Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 285 Ava: Who Are You?

My eyes fly open, and I gasp. Where my hand touches the ground, a faint golden glow spreads outward. It's barely visible, like sunlight filtering through murky water, but it's there.

Heart pounding, I press my palm more firmly against the forest floor. The glow intensifies slightly, spreading further. I can feel it now, a warmth seeping up through my skin, traveling along my arm.

It's the magic from the pond. Somehow, it's not confined to the water. It's here, in the very earth beneath my feet.

A laugh bubbles up from my chest, half disbelief and half triumph. "Well, would you look at that?"

Encouraged, I place my other hand on the ground as well. The glow spreads further, creating a small circle of light around me. It's beautiful, a stark contrast to the gloomy forest surrounding me.

I close my eyes, focusing on the sensation. The magic feels... different from what I've experienced before. It's not the raw, primal power of the Moon Goddess, nor is it the structured, disciplined energy I've been trying to work with in my training.

This magic feels wild. Untamed. Like a force of nature that can't be reasoned with. It reminds me of the feeling I get when I'm running through the forest, wind in my hair, heart pounding with the thrill of freedom.

The glow continues to spread, pushing back the darkness of the forest. With each passing moment, I feel stronger, more alive. It's intoxicating.

It isn't under my control; it spreads without my thought or push. I'm little more than a conduit.

The dark water slowly changes, from black to navy. Then, slowly, into a glossy blue that reflects the sun.

And hints of green.

Green, from the leaves sprouting on once-dead branches. From the unfurling trees once again reaching high to the sky.

It's limited to the area surrounding me, but there's life here, where there was once nothing at all.

A comfortable buzz against my wrist catches my attention, and I glance down at the silver bracelet Dr. Blackwell gave me.

faintest hint of lavender aura around

tap into

It's just enjoying the door you finally

"Who's there?" My eyes dart around the forest, searching

Nothing but trees

air again, dripping with sarcasm. "Why are you acting like I'm some

The

female?" The voice sounds annoyed now. "Honestly, you

just trying to figure out who you are," I say, eyes narrowed as I scan the area. Something moves

upward. My breath catches as a figure begins

Water cascades off its form as it steps onto the shore. I take an involuntary

skin shimmers with an otherworldly iridescence, like moonlight on water. Hair the color of seafoam falls in waves past its shoulders. Its eyes are the deep blue-green of the ocean, with

Are you satisfied now that you can

process what I'm

was, before it started dying." They gesture at the small patch of greenery surrounding us. "Though

mind races, trying to make sense of this. A spirit?

this world capable of surprising me, yet here I am, sent reeling once

my voice softer now. "I was just trying to connect with the magic here. Wherever

been a long time since anyone's been able to do that. Most just pass

closer. "What happened here? Why is everything...

"The magic is fading. Has been for a long time. Without it, the life here

why?" I ask, my

"Who knows? The ways of magic are mysterious, even to those of us

bracelet on my wrist, still glowing

strange figure moves closer, their head cocked. "You carry the legacy of witches, but have the mark

Startled, I point at

feeling about two inches small. "Yes, you. Who