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

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

sow fear and chaos

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

with a complicated answer. One that I believe you will

time."

you won't

things I cannot tell you,

mix of artifacts on display. A gleaming sword catches my eye, its blade etched with intricate

sword once belonged to a great warrior, a man who fought alongside the Fae in a battle

worlds

the cool metal. "How did you

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

the air, a reminder of the vast chasm of experience and knowledge that separates Sister Miriam from the rest of us. I can't even begin to imagine the things she's

as if reading my thoughts. "There

to be the main foyer, where a peculiar group

captures my attention-an incredibly short woman, standing no taller than a

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

Ava: The Fae Ward

it's some

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 embarrassment, and

mean to stare. I've never even of gnomes.

the

mean, I've never encountered

seen

huffs, crossing her arms over her chest. "Well, now you have. And I'd appreciate

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, her ears flattening

17:19

The Fan

shaking her head in

to her. "Layla, this is who

Blackwood Pack."

mouth to protest, but close it at

disgust. "Renard's little