Tangled

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173 Ava: Hard Truths

Vanessa sighs, her hand warm and gentle against my back, rubbing in soothing circles. "Ava, understand that you can be wrong, even when you're right. Or right, even when you're wrong." A laugh bubbles up, hysterical and wild. "That makes no sense."

"You chafe under his protection. You feel caged, right?"

A quick nod. Of course. That much is obvious.

"It's okay to feel that way. It's normal, even. But is Lucas wrong to keep your safety in consideration?"

Selene sighs, bumping her head against my legs, and I tug at one of her ears. "No, of course not."

"The party was a terrible misfortune. None of us expected a

vampire attack on pack lands. For something like this to happen..." Her words trail off, and she glances away. "I don't even know how long it's been. We knew Blackwood was working with the Unregistered in some way, but to have this level of alliance is unheard of."

Hunching my shoulders, I mutter, "I never would have gone, if I'd known."

"I know." The gentle rubbing never ceases. "And Lucas didn't blame you. He doesn't blame you. He blames himself."

"But he didn't do anything wrong. It was me." Guilt gnaws at me. "I was the one who bothered him about the guards. About my freedom. I pushed to go to the party. Everything was because of

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173 Ava: Hard Truths

1. me. The vampire wanted me, and now Lisa's gone."

Resting my forehead on my knees, I whisper, "I'm a plague to

everyone who cares about me. So many people are dead, and even Lisa..."

"A defeatist attitude isn't going to help you, Ava." The back rubs stop as Vanessa gets off the bed, her voice firming. "The time for wallowing is long past. You've grown stronger, and you're no longer the flinching massacre happened. Neither you or Lucas knew it would happen. It's a terrible and unfortunate situation."

"But it's my fault. What am I supposed to do?" Turning my head so my cheek is against my knees, I watch Vanessa as she stands in front of me. "It's my fault. I should have just sat at home and kept my mouths danger..."

Vanessa stares at me, one brow raised, as my words trail off.

saying something wrong. I can tell in

holds me captive, demanding

Your only two choices in life? To go to the party without guards, risking everything for a taste of freedom, or to stay locked away in your apartment, watched at all times

when she lays

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173 Ava: Hard Truths

ground, Ava? No way to get what you wanted while staying within the

of my stubborn resolve. I want to argue, to defend my actions, but the weight of her wisdom holds me back. Is she right? Could

reminder of her presence. Perhaps I pushed too hard as well, little wolf. Her voice is more hesitant than I've ever heard

feeling too childish in how I'm moping,

amazing, one of the few supports in my world. So I take a deep breath and think, letting her words soak in, pushing Lucas and his anger far

sounds pathetic, even to my own

understanding. "The world is rarely black and white, Ava. It's a tapestry woven with countless shades of gray. Do you believe everything is

not." The answer comes easily, a truth I've

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123 Ava Hard Truths

stark contrasts? Why do you see only the extremes, without considering the possibilities that lie

easier? Easier to believe I have no choice, that I'm backed into a corner with no

it? Deep down, I know there were other options, other paths I could have taken. Compromises I could have made, if only I'd been willing to look beyond my own stubborn pride. I was too determined to stand

to prove my independence than

wanted to prove that I could make my own choices, that I'm r Vanessa grabs my hand in hers, the warmth of her grasp traveling up

Selene insists, with the softest whine. You are much

echoes. "But that doesn't mean

is weakness. That doesn't mean

on v

123 Ae Yard Trich

doesn't

voice is soft as she continues, "The desire for freedom, for autonomy, is a powerful thing. But it's important to remember I nod, blinking back the tears that threaten to

with our enemies, it is a consequence that we should have avoided." A flicker of sadness crosses her face.

Like me.

Only thinking of Lisa.

have been more careful, more thoughtful,"

"What do you think you

how my words are causing you to feel. Not on

my hand gently as my phone buzzes.

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