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.

tracks. We need to get back to the others. Kellan

from the trees, his chest barely rising and falling despite the clear effort he's exerted to His eyes, sharp and wary,

tight with concern as he approaches me, nostrils flaring as he scents the

mind. "I thought I saw someone out here. But they're

perplexed by the second. "That's odd. I don't smell anyone else. Just you and

17:30

A

me, mingling with the adrenaline still pumping through my veins. How could Kellan not detect the stranger's scent? Selene had clearly caught

but something holds me back. The stranger's parting comment about needing permission 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 cloud of

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

is always

to piece together, I

it's probably best to keep

I say instead, shaking

the concern doesn't leave his eyes. It's a little insulting to know that he thinks being mistaken is

his eyes, but that's something that can only be changed with time. Everyone thinks of me as the one who needs to

be nice if

It will.

confidence is

a hand against my shoulder, Kellan glances around again. "Let's

Selene padding silently beside me. I can feel her gaze on me, knowing and expectant, but

think it's best if you stay inside. We'll be adding more guards. At least until we are

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

Kellan's face, followed by a frown. "Are you sure that's a good idea? After

But there's a nagging feeling in my gut, urging me to try again. Especially now, with the appearance of this mysterious stranger. He's too comfortable here in Blackwood lands. Mom

see her," I say, injecting as much conviction into

17:39

I can

for a long moment before sighing. TI let

know."

It isn't consent.

because of her. I want to