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

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

an unwelcome jolt in my head. Sacrifice her allies? She wouldn't do

in response, but Selene has no such qualms. A dhampir is

doesn't seem the type to sacrifice others. She's helped us so many times,

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

"But—"

contacts among the vampire communities." He cuts off my protest to change the subject. "Though none I'd trust with your

sound reminds me of

ask Grimoire. Between the two of you, maybe you can figure something out. They're both

disdain. Have you seen how

form, scribbling notes with fevered excitement, is enough to

pet her head and ears as she sits

ears; she's long been a source of fascination for him. "Still so fascinating. A wolf spirit residing

shrug. "We stopped trying to figure it out months ago." A pang

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

presence burns like a banked fire. Can

with you, not her. I cannot access Selene's soul any more

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

soul. Linked, but not the

idea," I