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?"

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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

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

trot a little faster to reach her side. "Who

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

time."

you won't answer

some things I cannot tell you, wolf. No matter what

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

it?" Sister Miriam notes, following my gaze. "That sword once belonged to a great warrior, a man who fought alongside the Fae in a battle that shaped the

worlds

the cool metal. "How did you come to possess

for acquiring rare and valuable items. Over the centuries,

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

says, as if reading my

be the main foyer, where a peculiar group

of 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

and I falter in our steps, taken aback by the sight before us, Vanessa mutters under her breath, her medical knowledge kicking into

The

some

ever seen a gnome before?" Her tone is deep and fully matured, a stark contrast to

childlike stature.

flush with embarrassment, and she

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

the

mean, I've never encountered

never seen

chest. "Well, now you have. And I'd appreciate it if you

The gnome woman recoils, her face scrunching up in displeasure. "Back up," she demands, her voice sharp and authoritative. Selene, startled

17:19

Ava The Fan Ward

shaking her head

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

Blackwood Pack."

my mouth to protest, but close it at

in disgust.