Tangled

Unshift 246

Unshift 246

246 Ava: Off-kilter

Staying in the training room for another week is mental torture.

The training isn't the worst part.

It's the tedium.

Vanessa and Marcus are tense and jumpy, even with nothing happening.

Sometimes, the weird training room turns into a quiet beach. In an unfortunate twist, the room can't emulate scent, so it doesn't help much as a change of venue.

Once I'm able to summon fire with ease, Magister Orion announces that it's a great time to return to the Fae Ward.

The clock on the wall shows eighteen hours have passed since we entered.

"Despite sleeping in here, your mind and body aren't truly rested. You should sleep once we

return."

"No, I need to see if Selene's returned, I protest, swaying on my feet. The idea of sleep is tempting, but the worry gnawing at my gut won't let me rest. "What if something's happened?" Magister Orion's eyes soften. "Ava, I assure you, if any important news arrives, I will wake you immediately. But right now, your mental faculties need replenishing. You've pushed yourself hard. While this room is convenient for fast- tracking your training, it comes with downsides." "Days?" I blink, the concept of time slipping through my fingers like sand. "It's only been eighteen

hours."

"There, yes. And in here, it's been two weeks."

Right. I knew that.

I'm just a little confused.

My body betrays me with a jaw-cracking yawn. Vanessa steps forward, her hand gentle on my arm. "He's right, Ava. You're dead on your feet." Marcus grabs my other arm, holding me upright. It's only then that I realize I was tilting to the

side.

my

still

to the ground," Magister Orion says firmly. "Eight hours of sleep, minimum. That's

me. "He's right, Ava. You're no good

leaving behind a bone-deep weariness. "Fine," I concede, "but wake me if anything-and

(C) 240 Ava: Off-kilter

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ornate halls of the Fae Ward makes my head spin. Vanessa steadies me, concern

Honestly, everything's a little fuzzy and

gentle shove that tilts me back into a proper angle to the floor. "I'll take first watch. Vanessa will check in with everyone while

it." Exhaustion weighs down my tongue; I'm not even sure the words came

my room, I'm stumbling with every step. The bed looks impossibly inviting, and I

did give us the luxury of showers, but it couldn't give

against the

her voice

quite recognize, and a persistent sense of urgency. I'm running, always running, but I can't

familiar, but I

but something tells

I've been here before, and my entire body's screaming

the water darkens. It goes from crystal

of red in the trees, and a menacing presence that makes it hard

suddenly, I'm not there

eyes stares at me, the

me a moment to remember where I am. The soft bed and ornate furnishings of the Fae

Oh, wait. It's not.

but not powered

hot and sticky, and feel feverish. My entire body hurts,

214

246 Ava Of-Kitar

sleepyhead, Vanessa's voice startles me. She's perched in a chair by the window,

1 out?" I croak,

Magister Orion said to let

hours. It feels like I only slept ten minutes. "Why didn't you wake me?

before you ask, no, we

worry I'd pushed aside during sleep comes rushing back. "We need to do