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.

you even know about

was not

illusion designed to sow fear and chaos within

to reach her side.

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

time."

won't answer

you, wolf. No matter what price is

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

once belonged to a great warrior, a man who fought alongside the Fae in a battle that shaped the

worlds

just above the cool metal. "How did you

just say that I have a knack for acquiring rare and

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

says, as if reading my thoughts. "There is so much more for you to

to be the main foyer, where a peculiar

incredibly short woman, standing no taller

our steps, taken aback by the sight before us, Vanessa mutters 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

The Fae Ward

some other

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

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

clouds the woman's

mean, I've never encountered a

seen

now you have. And I'd appreciate it if you kept

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

17:19

The Fan

shaking her

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

Blackwood Pack."

but close it at Sister Miriam's

in disgust. "Renard's