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 her.

be serious,” I groan, but her resolute stare tells me she’s dead

and shove it into the microwave, resigning myself

dinner in favor of appeasing

wide enough, nearly yanking me off my feet. I stumble after her, the crystal in my pocket seeming to grow heavier with every step.

air is a welcome relief after the

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and Secrets (III)

rhythm, my earlier unease fading into the background. Selene trots

protest, should insist we turn back before we venture too far from home, but some inexplicable force holds my tongue. Instead, I let Selene lead,

months.

I’m feeling extreme regret. We’ve made it to a nearby park, which is essentially 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 walking to get back home. I’m hungry and worn out from the day,

ignores it. “Selene. Come on. Now!” I tug

direction.

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

14:45.

38

Paranoia and Secrets (III)

usually one for these kinds of shenanigans.

Maybe she needs to walk longer.

boots echoing in the stillness. A shiver skitters down my spine. I can’t help but touch the crystal in my pocket, gleaning a little sense of security when I touch it.

streaks, casting an eerie glow over our path. Selene forges ahead, her movements purposeful, almost urgent. I tighten my grip on the leash, my heart. thrumming a staccato rhythm

her. Selene has always been a relatively well–behaved companion, her antics limited to the occasional bout of mischief around the apartment. But this? This single–minded determination to lead me deeper into

down the nape of my neck as the air seems

14:45 –

Paranola and Secrets (III)

almost cloying quality. My pulse quickens,

an unfamiliar heat blossoms deep

abdomen.

is happening to me?

opportunity to glance around, trying to get my bearings. But the trees seem to blur together, an

The world tilts precariously, the shadows lengthening and distorting until they seem to reach out with gnarled