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

"That vampire was not real, she continues, her voice low and serious. "He was

illusion designed to sow fear and chaos

faster to reach her side. "Who would do

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

time."

you won't

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

drawn to the eclectic mix of artifacts on display. A

a great warrior, a man who fought alongside

worlds

cool metal. "How did you come

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

the air, a reminder of the vast chasm of experience and knowledge that separates Sister

just the beginning, Sister Miriam says, as if reading my thoughts. "There is so much more

main

previous visit to Sister Miriam's home. However, it's the third individual who captures my attention-an incredibly short woman, standing

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 in concentration. "She's too proportionate

The

it's some

exasperation. "Haven't you ever seen a gnome before?" Her tone is deep

childlike stature.

with embarrassment, and

didn't mean to stare. I've never even of gnomes. Just

the

mean, I've never encountered a

never seen Vanessa

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

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 her arms

17:19

Ava The

her

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

Blackwood Pack."

to protest, but close it at Sister

nose scrunches in disgust.