Tangled

Unshift 224

Unshift 224

224 Ava The Fae Ward (V

224 Ava: The Fae Ward (VI)

"Magister Orion." A little concerned at how the strange man who claims to be my teacher will respond to my next words, I brace myself once more for the flood of emo..ons that might roll off him. *I understand your wish for me to stay here and learn from you, but it is impossible for me to stay here for as long as you wish. And with my wolf unable to tolerate your wards, it makes it even more impractical."

Wiw be fwine.

"No, it won't be."-

Magister Orion's brow furrows as he scrutinizes Selene, his gaze sharp and assessing. The air thickens with tension.

Finally, he turns to me, his expression unreadable.

"If you cannot remain here in the Fae Ward, Ava Grey, then it is my duty as your mentor to go where you go."

Layla and Tinker erupt into a chorus of protests, their voices overlapping in a cacophony of disbelief.

"Magister Orion, you can't be serious!" Layla exclaims, her eyes wide with shock. "Leaving the Fae Ward? Impossible. Your request would be rejected on the spot!"

Tinker nods vigorously, her mechanical wings fluttering in

agitation. "She's right, Magister. The Fae Ward is your domain. To leave its sanctuary is little better than," and her voice lowers to a whisper, "suicide!"

IS 43

224 Ava: The Fae Ward (VI)

But Magister Orion is unmoved by their objections. He rises to his full, imposing height, his voice booming like thunder. "Enough! This goes beyond convention. I will not leave my chance at a student behind." Watching the argument unfold, my stomach twists with unease. The idea of Magister Orion accompanying me back to the pack

lands fills me with dread.

were to

exchange worried glances, their postures tense and alert. I can feel their apprehension radiating off them in waves, mingling with

my voice carefully measured. "Magister Orion, forgive me for asking, but how can you handle being

wolves?"

are irrelevant," he says, his tone clipped. "What matters is the greater purpose.

nod slowly, trying to process his words. Having to use the word endure when thinking about spending time

Once a week?" The

16:43

206

The Fae Ward

feet, her discomfort palpable as

sneezes once more.

"Three times?"

"If

warn me of the

through the room, taking on the cadence of a professor in a lecture hall. "They carried great weight on the shoulders of three priestesses who stood with the Goddess of Life,

Orion's words settle in the air, heavy with the

someone I've never

Moon Goddess. And for humans, it's usually God. Some few in the area even speak

each priestess," Magister Orion continues, a hint of amusement creeping into his tone, "though none of them were mothers, and none

you're too boring.

"You see, Ava, the Crone

16:43

3/8

994 as thetsVard (V)

passed down through the ages to their human successors. But the Crone disappeared from the earthly realm when all the gods did, which is considered the beginning of the downfall of magic" The doom resonating in her

sounds ominous, which is absolutely what she's going

leans in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Some say the Crone's book is still out there, hidden away, waiting

a whip, cutting off her

are so dry!

actually found it quite

scowl as she scurries away, her wings whirring. "Pay no mind to the