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

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

me."

distortion. There's an edge to their words, something that doesn't translate through whatever filter they're

you know that?" I

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to

almost deafening. Then, abruptly, the speaker changes the subject.

"What do you mean? What have you done with

the voice repeats, ignoring

"Who is this? What do you want with

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

stare at the phone in my hand, my heart pounding. The

I tell Kellan, who huffs out

hell was that?"

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

expression grim. "For all

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

about Sister Miriam?" Vanessa asks, her voice

Ava: Going to Sister

the candle's flickering flame. "I

heavy with

say finally, my voice shaking. "We have to do

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

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 an old movie

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

curving in

greet a guest, child?"

Miriam! How

any way to

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

ribs. "I did, but I

didn't come to my home?" She laughs, but it

Ava: Going to Sister

shoulders tense. "Who are

eyes glittering. "I am many things,

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his hand twitching toward the gun

touch the back of his shoulder. "She's here to help." They're both on edge "er that phone call,

so am I.