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

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

toward the box.

I lift the lid.

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

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Paranoia and Secrets (V)

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

to wear them both, Selene says, as if

my thoughts. At all times.

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

you to know that. For now, you must simply trust

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

of satisfaction. Now, let’s get out of here before I have to groom myself for days to get all this filth

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

to lead the way back through the trees, leaving me to

eye Selene warily as we walk,

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and Secrets

are you going to explain what all that pain was

one ear in irritation. It means

frown. “Yeah, but becoming what, exactly?”

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

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

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

renewed

it Selene’s voice

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Ava: Paranoia and Secrets

thoughts in a sharp warning.

blink, shooting her a perplexed look. “Think about what?”

want the attention it

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