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

come with

but her resolute stare tells me she’s dead serious. “Fine, but just a quick walk. I’m

food onto a plate and shove it into the microwave, resigning myself to

of appeasing

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

evening air is a welcome relief after

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Paranoia and Secrets

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

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

months.

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

leash, but she ignores it. “Selene. Come on. Now!” I tug

direction.

yanks me off my feet, and I stumble, barely catching myself

14:45.

38

Ava: Paranoia and

kinds of shenanigans. “Okay. Okay! I

once. Maybe she needs

twigs beneath my 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

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

her antics limited to the occasional bout of mischief around the apartment. But this? This single–minded determination to lead me deeper into the

sweat trickles down the nape of my neck as the air seems

14:45 –

Ava: Paranola and

and decaying foliage taking on an almost cloying quality. My pulse quickens, each

an unfamiliar heat blossoms

abdomen.

happening

and I take the opportunity to glance around, trying to get my bearings. But the trees seem to

wave of dizziness washes over me. The world tilts precariously, the shadows lengthening and distorting until they seem to reach out with gnarled tendrils, seeking to