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.

their faces, their mannerisms, looking for any telltale signs that might give away their true nature. But all I see

the bus finally reaches my stop, I practically leap from my seat. Relief washes over me as I spot Selene waiting patiently, her bright blue eyes a beacon of familiarity in a world

• 14:45 — ).

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Ava: Paranoia and Secrets

and for a moment, the weight on my shoulders eases. Together,

slide down against the door, burying my face in my hands as sobs wrack my body. Fear, frustration, and a deep sense

whines softly, nuzzling against my side, her warmth a comforting presence in the midst of my turmoil. I

The tears flor

pent–up emotions that have been building within me. I cry for the life I’ve lost, for the family

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

access chapters of novels

Paranoia and Secrets (i)

Disoriented, I blink away the haze of sleep, taking in the familiar surroundings of my apartment, lit only

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

my body begins to uncoil, my stomach rumbles, reminding me that I haven’t eaten properly since breakfast. With a

a weary smile

motions of cooking are soothing, a welcome distraction from

with practiced ease, the sizzle of

vegetables filling the air with a

Ava: Paranoia and

a panic. The fear that had gripped me so tightly begins to loosen its hold, replaced by a steely resolve. I cannot let the threat of discovery paralyze me; I won’t go back. I am free

of the purple crystal clenched between her jaws. A surprised laugh escapes my lips as I cross the room, reaching out to gently pry the object from her mouth.

times over

did you find this, you little troublemaker?” I chide,

fingers curl around the smooth surface, a jolt of energy courses through me, setting my nerves alight with a tingling sensation. I gasp, nearly dropping the crystal in surprise, but something holds me transfixed, my gaze locked on the mesmerizing play of light