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?"

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

and Jericho exchange a bewildered look, while Marcus and Liam simply shake their heads.

me."

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 that?"

15:58

217

Ava: Going to Sister Miriam

silent for a moment, the absence of sound almost deafening. Then, abruptly, the speaker changes the subject. "Lisa will soon be in safe

my veins. "What do you mean? What have

the voice repeats, ignoring n questions. "Time

is this? What do you

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

phone in my hand, my heart

tell Kellan, who huffs out a long breath,

that?" Jericho demands,

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

runs a hand through his hair, his expression grim.

tight. This person won't answer questions, and knows

asks, her

to Sister Miriam

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

stretches, heavy with all of our

can't just sit here," I say finally, my voice

dressed for the part," a voice agree. tartling

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

I can blink, a wall of muscle

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

greet a guest, child?"

Miriam! How

any way to

after hearing her identity. Unfazed by the hostility aimed toward her, she takes a long drag from her cigarette, the ember flaring bright

my heart hammering against my ribs. "I did, but I thought it didn't

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

Ava: Going to Sister Miriam

shoulders tense.

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

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now?" Jericho growls, his hand twitching toward the gun at his

his shoulder. "She's here to

so am I.