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.

know about it?"

not real, she

to sow fear and chaos within

little faster to reach

is a question with a complicated answer. One that I believe you will discover in

time."

you won't

are some things I cannot tell you,

the mansion, I find myself drawn to the eclectic mix of artifacts on display. A gleaming sword catches my eye, its blade etched

once belonged to a great warrior, a man who fought alongside

worlds

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

I have a knack for acquiring rare and valuable items. Over

separates Sister Miriam from the rest of us.

reading my thoughts. "There

the main foyer, where a peculiar group

them bear 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

her breath, her medical knowledge kicking into gear as she attempts

The

it's some

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

childlike stature.

with embarrassment, and she

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stare. I've never even of gnomes.

the

mean, I've never encountered a gnome

seen

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

The gnome woman recoils, her face scrunching up in displeasure. "Back up,"

17:19

Ava The Fan

her

our attention back to her. "Layla,

Blackwood Pack."

mouth to protest, but close it at Sister

disgust. "Renard's little runaway