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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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 prompts.

wooden affair, unremarkable save for a strange symbol carved into the lid. I shoot Selene a questioning look, but

toward the box.

a deep breath, I lift the lid.

fabric, is a ring. But not just any ring–the centerpiece is a large,

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deep, vivid purple hue. It’s almost identical

wear them both, Selene

my thoughts. At all times.

resting place. “But why? What’s so special about these crystals?”

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

finger. An odd tingle dances across my skin as the two crystals are

is one of satisfaction. Now, let’s get out of here before I have to groom myself for days

can’t help but 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 grooming appointment first thing in the morning.”

to lead the way back through the trees, leaving me

we walk, the empty box tucked

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“So, are you going to explain what all that pain was about? And what did you

means precisely

but becoming what,

involved. Selene’s tone is firm as she pads across the small

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

back toward the main path.

to my body that wasn’t there before, a sense of renewed energy thrumming through my veins. The aches and pains from earlier have

it Selene’s

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a

a perplexed look. “Think about

Unless you want the attention it

baffled. “What are you talking about? How would me running