Tangled

22 Ava: Paranoia and Secrets (III)

22 Ava: Paranoia and Secrets (III)

I try to slip the crystal back into the drawer of my nightstand, but Selene darts forward, her body wriggling between me and the furniture like a furry battering ram. With a huff of frustration, I pull my hand back, the crystal still clutched in my fist.”

“Selene, down,” I scold, but she remains resolutely in my path, those pale blue eyes fixed on the object in my grasp.

Realizing this is a battle I won’t win, I shove the crystal into the pocket of my jeans, ignoring the uneasy weight that seems to settle in my gut at its presence. Selene’s tail wags, and she trots back toward the kitchen, pausing every few steps to glance over her shoulder, as if ensuring I follow.

The aroma of the sautéed vegetables greets me as I re–enter the kitchen, and my stomach rumbles in

anticipation. But as I move to finish plating the meal, Selene darts underfoot, nearly sending me sprawling. I sidestep her clumsily, shooting her a glare.

“What has gotten into you?” I mutter, stirring the

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22 Ava: Paranoia and Secrets (1)

contents of the pan with perhaps more force than

necessary.

Selene whines, her nose pointed toward the front. door, and understanding dawns.

“All right, all right.” I rush over to open the front door.

But Selene remains rooted to the spot, her gaze flickering between me and the door, an insistent whine escaping her. I frown as realization sets in–she wants

to come with

me she’s dead serious. “Fine, but just a

a plate and shove it into the

dinner in favor of appeasing

it’s open wide enough, nearly yanking me off my feet. I stumble after her, the crystal in my pocket seeming

a welcome relief

2/6

Paranoia and Secrets (III)

Selene trots ahead, her nose twitching as she investigates every nook and cranny, but

force holds my tongue. Instead, I let Selene lead, trusting in the bond we’ve forged

months.

a trail going through a small bit of city forest. My food is cold at home, and we have at least a half hour of

tug at her leash, but she ignores it. “Selene. Come on. Now!” I tug harder and try to start

direction.

my feet, and I stumble, barely catching myself before I fall. “You’ve gotta be kidding

14:45.

38

Ava: Paranoia and

for these kinds of shenanigans.

gone potty once. Maybe she

fallen leaves and twigs beneath my boots echoing in the

her movements purposeful, almost urgent. I tighten my grip on the leash, my heart. thrumming

the occasional bout of mischief around the apartment. But this? This single–minded determination to lead me deeper into the shadows feels different. Foreboding.

trickles down the nape of my neck as the air seems to thicken

14:45 –

Paranola and Secrets

taking on an almost cloying

heat blossoms

abdomen.

is happening to

take the opportunity to glance around, trying to get my bearings. But

washes over me. The world tilts precariously, the shadows lengthening and distorting