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

a 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

toward the box.

deep breath, I lift the lid.

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

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Ava: Paranoia and

in a deep, vivid purple hue. It’s almost identical to the one I currently have in

wear them both, Selene

my thoughts. At

place. “But why?

you to know that. For

the ring onto my finger. An odd tingle dances across my skin as the

get out of here before I have to groom

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

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

Selene warily as we walk, the empty

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

one ear in irritation. It means precisely

frown. “Yeah, but becoming what,

the best thing for everyone involved. Selene’s tone is firm as

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

back toward the main path. It’s only

that wasn’t there before, a sense of renewed energy thrumming through my veins. The

even think about it Selene’s

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Paranoia and Secrets (V)

thoughts in a sharp

her a perplexed

replies flatly. Unless you want the attention

talking about? How would me