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

toward the box.

deep breath, I lift the lid.

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

14:46

27

Paranoia and Secrets (V)

almost identical to the one I currently have in my

them both, Selene says,

thoughts. At

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

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

my finger. An odd tingle

I have to groom myself for days to get all

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

huff, Selene turns and begins to lead the way back

warily as we walk, the empty

14

317

and Secrets

are you going to explain what all that pain was

twitching one ear in irritation. It means

but becoming what, exactly?”

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

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

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

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

even think about it Selene’s voice cuts

14:40 –

Paranoia and Secrets (V)

thoughts in a sharp warning.

her a perplexed look. “Think about

replies flatly. Unless you want the attention

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