Tangled

Unshift 220

Unshift 220

220 Ava: The Fae Ward (II)

"Oh. I understand." Glancing toward Sister Miriam, I'm not sure how to feel about being separated from my benefactor.

She inclines her head. "If at any time you wish to speak to me, just let the Fae know."

"I was under the impression you would be with us," Vanessa cuts in, suspicion written all over her face in giant, bold letters. "How are we supposed to trust whoever you're handing us to?" "You're still under her protection," Layla sighs. "She just can't come into the Fae Ward. For our sakes."

The gnome's gaze flicks to Vanessa and Marcus, and she mutters under her breath, "The paperwork for a bunch of pack wolves to get admitted in such circumstances is going to be a nightmare as it

is."

If your teacher is in the Fae Ward, we need to go there, Selene interjects, her tone firm. No matter what. That is why we are here.

Resting my hand on her head, I turn to Layla. "Will our phones still work in the Fae Ward?"

"Phones?" The gnome blinks at me, and for the first time I realize that her pupils are bare pinpricks, making her eyes seem even larger. Then those same eyes widen, and I swear for a moment that something sparkles within them. "Ah, telecommunication devices! Yes! They will still function."

There's an excitement in her words that almost buzzes from her, and Vanessa steps between us in a casual motion. "To send and

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220 Ava: The Fae Ward (1)

receive calls from outside the city?"

"Of course, of course. We worked that out aeons ago." Layla scoffs, as though our questions are over the top.

But-aeons?

Marcus frowns, and I grab his arm with a gentle squeeze, shaking

my head slightly. From how Layla speaks about phones, calling

them telecommunication devices, I don't think she's the one to give us the best information.

have to trust Sister Miriam, who

be able to contact your family and friends even in the

Ward, child."

produces an archaic bronze key that glows with a subtle shimmer and inserts it into the door, which swings open to reveal a shimmering golden

seems so natural around here already has us all feeling out of place

I can check us in," Layla says in a monotone spiel that says she's said

glances toward Vanessa, who gives a quick nod, before passing

portal from Blackwood lands

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museum-like mansion, there's an abrupt change, an walk

It's green.

is just so much more, the sky more vas the

a mix of modern and fantasy th has me gaping. A group of Fae women

the sunlight. And their ears? They're pointed. Just a little at the tip for some, and long and sloping

are plenty of Fae in more natural colors-at least to my eyes

another world, in a sense. Like a

plucked straight out of a Robin Hood poster. Their hair is long and braided, and comfortingly brown. One has blue eyes that hold the chill of winter, and another has eyes so silver that a shiver goes down my back at how unnatural his gaze appears. My brain insists that he has to be blind, but

struggles to process the sheer absurdity of it all,

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in excitement. This place feels like home. Like my

a warm glow that spreads from my chest to my toes. She takes a deep

the

a hint of nostalgia in

she means

me. I glance over my shoulder to see Vanessa and Layla stepping through the portal, the gnome walking

of the guards says, his voice deep and commanding. He eyes us warily, his hand

as her diminutive stature will allow. "They are under the protection of Sister Miriam," she says, her voice surprisingly authoritative for someone so small. "I

disdain when she declares my pack is mirrored by the looks on their faces. Silver Eyes

to keep up. Vanessa falls into step beside me, her eyes wide as she takes in the sights and sounds of the Fae realm. "This is

in agreement, my gaze drawn to a group of Fae children plaving some kind of