Tangled

169

169

169 Ava: A Strange Meeting

Confusion flickers across the stranger's face for a moment before understanding dawns. "Ah, I see. If you saw someone just now, it was likely a manifestation of your own fears. A distraction, meant to throw off I stare at him, my mind struggling to comprehend his words. A manifestation of my fears? How is that even possible?

Selene pads forward, her nose twitching as she sniffs at the stranger's feet. To my shock, her hackles remain flat, her tail giving a tentative wag. She's never reacted this way to a potential threat before. He is not a danger to us, but he is not an ally, she tells me.

"What are you?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

The stranger tilts his head, studying me with those unsettling eyes. "I could ask the same of you. Why is a witch running with the Blackwood Pack?"

The word "witch" hits me like a punch to the gut, stealing the breath from my lungs.

The only ones to call me that are vampires.

Careful, Ava. Selene's warning echoes through my mind, even as she continues to sniff at the stranger's shoes.

The stranger glances at Selene, distaste crossing his face, but he allows her to sniff. Then he glances over my shoulder. "I'm afraid we'll have to continue this conversation another time. Once you

17:30

10 AW A Kuangs Meeting

have permission from my mother, that is."

"Your mother?" I echo, confusion and frustration warring within me. "What are you talking about?"

But the stranger is already backing away, melting into the shadows as if they were never there at all. I lunge forward, desperate for answers, but my hands close on empty air.

I hesitate, torn between the desire to chase after the mysterious stranger and the knowledge that I can't just go off running.

I've been kidnapped enough times that I really should have learned my lesson.

firm, halting me in my tracks. We need to

see Kellan bursting forth from the trees, his chest barely rising

with concern as he

stranger's cryptic words still echo in my mind. "I thought I saw someone out here. But they're gone

inhale, his expression growing more perplexed by the second. "That's odd. I don't smell anyone else. Just you

17:30

Ave A Stranjas

swirls within me, mingling with the adrenaline still pumping through my veins. How could Kellan not detect the stranger's

from his mother-whoever that might be-leaves me unsettled. There are too many secrets surrounding my pack. Things about Blackwood don't make sense, as though there's a

should know more. If I'd known how my life would turn out, I would

always better, I

these scraps of information I'm somehow supposed to piece together, I glance at Kellan,

more information, it's probably

I say instead, shaking my head. "It's been a

his eyes. It's a little insulting to know that he thinks being mistaken

pull the wool over his eyes, but that's something that can only be changed with time. Everyone

if that changes one

It will.

confidence is a

"Let's get you back to the

silently beside me. I can feel her gaze on me,

lodge, Kellan clears his throat. "I think it's best if you stay inside. We'll be adding more guards. At least until we are certain no

stop short, turning to face him. "Actually, I was hoping to see Vanessa. I want to visit my

face, followed by a frown. "Are you sure

me to try again. Especially now, with the appearance of this mysterious stranger. He's too comfortable here in Blackwood lands. Mom might know

to see her," I

17:39

as I

a long moment before sighing. TI let

know."

It isn't consent.

I'm here because of her. I want