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 about

have our ways, wolf" Sister Miriam sighs. "That vampire was not real, she continues, her

clever illusion designed to sow fear and

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

"That, my dear, is a question with a complicated answer.

time."

you won't

some things I cannot tell you, wolf. No

to the eclectic mix of artifacts on display.

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

worlds

just above the cool metal. "How did you come

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

a reminder of the vast chasm of experience and knowledge that separates Sister Miriam from the rest of us. I

says, as if reading my thoughts. "There is so much more

what appears to be the main foyer, where a peculiar

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

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," she whispers, her brow

Ava: The Fae Ward

some

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

childlike stature.

cheeks flush with

to stare. I've

the woman's

never

seen

over her chest. "Well, now you

to the woman, her nose twitching as she takes in her scent. The gnome woman recoils, her face scrunching up in displeasure. "Back

17:19

Ava The

shaking her

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

Blackwood Pack."

protest, but close it at Sister Miriam's sharp

in disgust. "Renard's