Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 334

Chapter 334 Ava: Securing the Perimeter

The branch trembles in my hand as I trace the intricate pattern onto the exposed earth. Sweat beads on my forehead despite the chill in the air. I've never done anything like this before, but Grimoire guides me through each step.

First, a rune.

Then, to tie in all four elements.

"Hold it steady, Vester," I mutter, glancing up at him. He's holding Grimoire open, carefully following me around the circle without stepping on any of my work.

You're doing well, Grimoire's voice echoes in my mind. Remember, precision is key.

I nod, focusing back on the task at hand. The rune is complex, all swirling lines and sharp angles. One mistake could render the whole thing useless. No pressure, right?

I'm not entirely certain how these runes and glyphs work, but Grimoire assures me they're what we need. Of course, I have questions like who was the first one to discover these glyphs and why do random glyphs have the power to do crazy things, but Grimoire just tells me to try to understand basic magic before diving into advanced history.

Not super helpful.

Finally, the last line connects, and I sit back on my heels, surveying my work. It's not perfect, but it's close enough. I hope. A rune that spans across five feet in a rough circle of earth we've cleared for this purpose.

"Now what?" Vester asks, his voice low.

"Now, we fill it with twigs," I explain, reaching for the pile we've gathered. "They need to be connected, like a network."

We work in silence, carefully placing small sticks and brush into the inch-deep grooves I've carved. It's painstaking work, but eventually, we finish.

Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes and reach for my magic. It comes easier now, a warm current flowing through my veins. I direct it towards the flammable debris, willing them to ignite.

A soft whoosh fills the air, and when I open my eyes, the entire rune is ablaze. Fire dances along the lines, consuming the sacrifice of fuel with glee.

"Impressive," Vester murmurs, and I can't help but feel a small surge of pride.

As the last of the twigs turn to ash, I call upon my magic again. This time, I summon water, watching as it pools in the grooves, turning the ash into a murky slurry. Slowly, the water seeps into the earth, leaving behind damp, ashen lines.

It's all here; all four

infuse it with your magic, Grimoire instructs. Visualize your

eyes, I imagine my magic as a golden light, seeping from my fingertips into the rune. It's

feel something shift. The earth beneath my hands grows warm, and when I open my eyes, the rune is glowing

in, erasing any trace of our work. Within moments, it looks like

moon," Vester breathes. He's not one

area, trying to find evidence of the ward. But there's nothing there—at least not to his

recognizes it. Senses the ward I've placed

science of glyphs might be shaky in my head, but I can see that

shaky, and I realize

dirt from his knees. "So,

laugh, but it comes out more like a sigh. "Not even close. We need to do this every

going to take all night. Longer,

days, Grimoire chimes in,

"Can you keep up that pace?" he asks,

bit. "I managed well enough the night you rescued

looks thoughtful for a moment, then nods. "Fair enough.

* * *

the perimeter done before it's too dark to see. Vester hands me a flashlight without

isn't hard. My muscles aren't sore or stretched. But my body has no energy

good thing. Depleting your reserves will only force your body to draw more magic in. Make sure you

I hadn't expected it to drop this drastically. A shiver runs through

a word, Vester shrugs off his coat and drapes it over my shoulders. The residual warmth from his body envelops me, and I

you," I murmur, touched by

ripples in the dim light; like most wolves, he's a beautiful

ahead, leading the way back to

can't help but smile. It's no wonder Vanessa loves him so much. Vester's quiet strength and kindness shine through in moments like these. I make a mental note to

with the pack, it's come to feel like home. More

I have purpose.

see several figures

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