Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 439: Ava: Soul Magic

Magister Orion's footsteps echo against the floor of my cabin as he circles me for the tenth time. The sound matches the thrum of anxiety in my chest. Each time he passes behind me, my shoulders tense.

"Please stay still." His deep voice carries notes of concentration.

A warm breeze tickles my scalp as he places his hand near my head again. The sensation reminds me of warm summer days spent out in the sun—pleasant, but unremarkable.

"I apologize, but I must try once more."

My legs itch from standing so still. "Take your time."

His frown deepens with each pass. The wrinkles around his eyes become more pronounced as he squints, as if trying to see through fog.

"I cannot detect what you're describing." He lowers his hand. "The ability to inspect a soul is not a magic we use among the Fae. I sense nothing unusual about you." He then adds hastily, "I'm not doubting your word. Whatever this magic is, it's beyond my understanding. Beyond my sight."

Damn it. With Magister's obsession over reading all things magic-oriented, I'd hoped… "I see. Thank you."

Magister Orion's expression softens. "This simply means we need a different approach. Sister Miriam might have better answers for you."

My shoulders slump at the mention of her name. "I haven't heard from her in months. I don't even know if she's okay."

"Ah." He strokes his chin, his swirling, blue-black eyes distant. "It's likely dangerous for her to attempt contact outside the New Order at present."

She's alive. My heart thumps; while she isn't on my mind daily, I've been worried about her for quite some time. "Why?"

on mine, then slides away as he walks toward the couch to take a seat. "Sister Miriam has worked her way into the bosom of the New Order.

The corners

had to sacrifice allies. It is understandable she wouldn't risk contacting

opinion is like an unwelcome jolt in my head. Sacrifice her allies? She wouldn't

Selene has no such qualms. A

shake my head. The accusation doesn't sit right with me. Sister Miriam might be cryptic and strange, but she doesn't seem the type to sacrifice others. She's helped us so many

form shifts on my couch, the furniture creaking under his weight. A weary hand waves through

"But—"

communities." He cuts off my protest to change the subject. "Though none I'd trust with your secrets. For now, we must wait

The sound reminds me

Between the two of you, maybe you can figure something out.

next obsessive field of research. Grimoire's tone drips with disdain. Have you seen how his eyes light up at the mere mention of new magical knowledge? I've seen him in your memories.

form, scribbling notes with fevered excitement, is enough

head on the Magister's leg, allowing him to pet her

a source of fascination for

as mine." My shoulders lift in a half-hearted shrug. "We stopped trying to figure it out months ago." A pang of guilt stabs through my chest as I add, "Her memories have

attention. "Disappeared, you say? I wonder." His massive form leans forward, causing my

I direct the question inward, where his presence burns like a banked fire. Can

My bond lies with you, not her. I cannot access Selene's

acid in his tone makes me wince. He'd talked about getting to the bottom of her

mind and memories are not the same as her soul. Linked, but not the same. A soul comes with

have no idea," I tell Magister