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 prompts.

I shoot Selene a questioning look, but she merely inclines her head sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find ɴøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and

toward the box.

a deep breath, I

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

14:46

27

Ava: Paranoia and

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

to wear them both, Selene

thoughts. At all

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

yet time for you to know that.

ring onto my finger. An

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

her paws. “Whatever you say, princess. I’ll

lead the way back through the trees,

warily as we walk, the empty box tucked

14

317

and

that pain was about? And what did you mean

in irritation. It means precisely

“Yeah, but becoming

tone is firm

catch up, leaves crunching underfoot. “Well, it’s not the best

stew in silence as we retrace our steps back toward the main path. It’s only when we reach the trailhead that I realize something feels…

of renewed

even think about it Selene’s voice

14:40 –

Paranoia and Secrets (V)

thoughts in a sharp warning.

her a perplexed look. “Think about what?”

she replies flatly. Unless you want the attention it will

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