Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 403 Ava: It Isn't There

Buoyed by my mate's support, though dreading what Ivy's situation might mean—for her and for all of us—I scurry through the packed trails of camp, unsurprised as fresh snow flutters through the sky. It feels like we snow more days than not.

Find out anything yet? I reach out to Grimoire, who's been silent. I can sense Selene watching, but have no idea what he's doing. Sometimes I wish I could just pull his expertise into my head so I don't have to take the long route of actually learning how to do things myself.

Don't be lazy, he chides.

Okay, but did you discover anything yet?

He's silent, leaving my brain to itch as I wait for his response. Finally, he does.

No.

Helpful.

Don't blame me. I'm limited in my abilities until you get here.

"I'm not blaming you," I grumble, almost slipping over a patch of re-freeze. The temperature's plummeted, more than I'd think it would. The sky isn't even fully grayed out.

My magic wriggles in my belly, and I realize I've covered myself in a light layer of warmth without thinking twice.

Like autopilot, but the magical version.

Nice.

Stop being impressed with yourself and hurry up.

"I am, I am." Picking up the pace, I notice a small group of wolves headed toward the debriefing tent. My connection with the pack is not as defined as it should be, but I can vaguely sense that they're Westwood wolves. Must be a scout party coming in.

they come with good

You're slowing down again.

kicks me into a

crisp winter air outside. My boots squeak against the freshly mopped floor as I enter, and

murmurs as I

like it's

you can't use that word. You

I surreptitiously peek at her little

to knock on the wooden frame of her desk.

grin, I head

shoulder, throwing me off balance. My hand flies to the wall to steady myself as a man in dark clothing stumbles

and low. He keeps his face angled down, dark hair falling forward to obscure his features. His shoulders hunch as he hurries past me, footsteps

the base of my neck. There's something about his posture, his hurried

me he's a Westwood

fans. Probably didn't want to

to Ivy's room flies open. Vanessa stands in the doorway, her face pinched

"No. Even with the medicine, it's going

it's getting worse." Vanessa pulls me into the room, her grip tight on my arm. "Come see for yourself. It

thrashes on the bed, her skin slick with sweat. Her head whips from side to side, auburn hair plastered to her face. The blankets twist around her legs

my attention isn't her physical state—it's the corruption inside her.

light fills the room. Grimoire materializes beside me in his adult form, towering and alien, red hair floating around

voice deep and resonant. "I

Ivy's hand. Her skin burns against mine, and

silver eyes narrow as he studies her. His hands hover over her body, trailing ethereal light.

"I can't make contact with the corruption. It's as if