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?"

was not real, she continues, her voice low and

to sow fear and chaos within your

a little faster to reach

Miriam shakes her head. "That, my dear, is a question with a complicated answer. One that I believe you will discover in

time."

you won't answer

some things I cannot tell you, wolf.

winding corridors of the mansion, I find myself drawn to the eclectic mix of artifacts on display. A gleaming sword

my gaze. "That sword once belonged to a great warrior, a man who fought alongside the Fae in a battle that shaped the

worlds

above the cool metal. "How did you

acquiring rare

a reminder of the vast chasm of experience and knowledge that separates Sister Miriam from the rest of us. I can't even

the beginning, Sister Miriam says, as if reading my thoughts.

appears to be the main foyer, where

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

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

The

some other

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

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

clouds the woman's

I've never encountered

seen Vanessa so

her chest. "Well, now you

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

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Ava The Fan

shaking her head in

Miriam clears her throat, drawing our attention back to her. "Layla, this is who we've

Blackwood Pack."

but close

in disgust. "Renard's little runaway