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?"

to take a seat. "Sister Miriam has worked her way into the bosom of the New Order. The cost was...

body language to be so evasive. The corners of my lips tug

is understandable she wouldn't risk

like an unwelcome jolt in my head. Sacrifice her allies? She

Selene has no such qualms. A dhampir is not like us, Ava. Their

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 times, demanding little to nothing in return. "What do you mean by cost,

weight. A weary hand waves through the air. "That's a story

"But—"

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

echoes in my mind. The sound reminds me of thunder rolling across

you come out and speak with him directly? I ask Grimoire. Between the two of you, maybe you can figure something out. They're both masters of

becoming his 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. No,

hunched over Grimoire's book form, scribbling notes with fevered

her head on the Magister's leg, allowing him to pet her head and ears as she sits in front

long been a source of fascination for him. "Still so fascinating. A wolf spirit residing in a husky's form. How is this

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

ears together, then releases them. She doesn't even twitch at the contact, content to bask in his attention. "Disappeared, you say? I wonder." His massive form leans forward, causing my poor couch to protest. "Does your companion have access to her soul? Perhaps she

inward, where his presence burns like a banked fire.

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

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

same as her soul. Linked, but not the

idea," I tell Magister