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

though we might

sensation that dances across my skin, even beneath the layers of fur fashioned into a

the ward seems intact. Its energy pulses steadily, a testament to the care and attention I've poured into it. But there's always room

as if he's a pup himself. "Make it harder for those taint-touched wolves to find us. Or

his joyous bounding. A wise

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

fire, I simply draw a simple glyph into the

by one of the Fae gods, though he admits the history is a little fuzzy, even to him. Despite his longevity, he technically only came into power

apparently the concept of time back then was quite fluid to his senses. Grimoire's very existence is remarkable, something us mere mortals can't

any sort

the ward, guided by my will and Grimoire's quiet instructions. The cold fades away, replaced by the

absorb its

slightly; my balance is off now that my focus is back in my physical body. Following magical currents leaves me a little

bodyguards—pretty sure it's Marcus—steadies me with

To Grimoire, I ask, "How's

should prove

How many more wards do we need

more on this patrol