Tangled

Unshift 254

Unshift 254

254 Ava: In the Attic

Just as I'm about to suggest we try something else-anything else, like banging until we find at hidden door-movement catches my eye. A shimmer ripples across the far wall, like heat waves rising from sun- baked asphalt. It swirls and coalesces, taking on the familiar appearance of the portals we used to travel to Dakota Sanctuary,

Relief floods through me, tempered by caution.

Magister Orion asked for a portal, but his directions were vague. There's a hell of a lot of world out there.

Marcus steps forward, his jaw set with determination. "I'll go first," he says, his tone brooking no argument. Before I can protest, he's through the portal, vanishing in a blink.

Vanessa and I exchange a quick glance, an entire conversation passing between us in that split second. Together, we step into the swirling vortex.

The world twists and blurs around us, and for a heart-stopping moment, I feel like I'm falling through an endless void. Then, abruptly, solid ground materializes beneath my feet. I stumble forward, colliding with warm bodies in the darkness.

"Oof!" Vanessa grunts as we all tangle together, a mess of limbs in a space that feels far too

small.

"Sorry," I mutter, trying to extricate myself without elbowing anyone in the face. "Where are we?"

A rustling sound, then a click. Soft light floods the space.

Marcus stands a few feet away, his hand on a dangling pull cord attached to a bare bulb.

growing amazement. We're in what appears to be an attic, but unlike any attic I've ever seen. The space is absolutely crammed with... stuff. Artifacts of

the rafters.

with age. Delicate porcelain figurines pose next to weathered leather-bound books. Intricate clockwork devices. tick softly, their gears exposed like mechanical organs. Crystals of various sizes and colors catch the light, throwing rainbow reflections across

cobwebs drape the corners, no dust coats the surfaces. It's as if time has been

eyes wide

senses hum, picking up on

13

In the

a moment. "But I wouldn't touch anything if I were

agreement, though my fingers itch to explore. We might not know where we

object seems to whisper secrets, promising knowledge and power if only I'd reach out and grasp them. I clench my

contact Lucas and the

use that damn communication orb, but

investigate the area. We need to make sure it's

looks peaceful doesn't mean it is, the

a faint sound reaches their ears. I don't hear anything, but Marcus holds a finger to his lips, tugging

hear it

go dark.

in my throat as I exchange alarmed glances with Marcus and

We're not alone.

form a living shield, and I struggle to quell the surge of guilt that rises in my throat. They shouldn't have to risk themselves

time for heroics or misplaced pride. I force myself to stay still, to become as small and quiet as possible

my forehead, trickling down my temple. The air feels thick, oppressive. Every creak of the

the tension radiating from Marcus and Vanessa. Their muscles are coiled tight, ready to spring