Tangled

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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 a

Ava Grey! Do you have any idea how long it usually takes

Sometimes months!"

the room, taking up his usual position in the corner. His face is impassive as ever, but there's a hint of amusement in his

still on high alert but recognizing that we're safe. I'm grateful for her protective instincts, even if they

this time.

suddenly stops mid-sentence. His eyes dart around, taking in the room as if seeing it for the first time. The realization dawns on his face, and

from excitement to mortification.

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 as

that follows is deafening.

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232 Ava: Burstant in

that really just occur? Or did I fall asleep during meditation and dream the whole

the stunned silence. Vanessa moves to answer it, and

the situation.

says, her voice carefully neutral. "How may we help

ahem. May I please have permission to enter Miss Grey's chambers?" His voice is subdued now, a far cry from the booming enthusiasm of moments ago. Vanessa glances back, catching my eye, and I can see she's struggling to keep a

to let him

red, and the dancing flames above his head

by-your-leave. It was terribly rude and unprofessional of

stark contrast to his earlier behavior that I'm not quite sure how to respond.

St Aubing b

say, trying to keep my voice steady. "I understand you were excited

nods, still looking uncomfortable. "Yes, well, that's no excuse for such behavior. I assure you, it won't happen

the room. I glance at Vanessa and Marcus, hoping

let me

for a way to break the tension, "about that fire

"Yes, of course. Perhaps we could discuss it in a more... appropriate setting? The library, perhaps?" I nod, relieved

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

hysterical giggle escapes. "Well, I say, looking at Vanessa and Marcus, "that

of her mouth.

mores."

knowledge we have is contained in storybooks. We have very little contact

Communities"

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27 Ava Thesi