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.

others, searching their faces for any hint of understanding. Kellan and Jericho exchange a bewildered look, while Marcus and Liam simply shake their heads. "Who are you?" I demand, my grip tightening on the phone.

me."

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

know that?"

15:58

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Going to Sister

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

floods my veins. "What do you

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

brow furrowed. "Who is this? What

any wolves," the speaker snarls, and the

phone in my hand, my heart pounding. The candle flickers, casting

they won't talk to wolves," I tell

hell was that?"

know about my powers, and they said

through his hair, his expression grim. "For all we

person won't answer questions,

her voice soft. "Why didn't

Going to Sister Miriam Again

my head, staring at the candle's flickering flame.

with

sit here," I say finally, my voice shaking.

part," a voice agree. tartling all

black dress clings to her figure, and she walks with mincing steps. There's a cigarette holder dangling from her fingers, a slender line of smoke curling toward the ceiling. Something I've only seen

of muscle and menace. Even Vanessa steps forward, her gentle face set in lines

ruby lips curving in

greet a guest, child?"

Miriam! How

any way to

Unfazed by the hostility aimed toward her, she takes a long drag from her cigarette, the

hard, my heart hammering against my ribs. "I did, but

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

to

shoulders tense. "Who are

"I am many things, wolf. But to you, I am

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his hand twitching toward

back of his shoulder. "She's here to

so am I.