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

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. "Who

me."

an edge to their words, something that doesn't translate through whatever filter

do you know

15:58

217

Going to Sister

of sound almost deafening. Then, abruptly, the speaker changes

you mean? What have you done with

the voice repeats, ignoring n

his brow furrowed. "Who is this?

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

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

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

the hell was that?" Jericho demands, his

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

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

This person won't answer

Vanessa asks, her voice soft. "Why

Going to Sister Miriam

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

with all of

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

do look dressed for the part," a voice agree. tartling

walks with mincing steps. There's a cigarette holder dangling from her fingers,

front of me before I can blink, a wall of muscle and menace. Even Vanessa

lips curving in a smile that's equal parts amusement and

greet a guest, child?"

How did

any way to

relaxes, even after hearing her identity. Unfazed by the hostility aimed toward her, she takes a long drag

against my ribs. "I did, but I

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

to

shifts, his shoulders tense.

many

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

touch the back of his shoulder. "She's here to

so am I.