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 about it?" Marcus

Sister Miriam sighs. "That vampire was not real, she continues, her voice low and serious.

sow fear and

a little faster to reach her

shakes her head. "That, my dear, is a question with a complicated answer.

time."

you won't answer

I cannot tell you, wolf. No

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

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

worlds

fingertips hovering just above the cool metal. "How did you

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

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

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

to what appears to be the main foyer, where a peculiar group

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

mutters under her breath, her medical knowledge kicking into gear

Ava: The Fae Ward

it's some

ever seen a

childlike stature.

flush with embarrassment, and

to stare. I've never even of gnomes. Just the garden

clouds the

mean, I've never encountered a gnome

seen Vanessa so

woman huffs, crossing her arms over her chest. "Well, now you have. And

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

17:19

The Fan

her

"Layla, this

Blackwood Pack."

my mouth to protest, but close it at Sister

scrunches in disgust.