Tangled

Unshift 232

Unshift 232

232 Ava: Bursting In

"But I didn't do anything," I protest. "I just sat here."

"It doesn't matter," Vanessa says, just as Selene says the same thing in my head.

I swear I can hear a smile in my wolf's voice. Sometimes doing nothing is the hardest thing of all.

I look down at my hands, half expecting to see water droplets forming on my skin. But they look the same as always. "Did I really do it, though?"

I don't know. I'm not a wizard.

Pausing at that, I scowl at the air, since she's not near me. "Then

what was all that advice about?"

A hunch.

What the hell.

It worked, didn't it?

Can't really argue with that.

The door flies open with a resounding bang, and I nearly leap out of my skin. Before I can even process what's happening, Vanessa's between me and the entrance, her body coiled and ready to strike.

My heart's still racing when Magister Orion bursts in, his massive frame filling the doorway. But it's not his size that catches my attention this time. No, it's the tiny sparks of flame dancing above his head like a bizarre halo. I blink, wondering if I'm hallucinating.

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232 Ava: Bursting In

"Fire!" he roars, his voice booming through the room. "You touched fire!"

the excitement in his tone. He's practically vibrating with energy as he continues, words tumbling out in

it! I knew you were special, Ava Grey! Do you have any idea how long it usually takes

Sometimes months!"

up his usual position in the corner. His face is impassive as ever, but

still on high alert but recognizing that we're safe. I'm grateful for her protective instincts, even if they weren't

this time.

His eyes dart around, taking in the

from excitement to mortification.

out in a stammer, his face flushed as red as the fire dancing above his head. "My sincerest apologies, my lady!" Before I can even form a response, he's out the door, slamming it behind him with as much force

that follows is deafening.

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232 Ava: Burstant in

and Marcus, trying to process what just happened. Did that really just occur? Or did I fall asleep during

on the door breaks the stunned silence. Vanessa moves to answer it, and I have to stifle a laugh

the situation.

Orion," Vanessa says, her voice carefully neutral. "How may we

cry from the booming enthusiasm of moments ago. Vanessa glances back, catching my eye, and

to let him

seeming smaller than before. His face is beet red, and the dancing flames above his head have disappeared. He clears his throat, looking everywhere except

a by-your-leave. It was terribly rude and unprofessional of me. I allowed my excitement

stark contrast to his earlier behavior that I'm not quite sure how to respond. Part of me wants to laugh at the absurdity of it all, but another part recognizes the

St Aubing b

okay. Magister Orion, I manage to say, trying to keep my voice steady. "I understand you were excited about

nods, still looking uncomfortable. "Yes, well, that's no excuse for such behavior. I assure you, it

falls over the room. I glance at Vanessa and Marcus, hoping for some

let me

begin, searching for a way to break the tension,

launching into another excited tirade. "Yes, of course. Perhaps we could discuss it in a more... appropriate setting? The library, perhaps?"

says, backing towards the door. "I'll await you

giggle escapes. "Well,

supplies, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "I never heard that the Fae

mores."

"But then again, the knowledge we have is contained in storybooks. We have very little contact with anyone associated

Communities"

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27 Ava Thesi