Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 292 Ava: Renewed Connection

When I open my eyes this time, Lisa's napping on the couch. Grimoire, in book form, is on the ground before me.

Seeing him in that form, a question comes to my mind—something I'd forgotten to ask him in that strange mental-magical dimension. Why did he send me to Magister Orion and the Fae Ward, if he had little respect for wizards?

That thick cord within me, the new bond linking me with Grimoire, vibrates intensely, seeming almost irritated. Without thinking, I stroke the cover of the book, trying to calm down this dog-like spirit within.

Once my fingers contact the cover, I can hear his voice inside my head, sounding like a sulky child and not a hulking spirit with flames covering his skin. Odd how they didn't burn me, though.

I have respect for wizards, he snaps peevishly. They're just idiots sometimes.

Yeah. So respectful.

Respect comes in many forms.

I laugh. My mind has been so quiet without Selene; having Grimoire in it is a different feeling, but it helps soothe the loneliness.

Lisa jerks upright at the sound of my voice. "Ave?" Her groggy voice makes me smile.

"Hey. You look tired."

"Sorry. Just dozed off while thinking…" Her eyes drop to the book I'm touching. "Is that it?! Did you do it?"

Bouncing off the couch, she practically slides across the floor, up on her hands and knees over it. "It even looks old and magical. Holy shit, Ava. You did it!"

Tell her to stop breathing on me.

Ignoring Grimoire, I take a moment to reach out with my senses, trying to see if I can get even a glimmer of Selene anywhere.

Do you need my help?

Glancing at the book beneath my fingertips, I raise my brows. "Are you able to?"

"Able to what?" Lisa asks, reaching out to run a finger down the worn leather cover.

Tell her to stop touching me and I will.

"He doesn't want you to touch him."

She jerks her hand back, mortified. "Oh. I'm sorry."

If you pour magic into our bond, I can amplify.

Okay. I get the English, but it's like reading directions putting together a dresser. They make no sense without pictures.

Just do it.

Closing my eyes—

You can't see if your

my eyes open, I scowl at the book. "It's so

with your

helps when they're

you

the book?" Lisa

nod. "He's in my head, as long as I'm touching the book, I

able to speak to you

sure if that's a great idea. I wonder how he and Selene will coexist

he agrees, in a tone

It is, he confirms.

only for that new connection inside of me to bounce around in

you're going to insult

remorse. It's odd how I can sense it so

from my thoughts. I glance at Lisa, who shrugs, looking as confused as I

get it," I say, pushing myself up from the floor, sensing

surprised to see Vanessa standing there. Her usually calm demeanor is gone, replaced by a harried expression that makes my stomach twist. The guards

"Vanessa? What's wrong?"

her eyes tight around the corners.

questions from forming

over my shoulder, "I'll be right

wait for her response before stepping out and closing the door behind me. Vanessa's already moving, and I hurry to keep up

Lucas. It has

sorry, I think, hoping he can hear me even though I'm not touching

feels compared to Selene's. Selene, while having her own space in my head, is also an extension of myself. Grimoire feels

air. There's something odd in the

all the men go? There were plenty of male staff

Stranger and stranger still.

door and opens it, ushering me inside before closing the

Bizarre.

to

propped up against a mountain of pillows. His face is pale, a sheen of sweat glistening on his forehead. But it's his eyes that catch

beats faster, wondering

the intonation is all wrong. It doesn't sound like

then why is he staring

"Are you oka—"

my wrists, slamming me back against the closed door. The impact knocks the breath from my lungs, and for a moment, I'm too

like a sledgehammer in my chest. This isn't like him at

over my features. Sweat trickles down his forehead, and I can feel the heat radiating off his body. His hands on my wrists are scorching, like brands against

he asks, his voice rough and

burning up. We need to get you back