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

at the book. "It's so

you concentrate with your eyes

when they're

then you

talking to the

long

able to

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

in a tone that sounds

It is, he confirms.

only for that new connection inside of me to

going to

distinct sense of remorse. It's odd

me from my thoughts. I glance at Lisa,

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

is gone, replaced by a harried expression that makes my stomach

"Vanessa? What's wrong?"

her eyes tight around the corners. "You need to

tone of her voice stops any questions from forming on my lips. Whatever's

call over my shoulder, "I'll be

out and closing the door behind me. Vanessa's already

we head in the direction of the hospital, my heart clenches. Lucas. It has to be Lucas.

behind. I'm sorry, I think, hoping he can hear me even though I'm

vibration settles somewhat. It's fascinating how different Grimoire's presence feels compared to Selene's. Selene, while having her own space in my head, is also

a strange tension in the air. There's something odd in

all the men go? There were

Stranger and stranger still.

it, ushering me inside

Bizarre.

are immediately drawn to the bed where Lucas

His face is pale, a sheen of sweat glistening on his forehead.

faster, wondering if

says, but the intonation is all wrong. It doesn't sound like how he usually says

not my Lucas. But then why

"Are you oka—"

I can 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

a sledgehammer in my chest. This isn't like him at all. Even without his memories, he's never been violent

golden eyes wild and feverish as they roam 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

asks, his voice rough

Lucas, you're burning up. We need to get you back to bed. You're