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?"

the sound harsh and grating through

glance around 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 heads. "Who are you?" I demand, my grip tightening on the phone.

me."

their words, something that doesn't translate through

know that?" I

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217

Ava: Going to Sister Miriam Again

sound almost deafening. Then, abruptly, the speaker changes

floods my veins. "What do you mean?

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

in, his brow furrowed. "Who is this? What do

any wolves," the speaker snarls, and

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

to wolves," I tell Kellan, who huffs out a long breath, looking

the hell was that?" Jericho demands,

know about my

his hair, his expression grim.

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

her voice soft. "Why didn't

Going to Sister Miriam

candle's flickering flame. "I don't know. Maybe she

with all of our unanswered

say finally, my

dressed for the part," a voice agree. tartling

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

and Jericho are in front of me before I can blink, a wall of muscle and menace. Even Vanessa

ruby lips curving in a smile that's equal parts

greet a guest, child?"

Miriam! How

any way to

a long drag from her cigarette, the ember flaring bright

ribs. "I did,

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

Going to

shifts, his shoulders tense. "Who

him, her eyes glittering. "I am many things, wolf. But

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hand twitching toward the gun at

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

so am I.