Tangled

Chapter 23

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

14.40

1/7

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

symbol carved into the lid. I shoot Selene a questioning look, but she merely inclines her head sᴇaʀᴄh

toward the box.

breath, I lift the lid.

fabric, is a ring. But not

14:46

27

Ava: Paranoia and Secrets

almost identical to the one I currently have in

wear them both,

At all times.

its resting place. “But why?

not yet time for you to know that. For now, you

I obediently slip the ring onto my finger. An odd

get out of here before I have to groom myself for days to get all this filth out of my

eyes the mud clinging to her paws. “Whatever you say,

to lead the way back through the trees, leaving me to hurry

we walk, the empty box tucked

14

317

Paranoia and Secrets

what all that

It means precisely what I said. You

but

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

“Well, it’s not the best thing for me. I’m

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

deep breath. There’s a lightness to my body that wasn’t there before, a sense of renewed energy thrumming through my veins.

think about it Selene’s voice cuts

14:40 –

Ava: Paranoia and Secrets

thoughts in a sharp

perplexed look. “Think about

she replies flatly. Unless you want

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

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255