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?"

robotic voice sighs, the sound harsh and grating

searching their faces for any hint of understanding. Kellan and Jericho exchange a bewildered look, while Marcus and

me."

the 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,"

you know

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to Sister Miriam Again

the speaker changes the subject. "Lisa will soon be in safe

you mean? What have you

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

brow furrowed. "Who is this?

talk to any wolves," the

heart pounding. The

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

the hell was that?" Jericho demands, his

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

hair, his expression grim.

This person won't answer questions, and

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

Going to Sister Miriam

shake my head, staring at the candle's flickering flame. "I don't know. Maybe

heavy with all of

I say finally, my voice shaking.

look dressed for the part,"

she walks with mincing steps. There's a cigarette holder dangling from her fingers, a slender line

of muscle

lips curving in a smile that's equal parts

greet a guest, child?"

How did

any way to

toward her, she takes a long drag from her cigarette, the ember flaring bright

ribs. "I did,

but it sounds oddly affectionate. "Oh, Ava. You have so much

Ava: Going to Sister Miriam Again

shifts, his shoulders tense.

glittering. "I am many things,

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hand twitching toward the gun at his

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

so am I.