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.

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

leap from my seat. Relief washes over me as I spot Selene waiting patiently, her bright blue

• 14:45 — ).

217

Ava: Paranoia and

on my shoulders eases. Together, we hurry towards

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

midst of my turmoil. I cling to her, my fingers tangling in her

The tears flor

a release of the pent–up emotions that have been building within me. I cry for the life I’ve lost, for the family that has turned their backs on me,

my knees as the

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

Ava Paranoia and

taking in the familiar surroundings

affection washes over me as I reach out to stroke her silky fur, her presence a constant reminder that I’m not

the tension in my body begins to uncoil, 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 the prolonged

time, girl,” I murmur, offering Selene a weary smile as I

cooking are soothing, a welcome distraction from

motions with practiced ease, the sizzle of the pan and the aroma

filling the air with a

and Secrets

that had gripped me so tightly begins to loosen its hold, replaced by a

between her jaws. A surprised laugh

over the past few

chide, holding the crystal up to the fading

my 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