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—

do that? You can't see if your eyes

my eyes open, I scowl at

with your eyes

when

then you can't

talking to the book?" Lisa asks

as long as I'm touching

will be able to speak to you at

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

small, he agrees, in a tone that sounds

It is, he confirms.

hand off the book, only for that new

going to insult me,"

of remorse. It's odd

the door startles me from my thoughts. I glance at Lisa, who shrugs, looking as confused

up from the floor, sensing the frustration from Grimoire when I

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

"Vanessa? What's wrong?"

around the corners. "You need to

tone of her voice stops any questions

my shoulder,

and closing the door behind me. Vanessa's already moving, and

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

think, hoping he can hear me even though I'm not touching the book. I'll

having her own space in my head, is also an extension

in the air. There's something odd

men go? There were plenty of male staff

Stranger and stranger still.

it, ushering

Bizarre.

eyes are immediately drawn to

a sheen of sweat glistening on his forehead. But it's his eyes that catch my attention—they're fever-bright, locked onto mine with a hunger that's

faster, wondering

is all wrong. It doesn't sound like how

my Lucas. But then why is he staring at

"Are you oka—"

finish my question, he lunges 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, I'm too

isn't like him at all. Even without his memories, he's never been violent toward

my features. Sweat trickles down his forehead, and I can feel

his voice rough

"Why what? Lucas, you're burning up. We need to get you back