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.

did you even know

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

a clever illusion designed to sow fear and chaos within

faster to reach her side. "Who would do

is a question with a complicated answer. One that I believe

time."

you won't answer

some things I cannot tell you,

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

gaze. "That sword once belonged to a great warrior, a man who

worlds

above the cool metal. "How

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

in 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 seen, the

beginning, Sister Miriam says, as if reading my thoughts. "There is so

to what appears to be the main foyer, where a peculiar group

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

by the sight before us, Vanessa mutters under her breath, her medical knowledge kicking into

The Fae

it's some other

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

childlike stature.

cheeks flush with

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

clouds the woman's

I've never

never seen

gnome woman huffs, crossing her arms over her chest. "Well, now you have. And I'd appreciate 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, her ears flattening against her head. The gnome woman shudders, rubbing

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The Fan

her

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

Blackwood Pack."

mouth to protest, but close it

in disgust. "Renard's