Tangled

21 Ava: Paranoia and Secrets (II)

[LISA BURNER: Your brother’s looking for you. I think he believes me that I don’t know anything, but I’m not sure. I’m deleting everything off this phone just in case. I have a bad feeling about this]

[AVA: Be careful. It might be better if we don’t talk for a few weeks. I just heard two shifters talking earlier today; it looks like they’re finally searching.]

[LISA BURNER: I love you, Ave. I’m worried. Have I been watching too many crime documentaries? Anyway, I’ll text you when it’s safer.]

I clutch my phone in fear, the plastic case digging into my palm as I rush out of the lecture hall. My heart pounds with a frantic rhythm, echoing the chaos in my mind. The two shifters‘ words replay in an endless loop, fueling the fear that coils tighter with each passing second.

Escape. I need to escape.

I weave through the throngs of students, desperate to put as much distance between myself and those who might be searching for me. The world around me blurs

14:45

17

21 Ava: Paranola and Secrets (1)

into a kaleidoscope of colors and faces, each one a potential threat. I can’t shake the feeling that eyes are watching my every move, that danger lurks in every shadow.

The bus stop offers a brief respite, and I collapse onto the bench, gasping for air. My eyes dart back and forth, scanning the crowd for any sign of pursuit. The minutes crawl by, each one amplifying the tension coiled within me.

Finally, the bus arrives, and I board with a sense of urgency, clutching my bag close to my chest. As it lurches forward, I sink into a seat near the back, my gaze fixed on the window, searching for any suspicious figures or movements.

every passenger a potential enemy. I study their faces, their mannerisms, looking for any telltale signs that might give away their true nature.

spot Selene waiting patiently, her bright

• 14:45 — ).

217

and Secrets

weight on my shoulders eases. Together, we hurry

as sobs wrack my body. Fear, frustration, and a deep sense of isolation crash

turmoil. I cling to her, my fingers tangling in her soft fur, drawing

The tears flor

building within me. I cry for the life I’ve lost, for the family that has turned their backs on me, for the constant

startle awake, my cheek pressed against my knees as the last vestiges of a nightmare cling

Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ ꜰindNʘvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and

Paranoia and Secrets (i)

of sleep, taking in the familiar surroundings of my apartment, lit only by moonlight peeking

with concern. A wave of affection washes over me as I reach out to stroke her silky fur, her

reminding me that I haven’t eaten properly since

weary smile as I make my way

motions of cooking are soothing, a welcome distraction from

ease,

air with a comforting warmth.

Paranoia and Secrets

me so tightly begins to loosen its hold,

sitting in the doorway, the unmistakable glimmer of the purple crystal clenched between her jaws. A surprised laugh escapes my lips as I

over the past few

troublemaker?” I chide, holding the crystal up to the fading light.

gasp, nearly dropping the crystal in surprise, but something holds me transfixed, my gaze locked on the mesmerizing