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?

going, Selene prompts.

save for a strange symbol carved into the lid. I shoot Selene a questioning look, but she merely inclines her

toward the box.

deep breath, I

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

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Ava: Paranoia and Secrets (V)

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

them both,

thoughts. At

its resting place. “But why? What’s so

to know that. For now, you must simply

obediently slip the ring onto my 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 this filth out

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

turns and begins to lead the way back through the trees, leaving me to hurry

warily as we walk, the empty box tucked

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what all that pain was about? And what did

in irritation. It means precisely what I said.

frown. “Yeah, but becoming

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

I hurry to catch up, leaves crunching underfoot. “Well, it’s not the best thing for me. I’m so confused

back toward the main

wasn’t there before, a sense of renewed energy thrumming through my veins. The aches and pains from earlier have faded, leaving me

about it Selene’s voice cuts through

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and Secrets

a sharp warning.

her a perplexed look. “Think about

replies flatly. Unless you want the attention it will bring.

baffled. “What are you talking about? How would me