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

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

toward the box.

breath, I lift

bed of soft fabric, is a ring. But not

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Ava: Paranoia and

vivid purple hue. It’s almost identical to the

them both, Selene says, as if

thoughts. At all times.

the ring from its resting place. “But why?

shakes her head. It’s not yet time for you to know that. For now, you must

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

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

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

huff, Selene turns and begins to lead the way

eye Selene warily as we walk, the empty box

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going to explain what all that pain was about? And

means precisely what I said. You were becoming.

frown. “Yeah, but becoming

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

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

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

of renewed energy thrumming through my veins. The aches and pains from earlier have faded,

even think about it Selene’s voice cuts through

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thoughts in a

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

you want the attention it

“What are you talking about? How would me running