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

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?

Selene

I manage to pry the box free from the earth. It’s 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 Find

toward the box.

breath, I lift the lid.

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

14:46

27

Paranoia and Secrets

a deep, vivid purple hue. It’s almost identical to

to wear them both,

my thoughts. At

the ring from its resting place. “But why? What’s so special

to know that. For now, you

the ring onto my finger. An odd

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

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

to lead the way back through the trees,

warily as we walk,

14

317

Ava: Paranoia and Secrets

you going to explain what all that

in irritation. It means

frown. “Yeah, but becoming what,

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

leaves crunching underfoot. “Well, it’s

the main path. It’s only when we reach the trailhead that I realize something feels…

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

think about it Selene’s voice

14:40 –

Ava: Paranoia and

in a

shooting her a perplexed look. “Think about

replies flatly. Unless you want the attention it will

baffled. “What are you talking about? How would