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 it?" Marcus

have our ways, wolf" Sister Miriam sighs. "That vampire was not real,

a clever illusion designed to sow

to reach her side. "Who would do something like

is a question with a complicated answer. One that I believe you will

time."

won't answer

I cannot tell you, wolf. No matter

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 the

a great warrior, a man who fought alongside the Fae in a battle that

worlds

just above the cool metal. "How

say that I have a knack for acquiring rare

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

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

to what appears to be the main foyer, where a

me 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

steps, taken aback by the sight before us, Vanessa mutters under her breath, her medical knowledge kicking into gear

The Fae Ward

some other

Vanessa can continue her speculations, the woman in question speaks in exasperation. "Haven't you ever seen a gnome before?" Her tone is deep and

childlike stature.

flush with embarrassment, and

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

the

never

seen Vanessa

crossing her arms over her chest. "Well, now you have. And I'd appreciate it if you kept your medical musings

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

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Ava The Fan

shaking her

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

Blackwood Pack."

my mouth to protest, but close it at Sister Miriam's

in disgust. "Renard's