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?"

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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

Miriam sighs. "That vampire was not real, she continues,

a clever illusion designed to sow fear

little faster to reach her side. "Who would do

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

time."

you won't answer

some things I cannot tell you, wolf.

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

Miriam notes, following my gaze. "That sword once belonged to a great warrior, a

worlds

my fingertips hovering just above the cool

that I have a knack for acquiring rare and valuable items. Over

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

says, as if reading my thoughts. "There is so much

to be the main foyer, where a peculiar group

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

her medical knowledge kicking into gear as she attempts to rationalize the woman's unique proportions. "Not warfism," she

Ava: The Fae

it's some

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

childlike stature.

cheeks flush with embarrassment,

sorry, I didn't mean to stare.

the

mean, I've never encountered a gnome

never seen

you have. And I'd appreciate it if

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

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Ava The Fan Ward

shaking her head

attention back to her. "Layla,

Blackwood Pack."

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

nose scrunches in disgust. "Renard's little runaway