations I can barely remember. I'm not even sure what most of them are for.

Nothing.

Vanessa places a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Ava, we weren't expecting your connection to magic to be cut off so suddenly. Your training was brief."

"I know, I know." Running a hand through my hair, I blow out a long sigh. "I just wish I'd started earlier. Maybe things would be easier now."

If only I'd known then what I know now. But hindsight's always perfect, isn't it?

Dr. Blackwell clears his throat, drawing my attention. He's holding something in his wrinkled hand—a bracelet, but not like the chunky white one on Lisa's wrist. This one's a delicate silver chain, adorned with stars and moon phases.

"This might help," he says, offering it to me.

The metal is cool against my skin, but there's a familiar energy to it. Something I've long ago associated with magic within an item. "How?"

He shrugs, his eyes twinkling. "I don't know. It's an artifact, made for a witch long ago."

Long ago? That's shocking. "But it looks so... modern."

"Appearances can be deceiving," Dr. Blackwell says with a wink. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small obsidian disc. "This is a wardstone. This will create a ten-foot radius where no one can hear what's being said. One of our most requested items.

Just infuse it with magic, or use the incantation. Just be warned, the silence activates after the incantation."

So basically—don't use the incantation if you don't want your enemies to know what you're doing. Got it.

"What's the incantation?" There's nothing about the stone that hints at its magical properties. Not even a buzz against my skin. It's just a rock as far as I can tell.

and stardust bright,

seeping out of it. It's

Fascinating.

I've heard Magister Orion use. They're usually one or two

reaching out to touch the stone.

owner and will activate if the requirements are met. To deactivate it, the incantation

thrumming disappears at

knew about any plans if everyone's

Blackwell looks startled by her comment, his bushy eyebrows shooting up. "That is a point

the item in my hand,

hurts. The

time? Or can I take a break for a few hours and get a little rest?" I'd love to visit Lucas after, but—well. That's for tomorrow,

everything under control. Marcus and Vanessa are up to date, and Dr.

I guess it's to keep the pack feeling secure since

there?" I wave an arm

I'm the one who has a lot to process." His lips quirk,

"Yeah. Pretty much."

to see what I can figure out, magic-wise, while we wait for Sister Miriam. I'm worried

"Understood. One reason he's been in the hospital is to avoid any challenges; they can't challenge him if they

alpha can be challenged, especially if they

worry, Luna. I've got

* * *

"is the coolest

flames flicker between us, looping in a

about the extent of what I've learned." My wry tone catches her attention, and she

still amazing. Don't discount what you've learned just because it isn't fast enough for your

It doesn't seem to affect my magic in any way.