Tangled

Unshift 244

Unshift 244

244 Lisa: Seriously, It's Just Weird

LISA

At the mention of Ava's name, my heart clenches. God, I hope she's okay. I haven't seen her

since....

I push the memories away, focusing on the present. "What does Ava have to do with this?" "Everything," he says simply. "Your friend is at the center of events that could reshape our future, Lisa. She needs allies. People she can trust. People like you."

I shake my head, too confused. I'm missing huge chunks of the picture.

"Sorry, I don't understand. What events? What's happening to Ava? Isn't she safe with

The old man sighs, suddenly looking every bit his advanced age. "She is safe enough, I suppose. But the danger is always present, waiting for the right moment to strike. Decades, if not centuries, of planning have come to fruition, and we're only just learning of it. For now, I will have to apologize as we leave you in the dark a little longer. Just know that you're in a safe place."

"So why tell me anything at all?" I demand, my patience wearing thin. "Why not just leave me in the dark?"

"Because I don't need a human gallivanting off to what she thinks is freedom, only to be snatched up once again" He peers over his spectacles. "You thought of escape at least once, didn't you?" My cheeks heat a little, even as my chin lifts. The stubbornness deep within me is coming back to life, at least a little certain that I'm safe enough to snap back. "Wouldn't you, in my shoes?"

of a gentleman. Someone you'd see on those TV shows about posh royalty in England. “Hopefully I'll have a little more clear information for you soon enough, to

been kidnapped in the human world. But add werewolves to the mix?" I snap my fingers. "Kidnapped. Twice!

have to suffer as you have. But I promise you, what I offer is not more pain. It's a chance to make a difference.

man's delusions. But something in his tone, in the earnestness of his gaze, gives me pause. Despite my suspicion of

do you mean?" I ask

encouraging. "You,

244 Lisa: Seriously. It's

Just Weird

my voice barely above a whisper. "If I was stillborn...

human?"

very much human, Lisa. The Fae magic brought you to life, but it didn't change your fundamental nature. You're simply enhanced. For every child brought back to life, a tiny piece of a High Fae Priestess' soul lies within

of emotions I can't quite sort out. Fear, confusion, a strange sort of wonder, and underneath it all, a simmering

stronger now. "Why would the Fae do this? What do they get out of it, besides... besides

are complex and often inscrutable, even to us gnomes. But from what we understand, Fae-blessed humans serve as a sort of bridge between our

Prince? Why does he

human, he can gain access to Fac magic himself. Several have died in his pursuit of that power, and he never succeeded.

The way the Mad Prince had touched me. The way he'd been infuriated at my body's lack of passion, like that made a

guess it

What a freak.

it, and suddenly want nothing

can't be, because my parents are normal humans and definitely have never talked to some High Fae Priestess or whatever, "-then what is your plan