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.

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 every description crowd the room, lining shelves, stacked in corners, hanging

the rafters.

with tarnished frames, their surfaces cloudy 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

objects, the attic is surprisingly clean. No cobwebs drape the corners, no dust coats the surfaces. It's as if

her eyes

potential, tingling against my skin. My newly awakened magical senses hum, picking up

13

In

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

itch to explore. We might not know where we are, but I

and power if only I'd reach out and grasp them. I clench my fists at

where we are," I say, forcing myself to focus on our immediate situation. "And more importantly, how to contact Lucas and the

to use that damn communication orb,

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

because it looks peaceful doesn't mean it is,

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

can hear it

go dark.

below us. My breath catches in my throat

We're not alone.

tandem, shoving me behind them. Their bodies form a living shield, and I struggle to quell the surge of guilt that rises in my throat. They shouldn't have to risk

protest. Now isn't the time for heroics or misplaced pride. I force myself to stay still, to become as small and quiet as

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

Their muscles are coiled tight, ready to spring into action. My body thrums with nervous