Tangled

Chapter 23

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

toward the box.

a deep breath, I lift the lid.

a ring.

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27

and Secrets (V)

It’s almost identical to

to wear them both, Selene

my thoughts. At all times.

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

not yet time for you to know that. For

I mutter, but I obediently slip the ring onto my finger. An

here before I have to groom myself for days to get all this filth out of

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

eye Selene warily as we walk, the empty box tucked

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Ava: Paranoia and

my arm. “So, are you going to explain what all that pain was about? And what did

irritation. It means precisely what I said.

frown. “Yeah, but becoming what,

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

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

me to stew in silence as we retrace our steps back toward the main path. It’s only

renewed energy thrumming through my veins. The aches and pains from

it Selene’s voice

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and

in a

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

want the attention it will bring.

talking about? How would me running bring any

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