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?"

and grating through the phone's

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.

me."

their words, something that doesn't translate through whatever filter they're using. "You've

know that?"

15:58

217

Ava: Going to Sister

goes silent for a moment, the absence of sound almost deafening. Then, abruptly, the

floods my veins. "What do you mean? What have

the voice repeats, ignoring n

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

talk to any wolves," the speaker snarls, and

my hand, my heart pounding.

tell

hell was that?" Jericho demands, his eyes

"But they know about my powers,

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

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

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

to Sister Miriam

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

stretches, heavy with all of our unanswered

say finally, my voice shaking. "We have to do

for the part," a voice

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

can blink, a wall of muscle and menace. Even Vanessa

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

greet a guest, child?"

How

any way to

her identity. Unfazed by the hostility aimed toward her, she takes a long drag from her

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

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

Going to Sister Miriam Again

his shoulders tense.

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

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

say, stepping forward to touch the back of his shoulder. "She's here to help." They're both on edge

so am I.