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.

for their vigilance. They've been working tirelessly, breaking trail through the deep snow, their keen senses alert for any sign of danger. It's made being out here infinitely easier—at least for

to be having

prove they're stronger than each other. They're going to compete on leads during this

why they were so excited to pull a sled. I thought it would be underneath

myself, shivering slightly as the cold seeps through my layers. The

should rest, Grimoire says, hopping

done

Oh. Right.

* * *

for several more

absence is like a heavy weight on my shoulders, scratchy straw against my skin, and scraping

soul shrivel into an anxious mess, waiting.

despite running behind the sled

No.

nagging feeling, no matter how much I reason

only refuge from the biting wind. Grimoire's spiritual fox form presses against my side,

out muffled through the layers. "There has to be a pattern,

fox ears twitch. You asked me this before,

did?" I can't remember this conversation. We have too many of them. In fact, some days it feels like neither

or find its source. The taint follows no logic we understand. Sometimes it rides

about dandelion seeds now. Maybe when I was

it still doesn't make sense. There has to be a way, even if it's

"There must be something—"

a predator seeks prey,