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 about it?" Marcus

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

clever illusion designed to sow fear and

to reach her side.

my dear, is a question with a complicated answer. One that I believe

time."

you won't

you, wolf.

eclectic mix of artifacts on display. A gleaming sword catches my eye, its blade etched with intricate runes

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

above the cool metal. "How

Miriam chuckles, "Let's just say that I have a knack for acquiring rare and valuable items. Over the centuries, I've amassed

vast chasm of experience and knowledge that separates Sister Miriam from the rest of

is just the beginning, Sister Miriam says, as if reading my

to what appears to be the main

of them bear a striking resemblance to the thralls who served 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 woman well

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

Ava: The Fae Ward

it's some

you ever seen a gnome before?" Her tone is deep and fully matured, a stark contrast

childlike stature.

flush with embarrassment,

to stare. I've

clouds the

I've never encountered a

never seen Vanessa so

you have. And I'd appreciate

in her scent. The gnome woman recoils, her

17:19

The

her head in

Miriam clears her throat, drawing our attention back to her. "Layla, this is who we've been waiting for Ava Grey

Blackwood Pack."

protest, but close it at Sister Miriam's sharp

nose scrunches in disgust. "Renard's little