Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 350 Ava: At the Perimeter

There's a pause, and when Grimoire speaks again, his tone is more serious. Do you remember what I said when we first met?

The dying, otherworldly forest flashes through my mind. But try as I might, I can't recall anything specific Grimoire might have said.

"No."

Vanessa and the others don't even look at me as I speak; they're all used to my one-sided conversations at this point. Of course, very few people know about Grimoire, but they all know about Selene.

Who's ignoring our conversation as she hops through the snow, tail high.

I mentioned that you have wards all over your soul.

The words trigger a vague recollection, and I frown. "I... yes, I think I remember that now." But why wouldn't I remember something so important? At least, it sounds important.

It's precisely because of the wards on your soul.

Hmm.

What are these wards? Selene's voice echoes in my mind, her curiosity palpable.

Grimoire sighs, a sound that reverberates through my consciousness. I've been trying to figure that out myself.

"Wait, what?" I blurt out, earning a curious glance from Vanessa. I wave her off with a smile, focusing on the conversation only I can hear. "You don't know what they are?"

I don't know every literal thing about the world, Ava, he retorts, a hint of defensiveness in his tone. I only know what I've witnessed over the centuries.

Have your memories faded since being with Ava? Selene asks him.

Absolutely not, Grimoire replies firmly. My knowledge and memories remain intact.

She stops her playful bounding through the snow, turning to stare at the messenger bag where Grimoire rests in his book form. Her ice-blue eyes narrow, and I can sense her jealousy.

"Why are you suddenly bringing this up?" I ask, absently patting the bag, as if making sure Selene hasn't grabbed at it and hauled him away to chew on his spine.

She's done that a couple times when he really got on her nerves.

still believe it's possible. These wards are the problem, Ava. They're blocking you from full integration with

words. "But I feel connected to the Westwood Pack. It's not as strong as what others describe,

explains, is likely supplemented by your bond with Selene and your

other wards on souls before?" I'm curious as to the extent of his knowledge in this

spells, curses, that sort of thing. But yours... they're different.

if they were put there over time. I first thought they were to hide your powers, but

shift, Selene points

it is suppressing

are just north of us. I'll meet you at the next

retreating form as she breaks

of concern crosses

them accompany Vanessa? Just to be

"Of course, Luna." He signals to one of the

as difficult as it was months ago. My muscles have grown stronger, more accustomed to grueling hikes. I can feel the difference with each

formation behind me as I make my

what's your plan? You wouldn't bring

echoes in my mind. I've been considering a ritual that might help us understand these wards

an eyebrow, intrigued.

to delve into their own soul. To see

sounds... intense.

magic carries risks, Grimoire admits. But this could provide answers we

listening, chimes in. I

this time, instead of leaving for the next, I clear a patch of snow

don't feel like the benefits outweigh the

even know the risks

me guess. I can get lost inside my soul

silent for a long time,

Benefits don't match

in danger just to appease your own curiosity, Selene snaps at him, coming to flop onto my lap as she pants

etched across his weathered features. I realize he must

worry, Marcus. I'm not about to do anything stupid or risky," I

but the worry doesn't completely leave his eyes. "Of course, Luna. I

Grimoire mutters,