Tangled

Unshift 215

Unshift 215

215 Ava: Going to Sister Miriam Again (1)

The candle wick flickers to blazing life. Marcus and Liam's hands are heavy on my shoulders, grounding me as Adam and Vanessa complete the chain. Selene's fur brushes my leg, a s nt reminder of her presence.

I focus on Sister Miriam, on my desperate need to understand... everything.

My powers. The city. These phone calls. Steve. The Fae. The Moon Goddess. Lisa. And that damned Mad Prince.

The flame flickers, casting eerie shadows across the faces of those gathered around me. I close my eyes, picturing Sister Miriam's enigmatic smile, her ruby eyes glittering with secrets. Sister Miriam, I need you.

I hold my breath, waiting for the rush of magic, the dizzying sensation of being transported across space and time.

But nothing happens.

I open my eyes, blinking in confusion. We're still in my room, surrounded by the trappings of my everyday life. Kellan and

Jericho exchange a glance, their expressions a mix of curiosity and

concern.

"When's it supposed to happen?" Kellan asks, his brow furrowing.

A sinking feeling takes hold of my gut. "I don't know. It worked before."

Staring at the candle, I whisper Sister Miriam's name, each syllable

15:00 C

215 Ava Gloing to Sistor Miriam Again (1)

a desperate plen. "Sister Miriam. Ster Miriam, please"

The silence stretches, broken only by my harsh breathing. Selene presses closer to my leg,

I'm about to try again when my phone rings, the sudden sound making us all jump. I fumble for it, my hands shaking as I see the unknown number on the screen.

"Hello?" My voice cracks, betraying my nerves.

"Are you an idiot?" a robotic voice demands. "T ng to access your power now could kill everyone around you!"

Jericho and Kellan stare intently at the phone, and I put it on speaker.

"Who is this?"

sighs, the sound harsh and grating through the phone's speaker. "You're taking too

at the others, searching their faces for any hint of understanding. Kellan and Jericho exchange a bewildered look, while Marcus and Liam simply shake their

me."

voice snaps, frustration evident despite the robotic distortion. There's an edge to their words, something that doesn't translate through whatever filter they're using. "You've tapped into your power," the voice continues,

know that?"

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Going to Sister Miriam

of sound almost deafening. Then, abruptly, the speaker changes the subject. "Lisa will soon be in safe hands. That should

you mean? What have you done

to hurry up," the voice repeats, ignoring n questions. "Time is

brow furrowed. "Who is this? What do you want with

talk to any wolves," the speaker snarls, and the line goes

my heart pounding. The candle flickers, casting

won't talk to wolves," I tell Kellan, who huffs out

was that?" Jericho demands, his

mind reeling. "But they know about my powers, and they said something

hand through his hair, his expression grim.

throat tight. This person won't answer questions, and

Vanessa asks, her voice soft. "Why didn't she

to Sister

head, staring at the candle's flickering flame.

heavy with all of our unanswered

sit here," I say finally, my voice

do look dressed for the part," a voice agree. tartling

to her figure, and she walks with mincing steps. There's a cigarette holder dangling

of muscle

brow, her ruby lips curving in a smile that's equal parts amusement and danger. "Is

greet a guest, child?"

Miriam! How did

any way to

even after hearing her identity. Unfazed by the hostility aimed toward her, she takes a long drag from her cigarette, the ember flaring bright in

my ribs. "I did, but I

home?" She laughs, but it sounds oddly affectionate. "Oh, Ava.

to Sister Miriam Again

his shoulders tense. "Who

to him, her eyes glittering. "I am many things, wolf. But to you, I am an ally.

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now?" Jericho growls, his hand twitching

the back of his shoulder. "She's here to help." They're both on edge "er

so am I.