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.

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

the food onto a plate and shove it into

dinner in favor of appeasing my

the second it’s open wide enough, nearly yanking me off my feet. I stumble after her, the

evening air is a welcome relief after

2/6

and

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 she investigates every nook and cranny, but her

back before we venture too far from home, but some inexplicable force holds my tongue. Instead, I let Selene lead, trusting in the bond we’ve forged over these past few

months.

hour later, 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, and

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

direction.

feet, and I stumble, barely catching myself before

14:45.

38

Ava: Paranoia and Secrets

of shenanigans. “Okay. Okay! I get it, you aren’t done.”

hasn’t gone potty once. Maybe

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, gleaning a little sense of security when I touch

path. Selene forges ahead, her movements purposeful, almost urgent. I

occasional bout of mischief

down the nape of my neck as the air seems to thicken around us, the

14:45 –

Paranola and

almost cloying quality.

as an unfamiliar heat blossoms

abdomen.

happening

scents the air, and I take the opportunity to glance around, trying to get my bearings. But the trees seem to blur together, an endless maze of bark and branches that offers no clear path of

wave of dizziness washes over me. The world tilts