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

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

a clever illusion designed to sow fear and chaos within

I trot a little faster to reach her side. "Who would do something like

question with a complicated

time."

you won't

tell you, wolf. No

drawn to the eclectic mix of artifacts on display. A gleaming sword catches my eye, its blade etched with intricate runes that seem

warrior, a man who fought alongside the

worlds

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

chuckles, "Let's just say that I have a knack for acquiring rare and valuable items. Over the centuries, I've amassed

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

if reading my thoughts. "There is so

to what appears to be the main foyer,

Sister Miriam's home. However, it's the third individual who captures my attention-an incredibly short woman, standing no taller than a

and I falter in our steps, taken aback by the sight before us, Vanessa mutters under her breath, her medical knowledge kicking into gear as she attempts to rationalize the woman's unique proportions. "Not warfism,"

The

it's some

question speaks in exasperation. "Haven't you ever seen a gnome before?" Her tone is deep and fully matured, a stark contrast

childlike stature.

with embarrassment, and she

mean to stare. I've never

clouds the woman's

mean, I've never encountered

seen

crossing her arms over her chest. "Well, now you have. And I'd appreciate it if you kept your medical musings to

about it warding off bad energy. But they look nothing like the woman in front of us. Selene, on the other hand, trots straight up to the woman, her nose twitching as she takes 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 a few steps back,

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The Fan Ward

her

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

Blackwood Pack."

protest, but close it at

disgust.