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?"

grating through the phone's speaker. "You're

look, while Marcus and Liam simply shake their heads. "Who are you?" I demand, my grip

me."

something that doesn't translate through whatever filter they're using. "You've tapped into your power," the

know

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217

Ava: Going to Sister Miriam Again

of sound almost deafening. Then, abruptly, the speaker changes

floods my veins. "What do you mean? What have you

the voice repeats, ignoring n questions.

"Who is this? What

won't talk to any wolves," the speaker snarls, and the line

at the phone in my hand, my heart pounding. The candle flickers,

wolves," I tell Kellan, who huffs out a long

the hell was that?" Jericho demands,

I whisper, my mind reeling. "But they know about my powers, and

grim. "For all we know, their safe is just another

nod, my throat tight. This person won't answer questions,

about Sister Miriam?" Vanessa asks, her voice

Ava: Going to

head, staring at the candle's flickering flame. "I don't know. Maybe she can't, or maybe

heavy with all of

finally, my voice shaking. "We have to do

do look dressed for the part," a voice

walks with mincing steps. There's a cigarette

before I can blink, a wall of muscle and menace. Even Vanessa steps forward, her gentle

arches a brow, her ruby lips curving in a smile that's equal parts amusement and

greet a guest, child?"

How did

any way to

by the hostility aimed toward her, she takes a long drag from her cigarette, the ember flaring bright in the dimness

ribs. "I did, but I thought

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

to Sister Miriam

shoulders tense.

glittering. "I am many things, wolf. But

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now?" Jericho growls, his hand twitching toward the

stepping forward to touch the back of his shoulder. "She's here to help." They're both

so am I.