Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 368 Ava: Where's the Taint?

"This is strange."

It is, Grimoire agrees, sounding confused.

The tiny patch of taint spans no more than two feet, and purifying it takes no time or energy at all. It's so light, in fact, that I almost second-guessed what I was feeling when we tracked it down.

After days and days of corruption spreading faster than I can purify it, there's suddenly… nothing?

Why?

In normal circumstances, I'd be relieved. But there's something strange about all of this as it is, and I don't like not knowing what's going on.

"Grim, how far could I scan if I really pushed myself? With your help, I mean."

Grimoire hesitates, his fox eyes narrowing as he looks up at me. It's not wise to open yourself up that widely, Ava. The wider the search, the less control you have over your magic. And the more likely someone will be to sense it, even with my guidance.

As much as I want to push further, to find the source of this corruption and purge it from our lands, I know better than to be reckless. "Damn. I just wish I could see farther. What if the taint is still spreading, but we're looking in the wrong direction?"

It's possible, Grimoire admits, his tail swishing thoughtfully through the snow. But it's better to be slow and cautious than alert the enemy. There are plenty who would take an interest in your magic, even before the world went to shit.

Such a way with words.

Sighing, I turn back towards the sled, my mind still churning with possibilities. What if we're missing something crucial? What if, while we're out here chasing wispy patches of taint, it's building in giant masses to the east? Or further south? What if it gets too close to Wolf's Landing? No one has the ability to sense it like I do.

I shove the thought away, refusing to let it take root. No more spiraling. Just do what I can, the best I can.

them for their vigilance. They've been working tirelessly, breaking trail through

be

prove they're stronger than each other. They're going to

excited to pull a sled. I thought it would be underneath their dignity as wolf

the blankets around myself, shivering slightly as the cold seeps through my layers. The bitter chill of winter is relentless.

says, hopping

done anything

Oh. Right.

* * *

for several more

absence is like a heavy weight on my shoulders,

and soul shrivel into an anxious mess, waiting. Just waiting. Knowing something terrible's going

invigorated despite running

No.

that nagging feeling, no matter how much

a jolt through my tired bones. The thick wool blankets are my only refuge from the biting wind. Grimoire's spiritual fox form presses

originates?" My voice comes out muffled through

twitch. You asked me

this conversation. We have too many of them. In fact, some days it

way to predict its path or find its source. The taint follows no logic we understand.

about dandelion seeds now. Maybe when

make sense. There has to be a way, even if

"There must be something—"

seeks prey, searching