Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 359 Ava: Reinforcing Wards

Lucas is almost to Wolf's Landing, Selene reports, my ever-dutiful link to the pack since I can't hear them myself. He sounds exhausted.

"I'm sure he is."

I trudge through the snow, each step a battle against the elements. The white expanse stretches before me, sometimes reaching my waist.

"Damn it," I mutter, yanking my foot free from a particularly deep drift. "We really need to invest in some snowshoes."

Ahead of me, my bodyguards forge a path in their wolf forms. Their massive paws act as natural snowshoes, distributing their weight and making it easier for them to navigate the treacherous terrain. I envy their effortless grace as I stumble along behind them.

Without them breaking the trail, it would be even worse.

We're approaching the first ward, Selene encourages me. We've made better time than I expected.

I nod, focusing on the task at hand. The wards are a crucial part of our defense, and maintaining them has become a significant part of my duties as Luna. It's time-consuming work, but necessary. Especially now, with the recent blizzard potentially compromising their integrity.

"Grimoire," I call out, my voice muffled by the thick scarf wrapped around my face. "Any signs of damage?"

The magical tome materializes beside me, taking the form of a silver fox. His fur shimmers against the white snow.

Not that I can sense. Remember that while a strong storm can wipe out the energy signature of a weak ward, it isn't common when they are properly maintained. I still think you're being overly cautious.

chances. Not with the

caution is commendable, though we might all freeze to

of fur fashioned into a coat, courtesy of our hunters. As we draw closer, I extend my senses, probing the

energy pulses steadily, a testament to the care and attention I've poured

a pup himself. "Make it harder for those taint-touched wolves to find us. Or

pauses in his joyous bounding. A

wards. It's an additional one, not part of the main security system, and

bit of summoned fire, I

of the Fae gods, though he admits the history is a little fuzzy,

the concept of time back then was quite fluid to his senses. Grimoire's very existence is remarkable, something us mere mortals

not any sort of

guided by my will and Grimoire's quiet

to keep your instructions at the forefront of your mind. This glyph will absorb its instructions

I open my eyes, swaying slightly; my balance is off now that my focus is back in my physical body.

it's Marcus—steadies me with his

I murmur, patting his flank. To Grimoire, I ask, "How's it

as he assesses my work. The obfuscation element is significantly stronger. It should prove quite challenging for any unwanted visitors to penetrate. It's a little shaky, but I think it should do as you

we're not done yet. How many more wards do we need to check

more on this patrol