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

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

toward the box.

deep breath, I lift the lid.

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

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Ava: Paranoia and Secrets

hue. It’s almost identical to

them both, Selene says,

my thoughts. At all times.

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

to know that. For now, you

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

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

to her paws. “Whatever you say, princess. I’ll make sure to book you a grooming appointment first thing in

a huff, Selene turns and begins to lead the way

as we walk, the

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all that pain was about? And what did you mean

one ear in irritation. It means precisely what I

“Yeah, but becoming

everyone involved. Selene’s tone is firm as she pads across the small clearing

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

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

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

it Selene’s voice cuts through

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Paranoia and

a sharp warning.

blink, shooting her a perplexed look. “Think

replies flatly. Unless you want the

echo, baffled. “What are you talking about? How would