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.

thanking them for their vigilance. They've been working tirelessly, breaking trail through the deep snow, their keen senses alert for any sign of danger.

seem to be having

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

though. I wondered why they were so excited to pull a sled. I thought it would be underneath their dignity as

shivering slightly as the cold seeps through my layers. The bitter chill of winter is relentless. Far worse than previous

Grimoire says, hopping up

even done

Oh. Right.

* * *

taint for several

heavy weight on my shoulders, scratchy straw against my skin, and

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

rather invigorated despite

No.

I can't shake that nagging feeling, no matter how much I

through my tired bones. The thick wool blankets are my only refuge from the biting wind. Grimoire's spiritual fox form presses against my side, but he offers no warmth or comfort. It's little more than an illusion, because his book form is snugly tucked inside

comes out

asked me

many of them. In fact, some days it feels

the answer remains the same—there is no way to predict its path or find its source. The taint follows no logic we understand. Sometimes it rides the wind like dandelion seeds. Other times it follows

dandelion seeds now.

There has to be a

"There must be something—"

a predator seeks prey, searching