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 through the

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

me."

edge to their words, something that doesn't translate through whatever filter they're using. "You've tapped into your power," the

know that?"

15:58

217

Ava: Going to Sister Miriam

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

my veins. "What do you mean? What

voice repeats, ignoring n questions.

furrowed. "Who is this? What do you want with

any wolves," the

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

wolves," I tell Kellan, who huffs

the hell was that?" Jericho demands, his

my mind reeling. "But they know about my powers, and they said something about Lisa. Said she

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

my throat tight. This person won't answer

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

Going to Sister

the candle's flickering flame. "I don't know.

heavy with

finally, my voice shaking.

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

clings to her figure, and she walks with mincing steps. There's a cigarette holder dangling from her fingers, a slender line of smoke

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

Miriam merely arches a brow, her ruby lips curving in a smile that's equal parts

greet a guest, child?"

How did

any way to

identity. Unfazed by the hostility aimed toward her, she takes a long drag from her cigarette, the ember flaring bright in the dimness of the room.

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

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

Ava: Going to Sister Miriam

shifts, his shoulders

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

+27

growls, his hand twitching toward the gun at his

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

so am I.