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?"

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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 about it?" Marcus

Sister Miriam sighs. "That vampire was not real, she continues, her voice low and serious.

a clever illusion designed to sow fear and

Confused, I trot a little faster to reach her side. "Who would do

question with a complicated answer. One that I

time."

you won't answer

things I cannot tell you, wolf. No

we navigate the winding corridors of the mansion, I find myself drawn to the eclectic mix of artifacts on display. A gleaming sword catches my eye, its blade etched with intricate runes that seem to shimmer in

"That sword once belonged to a great warrior, a man who fought

worlds

my fingertips hovering just above the cool metal. "How did you come to

a knack for acquiring rare and valuable items. Over the centuries, I've amassed

knowledge that separates Sister Miriam from the rest of us. I can't even begin to imagine the things she's seen,

reading my thoughts. "There

appears to be the main foyer, where a peculiar group

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,

medical knowledge kicking into gear as she attempts to rationalize the woman's unique proportions. "Not warfism," she whispers, her brow furrowed

Ava: The Fae Ward

some

can continue her speculations, the woman in question speaks in exasperation. "Haven't you ever

childlike stature.

with embarrassment, and

didn't mean to stare. I've never even of gnomes. Just the garden

clouds the

never encountered a

never seen Vanessa

her arms over her chest. "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 and authoritative. Selene, startled by the gnome's reaction, takes

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Ava The Fan

her

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

Blackwood Pack."

protest, but close it at Sister Miriam's sharp

nose scrunches in disgust. "Renard's little