Tangled

24 Ava: Paranoia and Secrets (V)

I stare at Selene in utter confusion. “Dig? What do you mean, dig?”

Precisely what I said, she replies, her tone brooking no argument. Dig.

I glance around the small clearing, taking in the soft carpet of moss and fallen leaves. “With what? My hands?” The mere thought of digging into the earth with my bare fingers fills me with a strange revulsion.

Selene lets out a huff of annoyance. Yes, with your hands. I would do it myself, but… She pauses, eyeing the ground with distaste. I don’t like to get mud between my claws.

I can’t help but snort at that. “Are you sure you’re not just a husky after all? Because that’s a very husky–like attitude.”

In response, Selene snaps at the air, her jaws closing with an audible click. Enough stalling, she growls. Dig.

With a sigh, I sink to my knees and begin to dig, scooping handfuls of damp earth aside. Selene

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24 Ava Paranoia and Secrets (V)

watches me intently, her tail swishing back and forth.

Deeper, she urges after a few moments.

I grimace as my fingers sink into the cool, loamy soil. “This is so gross. You owe me a manicure after this.”

Selene merely flicks an ear, unimpressed by my complaints.

As I continue to dig, my arms quickly grow tired from the exertion. Sweat beads on my brow, and I can feel the grime caking beneath my nails. Ugh.

Finally, my fingers scrape against something hard and unyielding. I pause, brushing away the remaining soil to reveal…a box?

going, Selene

free from the earth. It’s a simple wooden affair, unremarkable save for a strange symbol carved into the lid. I shoot Selene a questioning look, but she merely

toward the box.

breath, I

a ring. But not just any ring–the

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Ava: Paranoia and

purple hue. It’s almost identical to the

to wear them both, Selene says, as

thoughts. At

place. “But why? What’s so special

shakes her head. It’s not yet time for you to

ominous,” I mutter, but I obediently slip the ring onto my finger. An odd tingle dances across my skin as the two crystals are united.

is one of satisfaction. Now, let’s get out of here before I have

giggle at her disdainful expression as she eyes the mud clinging to her paws. “Whatever you say, princess. I’ll make sure to book you

a huff, Selene turns and begins to lead the way back through the

eye Selene warily as we walk, the empty box tucked

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Paranoia and

that pain was about? And what did you mean

chuffs, twitching one ear in irritation. It means

“Yeah, but

thing for everyone involved. Selene’s tone is firm as she pads across the small clearing toward the

I hurry to catch up, leaves crunching underfoot. “Well, it’s not the best thing for me. I’m so confused right

toward the main path. It’s only when we reach the trailhead that I realize something feels… different.

of renewed energy thrumming through my veins.

it Selene’s voice cuts through

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Paranoia and

in a sharp warning.

perplexed look.

you want the attention it will

echo, baffled. “What are you talking about? How would me running bring any attention?”