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?

Selene prompts.

symbol carved into the lid. I shoot Selene a questioning look, but she merely inclines her head sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find ɴøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters

toward the box.

deep breath, I lift the lid.

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

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27

and Secrets

hue. It’s almost identical to the one I currently have in my pocket.

them both,

At all

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

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

slip the ring onto my finger. An odd tingle dances across my skin as the two crystals are united.

Now, let’s get out of here before I have to groom

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

way back through the

Selene warily as we walk, the empty

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Paranoia and Secrets (V)

going to explain what all that pain was about? And what did you mean by

ear in irritation. It means precisely what

but becoming

Selene’s tone is firm as she pads

hurry to catch up, leaves crunching underfoot. “Well, it’s not the best

our steps back toward the main path. It’s only when we reach the trailhead that I

my body that wasn’t there before, a sense of renewed energy

it

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and

a

her a perplexed look. “Think about what?”

you want the attention it will

about?