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 her.

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

and shove it into the

in favor of appeasing

furiously as I clip the leash onto her collar, and she darts out the door the second it’s open wide enough, nearly yanking me off my feet. I stumble after

is a welcome relief after the

2/6

and Secrets (III)

of the apartment, and I find myself falling into an easy rhythm, my earlier unease fading into the background. Selene trots ahead, her nose twitching as

some inexplicable force holds my tongue. Instead, I let Selene lead, trusting in the

months.

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

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

direction.

I stumble, barely catching

14:45.

38

Ava: Paranoia and

Selene’s not usually one for these kinds of shenanigans. “Okay. Okay! I get it,

Maybe she needs

the shadowed treeline, the crunch of fallen leaves and 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,

glow over our path. Selene forges ahead, her movements

well–behaved companion, her antics limited to the occasional bout of mischief around the apartment.

my neck as the air seems to thicken

14:45 –

22 Ava: Paranola and

and decaying foliage taking on an almost cloying

as an unfamiliar heat blossoms deep

abdomen.

is happening

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

dizziness washes over me. The world