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

:

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

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

to sow fear and chaos within

faster to reach her side. "Who

a question with a complicated

time."

won't answer

tell you, wolf. No

of artifacts on display. A gleaming sword catches my eye, its blade etched with intricate runes that seem to

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

worlds

out, my fingertips hovering just above the cool metal. "How did you come

knack for acquiring rare and valuable items. Over the centuries, I've

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

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

the main foyer, where a peculiar

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,

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 in concentration. "She's

The Fae Ward

some

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

childlike stature.

cheeks flush with embarrassment, and she

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

clouds the

I've never encountered a gnome

seen Vanessa so

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

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 as if trying to rid herself of Selene's presence. "Wolves,"

17:19

The

shaking her head

her throat, drawing our attention back to her. "Layla, this

Blackwood Pack."

to protest, but close it at Sister

scrunches in disgust. "Renard's