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

sighs. "That vampire was not real, she continues,

sow fear and chaos

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

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

time."

won't

things I cannot tell you,

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 alongside the Fae in a

worlds

just above the cool metal. "How did you come

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

experience and knowledge that separates Sister Miriam from the rest of us. I can't even begin to imagine the

if reading my thoughts.

the main foyer, where a peculiar group

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

medical knowledge kicking into gear as she attempts to rationalize the woman's

The Fae Ward

some other

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

childlike stature.

cheeks flush with embarrassment,

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to

clouds the

mean, I've never encountered a

never seen Vanessa so

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

the woman, her nose twitching as she takes in her scent. The gnome woman recoils, her face

17:19

The Fan Ward

shaking her head in

clears her throat, drawing our attention back to her. "Layla, this is

Blackwood Pack."

to protest, but close it at Sister Miriam's

scrunches in disgust. "Renard's little runaway