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.

know about it?" Marcus

not real, she continues, her voice

a clever illusion designed to sow fear and chaos within

trot a little faster to reach her side. "Who

question with a complicated answer. One that I believe

time."

you won't answer

you, wolf. No matter what price

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 to shimmer in

belonged to a great warrior, a man who fought alongside the

worlds

cool metal.

a knack for acquiring rare and valuable items. Over

the vast chasm of experience and knowledge that separates Sister

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

what appears to be the main

However, it's the third individual who captures my attention-an incredibly short woman, standing no taller than a five or

into gear as she attempts to

Ava: The Fae

it's some

speculations, the woman in question speaks in exasperation. "Haven't you ever seen a gnome before?"

childlike stature.

flush with embarrassment,

mean to stare. I've never even of

clouds the

mean, I've never

seen Vanessa so

now you have. And I'd appreciate it if you kept your medical musings to

my mother has one in 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

17:19

The Fan

her head in

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

Blackwood Pack."

open my mouth to protest, but close it

nose scrunches in disgust. "Renard's