Tangled

99 Ava: Life in Westwood (IV)

A plastic thud startles me awake. I crack open an eye to see Lisa’s alarm clock skitter across the floor, her arm still extended from the throw. O

“I can’t do this anymore,” she moans into her pillow. “Everything hurts. I think my eyelashes are sore.”

I laugh, but it turns into a groan as I slide out of bed, my muscles screaming in protest. Four days of Jericho’s training from hell, and my body still hasn’t adjusted. I’m not sure it ever will.

“Do you think the bodyguards would murder Jericho if we asked nicely?” Lisa’s voice is muffled, her face still buried in her pillow.

“Stop dreaming.” I limp to the bathroom, each step an agony. “And get ready. You know he’ll just make it worse if we’re late.”

Lisa’s groan follows me as I shut the door, a smile tugging at my lips despite the pain. As much as I hate the early mornings and the constant ache in my muscles, there’s a part of me that relishes the challenge. Each day I push myself further, each day I

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99 Ava: Life in Westwood (IV)

grow stronger.

Selene would be proud.

The thought sobers me as I stare at my reflection in the mirror. Four days, and still no sign of her. I’m starting to wonder if she’ll ever come back. If I’ll ever be whole again.

I splash water on my face, the cold shock chasing away the melancholy thoughts. I can’t afford to dwell on what I’ve lost. Not when I have so much to gain.

By the time I emerge from the bathroom, Lisa is up and dressed, her hair pulled back into a messy ponytail. She shoots me a baleful look as she tugs on her

sneakers.

“I hate you for being a morning person.”

“I’m not a morning person,” I protest, grabbing my water bottle. “I’m just better at pretending than you

are.”

Lisa snorts, but there’s a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. “Fake it till you make it, right?”

take a deep breath, steeling myself for another

13:37

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Ava: Life in Westwood (IV)

she stretches out

Lisa and I groan in unison. We don’t have to check. Of course it’s

the door, eyeing Kellan with exasperation. “Don’t

expression remains impassive. “There’s nothing in

creeps up her cheeks. Well, well. What do we have here? But before I can needle her about it, she shoves past Kellan, leaving me to follow

Jericho. Another day of his disapproval and disdain. I’m really starting to like him, but also I hate him

predicted, he’s waiting for us, his scarred face

“You’re late.”

aring at him “We’ll make it

Lile in Westwood (IV)

All you can eat, if we can just take

games? Fine. Run another mile. Both of you. Now.”

a groan, shooting Lisa a glare. She shrugs, unrepentant, and takes off at a jog. I follow, my legs protesting

is my life now. Early mornings, aching muscles, and a trainer who seems to hate us. But as much

I need this. Need to be stronger, faster,

myself. For whatever comes next.

pushing through the pain. One foot in

does every damn day -my legs burn. Lactic acid (something I’ve learned about in recent days) scorches my muscles, a deep, throbbing ache that pulses with each labored breath. I’m convinced my limbs have liquefied, reduced to useless, quivering jelly.

in Westwood (IV)

face flushed crimson from

cuts through the haze of

argument.

be kidding me.” Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ (ꜰind)ɴʘvel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the

the movement sends a fresh wave of agony through my body. “Sorry, Jericho. My

a sneer. “Well, aren’t

a glance, a silent acknowledgment that we’ve pushed our luck too far. Jericho’s patience, it seems, has reached its limit.

icy slits.

choose.”

a leaden weight in my chest. Neither option appeals, not with my body screaming for mercy.

alternative–incurring Jericho’s

Life in

far worse. He likes coming up

swallow hard, my mouth dry as I force the words past

she echoes, her voice a hoarse whisper.

is a razor’s edge, sharp and unforgiving. “Good choice.”