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?"

voice sighs, the sound harsh and grating through the phone's speaker. "You're taking

understanding. Kellan and Jericho exchange a bewildered look, while Marcus and Liam simply shake their heads. "Who are you?" I demand, my grip

me."

trying to help you," 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," the voice continues, and my heart

you know

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to Sister

a moment, the absence of sound almost deafening. Then, abruptly, the speaker changes the subject.

you mean? What have you done with

hurry up," the voice repeats, ignoring n

his brow furrowed. "Who is this? What

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

my heart pounding. The candle flickers, casting eerie shadows across the

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

that?" Jericho demands, his

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

through his hair, his expression grim. "For all we know, their safe

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

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

to Sister Miriam Again

flame. "I don't know.

with all of

here," I say finally, my

dressed for the part," a voice agree. tartling

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

and Jericho are in front of me before I can blink, a wall of

her ruby lips curving in

greet a guest, child?"

How did

any way to

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

my ribs. "I did,

come to my home?" She laughs, but it sounds oddly affectionate. "Oh, Ava.

Ava: Going to Sister Miriam

his shoulders tense. "Who are

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

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now?" Jericho growls, his hand twitching toward

of his shoulder. "She's here to help." They're both on edge "er that phone

so am I.