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 about it?" Marcus

"That vampire was not real, she continues, her voice low

clever illusion designed to sow fear and chaos within

to reach her side. "Who

dear, is a question with a complicated answer. One that I believe you will

time."

you won't answer

some things I cannot tell you, wolf. No matter

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

isn't it?" Sister Miriam notes, following my gaze. "That sword once belonged to a great warrior,

worlds

out, my fingertips hovering just above the cool

for acquiring rare and valuable items. Over

of the vast chasm of experience and knowledge that separates Sister Miriam from the

reading my thoughts. "There is so much more for

main

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 frame her pretty

mutters under her breath, her medical knowledge kicking into gear as she attempts to rationalize the woman's unique proportions. "Not warfism,"

The Fae

some

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

childlike stature.

with embarrassment, and

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

clouds the

I've never encountered a

seen Vanessa

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

her garden, saying something about 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

17:19

Ava The Fan

shaking her head

back to her. "Layla, this is who we've been waiting for Ava Grey

Blackwood Pack."

to protest, but close it at Sister Miriam's sharp

nose scrunches in disgust. "Renard's little runaway