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. It's made being out here infinitely easier—at least for

to be having

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

the sled, I tuck the blankets around myself, shivering slightly as the cold seeps through my

says, hopping up beside

even done anything

Oh. Right.

* * *

for several

weight on my shoulders, scratchy straw against my skin, and scraping metal

my magic and soul shrivel into an anxious mess, waiting.

sounding rather invigorated despite running behind the sled

No.

feeling, no matter

glides over fresh snow, each bump sending a jolt through my tired bones. The thick wool blankets are my only refuge from the biting wind. Grimoire's spiritual fox

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

You asked me this before,

of them.

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

vaguely remember a talk about dandelion

has to be

"There must be something—"

seeks prey, searching for