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.

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

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 that suddenly feels

• 14:45 — ).

217

Paranoia and

trots over to me, her tail wagging, and for a moment, the weight on my shoulders eases. Together, we hurry towards

as sobs wrack my body. Fear, frustration, and a deep

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

The tears flor

the family that

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

Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and

Paranoia and

the haze of sleep, taking in the familiar surroundings of my apartment, lit only by moonlight peeking in through the window.

curled up at my feet, her piercing blue eyes regarding me with concern. A wave of affection washes over me as

my stomach rumbles, reminding me that I haven’t eaten properly since breakfast. With a groan, I push myself up from the floor, my limbs protesting

murmur, offering Selene a weary smile as I make

a welcome distraction from the turmoil

I move through the motions with practiced ease, the sizzle of the pan and the aroma

vegetables filling the air with

Ava: Paranoia and Secrets

of the day, replaying the hushed conversation that had sent me spiraling into a panic. The fear that had gripped me so tightly begins to loosen

the purple crystal clenched between her jaws. A surprised laugh escapes my lips as I cross the room, reaching out

times over

troublemaker?” I chide,

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