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—

that? You can't see if

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

concentrate with

when they're

you

the book?" Lisa asks

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

bond strengthens, I will be able to speak to you

idea. I wonder how he and Selene will coexist in my head. It feels like a pretty

in

It is, he confirms.

yank my hand off the book, only for that new connection inside of me to bounce around in

going to insult me," I

stills, with the distinct sense of remorse. It's odd how I can

sharp knock at the door startles me from my thoughts. I glance at Lisa,

the floor, sensing the frustration from Grimoire

demeanor is gone, replaced by a harried expression that makes my stomach twist. The guards outside my door are

"Vanessa? What's wrong?"

eyes tight around the corners.

any questions from

call over my shoulder, "I'll

door behind me. Vanessa's already moving, and I hurry to keep up with her brisk

head in the direction of the hospital, my heart clenches. Lucas. It has to be Lucas. What's wrong? He was fine just a

with frustration. Right, I left him behind. I'm sorry, I think, hoping he can hear me even though

to Selene's. Selene, while having her own space in my head, is also an extension of myself. Grimoire feels distinctly separate, the bond between us similar to the fated bond in my chest, but

odd in

all the men go? There were plenty of

Stranger and stranger still.

it, ushering me inside before closing the

Bizarre.

immediately drawn to the bed where Lucas

a mountain of pillows. His face is pale, a sheen of sweat glistening on his forehead. But it's

My heart beats faster, wondering

It doesn't

not my Lucas. But then why

"Are you oka—"

off the bed. His hands grab my wrists, slamming me back against the closed door. The impact knocks the breath from my lungs, and for a moment,

My heart pounds like a sledgehammer in my chest. This isn't like him at all. Even without his memories,

Sweat trickles down his forehead, and I can feel the heat radiating off his body. His hands on

asks, his voice

for reason. "Why what? Lucas, you're burning up. We need to get you back to bed. You're sick." Wolves