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.

did you even know about it?" Marcus

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

sow fear and chaos within your

why?" Confused, I trot a little faster to reach

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

time."

you won't answer

I cannot tell you, wolf. No matter

we navigate the winding corridors of the mansion, I find myself drawn to the eclectic mix of artifacts on display. A

warrior, a man who fought alongside the Fae in a battle that shaped the very fabric

worlds

hovering just above the cool metal. "How did you come to possess

acquiring rare and

separates Sister Miriam

as if reading my thoughts. "There

led to what appears to be the main foyer,

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

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

The Fae

it's some other

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

childlike stature.

flush with embarrassment,

to stare. I've never even of

clouds the

never

never seen

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

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

17:19

The

shaking her head

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

Blackwood Pack."

open my mouth to protest, but close

scrunches in disgust.