Tangled

119 Ava: Her Power

I wish I could share Lisa’s optimism, but the weight of this newfound knowledge settles heavily on my

shoulders. If what Selene says is true, then I’m not just different from other shifters. I’m different from

everyone.

There’s something else you should know, Selene says, her voice taking on a somber note. Your connection to the elements is like a beacon. Other sensitive beings might be able to sense it, to feel the power that lies dormant within you.

My heart sinks at her words. “What does that mean for

me?”

It means that you’ll be in danger if you leave the safety of the Westwood pack lands, Selene replies, her tone grave. There are those who would seek to exploit your power for their own gain, or worse, to eliminate you as a threat. Though most shifters lack any true memory of our time as Great Wolves, as Lycans, the instinct is still there… if they’re strong enough.

I slump back against the couch, my shoulders.

119 Ava Hor Power

drooping under the weight of this revelation. It’s not enough that I’m an outsider among my own kind, or that I’m caught between two powerful alphas—though Clayton has been absurdly kind about giving me the distance I need. Now, I have to worry about being

hunted down by god knows who, all because of some mystical connection to the elements that I never asked

for.

“I can’t even leave?” I whisper, my voice small and broken. “I’m trapped here, like some kind of prisoner?”

Perhaps for now, for your own protection, Selene says, nuzzling her head against my leg in a gesture of

comfort. Until you learn to control your powers, until you can defend yourself, it’s the only way to keep you

safe.

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, hot and stinging. I blink them back, refusing to let them fall.

become stronger yet. I’m not

sit here and wait for someone to come and teach me how to be a

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29

Her

figure it out, Selene assures me, her voice filled with a quiet confidence. You’re not alone in this, Ava. You have me, and

my voice barely audible. “I want to be able to live my life without constantly

kill me.”

like a whining

tight hug. “I know, sweetie. But you’re not alone in

strength from her presence. It’s a small comfort, but it’s enough to keep me from

her voice filled with a quiet determination. I promise you, Ava. We’ll find a way to keep you safe, to help you understand

powers.

You’d mentioned feeling as

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Ava Hor Power

died a few times. What exactly do you mean by that?” Lisa asks when I

once more.

take a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. “It was… intense,” I begin, my voice barely above a whisper. “I

memories flooding back with a sickening clarity. “I was burned alive, drowned, buried, and suffocated. Each time, it felt so real. The pain, the fear… it was like I was actually

echoing in my mind. Your consciousness was trapped in the place between worlds,

from shock to confusion. “What does that

our kind go when

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Her Power

Selene’s words settling heavily on my shoulders. “So, I was basically in some kind of

sadness. Your soul was lost, trapped between life and death. I could sense

was. Who else would be in my head? “The one telling me to

back.”

your soul was torn apart by the elements. I had to guide you back, to help you find your

them back, swallowing past the lump

Stronger than you know. You would have found your way back, even

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Ava: Her Power

help.

It’s a small comfort, knowing that I have someone in my corner, someone who believes in me even when I don’t