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

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

me."

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

you know that?" I

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to

of sound almost deafening. Then, abruptly, the speaker changes the subject. "Lisa will soon be

veins. "What do you

up," the voice repeats,

is this? What do

talk to any wolves," the speaker snarls, and the line

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

talk to wolves," I tell Kellan, who huffs out

was that?" Jericho demands,

"But they know about my

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

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

her voice soft. "Why

Ava: Going to Sister Miriam Again

flame. "I don't know. Maybe

with all

sit here," I say finally,

dressed for the part," a voice agree.

Her black dress clings to her figure, and she walks with mincing steps. There's a cigarette holder dangling from her

can blink, a wall of muscle and

a brow, her ruby lips curving in a smile that's equal

greet a guest, child?"

How did

any way to

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

ribs. "I did, but I thought

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

Going to Sister Miriam

shoulders tense. "Who are

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

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now?" Jericho growls, his hand twitching toward

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

so am I.