Tangled

Unshift 262

Unshift 262

262 Ava: Cassiopeia

"Are you okay?" Vanessa asks, grabbing my arm and inspecting the welts I've given myself.

"Just crazy itchy. Ever since I connected with the book, it's like energy is just buzzing right below my skin. Like a million ants at a dance party.

She frowns. "I wish I knew more about magic and its side effects. I hate not knowing if these things are normal."

"No kidding" Pulling my arm away, I scratch at it again.

Marcus's voice cuts through the night air. "Time's up. Let's move. Ava, come up front this time."

I climb into the passenger seat, grateful for the change. At least I can stretch out my legs a little. The cracked leather beneath me is hard and pokey, but it's still an improvement. Vanessa takes the back, and I can feel her watchful gaze on me even in the darkness.

The truck rumbles to life, and we're back on the road. I lean my head against the cool glass of the window, my eyes searching the sky. The stars are bright out here, away from the city lights. It's been so long since I've really looked at them.

My fingers find their way to my neck, scratching at the persistent itch that's taken up residence- there. I try to focus on the constellations, searching for familiar patterns in the vast expanse

above.

There's Orion's Belt, three stars in a perfect line. I remember learning about it as a kid, fascinated by the idea of hunters in the sky. Now, it feels like we're the ones being hunted, even

when no one knows where we are.

The Big Dipper comes into view, its ladle shape unmistakable. I trace it with my eyes, following the line to the North Star. It's supposed to be a guide, a constant in a chaotic world. Right now, I could use some of that stability.

My mind wanders to Lucas, wondering if he's looking at these same stars from his hospital bed. The thought sends a pang through my chest, sharper than any physical pain.

I hope he's okay.

hope he knows

in my chest feels stronger, maybe because the distance between us is shrinking.

insistent. It's like my is trying to crawl out of itself, restless energy with

is how Lucas feels when the full moon

wildness.

but firm from the back seat. "Try not to scratch. You'll

worse.

body

262 Ava: Cassiopeia

press my palms flat against my thighs, focusing on the rough

my jeans.

only other constellation I really know: The constellation Cassiopeia, its distinctive W shape a stark contrast to the

she's forever in the sky, sometimes right-side up, sometimes upside down. I wonder if the gods who put her there knew how apt a metaphor

Feels like me.

you holding up?" I tear my gaze away from the stars to look at him. His eyes are fixed on the road ahead, but I can

say? That I'm stressed about the fate of the world and worrying that we won't find Lucas where he's supposed to be? That I feel like something else crazy is about to come around the corner at

not calling me out on the obvious untruth. "Good. We should

I curl them into fists instead, nails digging

Lucas is awake?" The question slips out before I can stop it, my voice sounding small and uncertain

Vanessa says gently from the back. "He's probably

nod. Of course he's sleeping. What time is it now?

have a mind of its own. Is it like starlight,

take a chunk of the world with me, I think it

can't be compared to something

my hand is at my neck again, nails scraping against skin. I catch

a mixture of concern and exasperation. "You need to try to relax. The more you focus on it, the