Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 404

Chapter 404 Ava: New Theory

"That's the million dollar question," I mutter as Vanessa presses a wet washcloth against Ivy's forehead.

The coolness seems to settle her, and I wonder if she's conscious enough to hear our conversation. This isn't how I wanted her to find out that there's something definitely going on inside of her body.

Though now we really have no idea what it is.

Grimoire rounds the bed to squat on the other side, his intense gaze fixed on Ivy. Stoking Ivy's hand in a gesture I hope is comforting, I focus on the sensation emanating from her. The corruption pulses beneath Ivy's skin in an odd rhythm—one, two, three... pause. One, two, three... pause. Like a heartbeat, but not quite right.

This is no illusion. Your vast intellect must have overlooked something, oh wise one.

"Your sarcasm does nothing to help the situation." Grimoire glowers at Selene over the bed. "Unless you've suddenly developed expertise in magical theory?"

Calling it an illusion makes no sense at all. Even I know that much.

"Please enlighten us with your extensive knowledge of magic. I'm sure your centuries of study far exceed my own limited understanding."

The steady count in my head falters as their bickering intensifies. One-two-three... what comes next?

"Both of you, stop it." My fingers still on Ivy's wrist. "Selene, leave Grimoire alone. He's doing his best."

Her tail swishes. But—

"We're all missing something here, and sniping at each other won't help us figure it out." The strange rhythm starts again under my fingertips. One, two, three...

Why are you counting? Clearly decided retreat is better for her lupine pride, Selene nudges at my thigh with her paw.

don't know. I just am." Frustrated, I reach out with my magic again. But there's just nothing to interact with.

power inside of me almost

do you think it's an illusion?" Vanessa's voice interrupts my frustrated

even glance at the healer as he answers, settling into lecture mode. "Magic leaves traces. It isn't

narrow at his tone. He sounds like one of my

addressing Vanessa, either. It's a valid question from someone with no training in magical theory,

Then layer magical sensing over those readings. The metaphysical exists alongside the physical, not separate from it. But in Ivy's case, there are no physical manifestations. When I attempt to trace the corruption Ava senses, the magic disperses like smoke. A true corruption is much like any disease; it leaves its effects. Magical residue, if you will. There's

under my fingers skips. One-two...

thing

Vanessa argues. "She has a fever. And

like she's in a coma, Selene agrees. Why isn't she awake with all your poking and prodding

yes? Even a negative result can rule out causes. There's nothing there; therefore, the fever might not

He freezes mid-sentence.

stretches so long I

intense gleam in his unnatural eyes. "You.

she shakes her head. "It's dangerous. Forcing a shift on

says sharply. "We need

examining Ivy's human form, but what

Maybe it isn't her heartbeat. Maybe the ebb and

Grimoire's eyes gleam with triumph. "The wolf exists in a state between

her head. "And even then, it's risky. Her fever's

can something affect only her wolf?" I interject

Lucas and Aurum are separate, even

break your leg

away an annoying fly. "We need to verify this theory before we go down

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