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

strange symbol carved into the lid. I shoot Selene a questioning look, but she merely inclines her head sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find

toward the box.

deep breath, I

ring. But not just any

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identical to

need to wear them both, Selene says, as

thoughts. At

frown, gingerly lifting the ring from its resting place. “But why? What’s so

yet time for you to know that. For now, you

ring onto my finger. An odd tingle

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

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

a huff, Selene turns and begins to lead the way back through the trees, leaving me to hurry

as we walk, the

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Ava: Paranoia and Secrets

my arm. “So, are you going to explain what all that pain

chuffs, twitching one ear in irritation. It means precisely what I said. You

“Yeah, but

Selene’s tone is firm as she pads across the

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

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

a lightness to my body that wasn’t there before, a sense of renewed energy thrumming through my veins. The aches and pains from earlier have faded, leaving me feeling almost refreshed.

think about it Selene’s voice cuts

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and Secrets (V)

a

shooting her a perplexed

Unless you want the attention it will bring.

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