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 do that? You can't see if

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

concentrate with your eyes

helps when they're

you

the book?" Lisa

my head, as long as I'm touching the book, I

bond strengthens, I will be able to speak to you at longer

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

remarkably small, he agrees, in a

It is, he confirms.

the book, only for that

you're going to insult

remorse. It's odd

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

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

the 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?"

tight around the corners. "You need to come with me.

of her voice stops any questions from forming on my lips.

call over my shoulder, "I'll

door behind me. Vanessa's already moving, and I hurry

hospital, my heart clenches. Lucas. It has to be Lucas. What's wrong? He was fine

Right, I left him behind. I'm sorry, I think, hoping he

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 an extension of myself. Grimoire feels distinctly separate, the bond between

challenge, a strange tension in the air. There's something odd in the way people look at me, and

the men go? There were plenty of male staff this

Stranger and stranger still.

and opens it, ushering me inside before closing

Bizarre.

are immediately drawn to the

awake, 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 my attention—they're fever-bright, locked onto mine with

wondering

It doesn't sound like how he usually says

then why is he staring at

"Are you oka—"

he lunges off the bed. His hands grab my wrists, slamming me back against the closed door. The impact knocks the

This isn't like him at all. Even without his memories,

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

asks, his voice rough

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