Tangled

Unshift 219

Unshift 219

219 Ava: The Fae Ward (1)

"I don't have ADHD, Selene."

"Don't you?" Vanessa looks surprised.

"Do I?" My surprise mirrors hers.

*I assumed you... Well, I'm not a doctor, only a pack healer, so I could be wrong."

"ADHD or not, we're taking too long. Let's go, children. Ava, finish your conversation or talk while you walk, please."

Sister Miriam's stern housemistress voice has us all straightening up and following, as I mutter into the phone, "We're all safe, and have a few things to tell you later when we get settled."

Kellan sighs. "Make sure you call, Ava. And call Lucas too. You know he's going to be worried. I've already updated him through text. Since he hasn't blown my phone up or ripped my head off from afar, I can only assume he's busy with the Council."

"Got it. I will."

Hanging up, I see Vanessa sliding her own phone into her pocket, flashing an amused smile in my direction. "Had to text Vester and warn him."

"Doesn't he know you're doing this?"

"Of course, but he worries."

As we walk, Vanessa quickens her pace to catch up with Sister Miriam. "What did you mean earlier, before we went through the portal? About that vampire in Blackwood territory never existing?"

17:19 C

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210 Ave The Fan Ward (

Sister Miriam pauses, turning to face us with an enigmatic smile. "Ah, yes. Marjory, was it? The one who died screaming during your interrogation"

My best guess is that she's talking about my neighbor, Margot Mitchell. The idea that she's dead sits heavy on my mind; I'm not sure how to feel about it.

even know

vampire was not real, she

to sow

little faster to reach her side. "Who would do something

her head. "That, my dear, is a question with a complicated answer. One that I believe you will discover

time."

you won't answer

tell you, wolf. No

of the mansion, I find myself drawn to the eclectic mix of artifacts on display. A gleaming sword

it?" Sister Miriam notes, following my gaze. "That sword once belonged to a great warrior, a man who fought alongside the Fae in a battle that shaped

worlds

out, my fingertips hovering just above the cool metal. "How did you

knack for acquiring rare and

and knowledge that separates Sister Miriam from the rest of

reading my thoughts. "There is

what appears to be the main foyer, where a peculiar group awaits

a striking resemblance to the thralls who served me during my previous visit to Sister Miriam's home. However, it's the third individual who captures my attention-an incredibly short woman, standing no taller than a five or six-year-old child. Despite her youthful stature, her face reveals the maturity of a woman well into her forties, Long blonde pigtails frame her

sight before us, Vanessa mutters under her breath, her medical knowledge kicking into gear as she attempts to rationalize the

Ava: The

some other

question speaks in exasperation. "Haven't you ever seen a

childlike stature.

with embarrassment, and she

didn't mean to stare. I've never

clouds the

never

seen

"Well, now you have. And I'd appreciate it if you kept your medical musings

in her scent. The gnome woman recoils, her face scrunching up in displeasure. "Back up," she demands, her voice sharp

17:19

The

her head in

our attention back to her. "Layla, this is who we've been waiting for Ava Grey of

Blackwood Pack."

protest, but close

nose scrunches in disgust. "Renard's