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.

simple wooden affair, unremarkable save for a strange 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 of novels early

toward the box.

deep breath, I lift the

a bed of soft fabric, is a ring. But not just any ring–the centerpiece is a

14:46

27

Ava: Paranoia and Secrets

almost identical to the one I

them both,

thoughts. At all

resting place. “But

not yet time for you to

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

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

disdainful expression as she eyes the mud clinging to her paws. “Whatever you say, princess.

and begins to lead the way back through

eye Selene warily as we walk, the empty box tucked

14

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and

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

ear in irritation. It means precisely what I

“Yeah, but

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

it’s not the best thing for me. I’m so

retrace our steps back toward the main path.

of renewed energy thrumming through my veins. The aches and pains from earlier have faded, leaving me feeling almost

think about it Selene’s

14:40 –

Ava: Paranoia and Secrets

in a sharp

a perplexed look. “Think about what?”

Unless you want the attention

echo, baffled. “What are you talking about?