Tangled

Unshift 282

Unshift 282

282 Ava: A Meeting of Allies

Dr. Blackwell-or, as Lisa calls him, the Grand Sage-holds out his hand for a very human handshake, his eyes twinkling in my direction. "It is good to finally meet you, Ava Grey. I've heard so much about you" From who?

"Hello," I offer cautiously, despite knowing he's one of the good ones. His handshake is firm, event if his hand is as small as a child's.

"It will be good for magic to flourish once again," he continues, and I blink.

"Excuse me?"

Dr. Blackwell's words hang in the air, and I'm not sure how to respond. Magic flourishing? What does that even mean? Before I can formulate a coherent question, Kellan clears his throat.

"I apologize for the delay in bringing Dr. Blackwell," he says, his voice oddly stiff.

Lisa's reply is equally stilted. "It's okay."

Their awkward exchange is so unnatural that I have to fake a cough to hide my amused smile. Despite the gravity of our situation, it's almost comical to see them dance around each other like this.

His expression turns serious as he continues. "I was discussing recent events with Dr. Blackwell. The Westwood Pack is caught in the middle of an incredible war that will change our world." Everyone nods solemnly; there's no surprise here.

Still, my stomach twists with anxiety as we put it into words.

Blackwell has shed more light on the incident where Delta Ryder's force was nearly obliterated after their first retreat. While he was not the only one to deal with a secondary attack, it was the worst

thinking of Mia and Chloe and their betrayal. Kellan places his hands on her shoulders, giving them a gentle squeeze. "Two shifters have been confirmed as traitors," Kellan explains to

the situation here. The healer just sighs, looking as though she's

his attention to Lisa. "Speaking of trust, I

hackles rise immediately, and I can't help but bristle at his regard of my best friend. I struggle to keep my expression neutral as everyone's gaze flicks between Lisa and me. Kellan watches me calmly, but I can

A Meeting

is trustworthy, I state firmly, meeting Marcus's

his head. "Her trustworthiness isn't the issue, but her status as

the frustration bubbling in my veins. "The number of people we can truly trust is already low.

me thoughtfully, his dark eyes hiding whatever thoughts are going on inside his head. As he continues, Lisa leans back against him. "As for the situation within the Westwood Pack since Lucas has been... incapacitated as alpha... He pauses, and I

Alpha challenges.

my face. Lucas is in no shape to be challenged. With his wolf gone,

fear takes a sharp left to anger. How dare they? After everything Lucas has done for his pack, after risking his life to

gaze, steady and calm. "Almost every

Shit.

ried!

cuts in, sounding worried. "His healing rate is abysmal. It's human-rate. There are so many theories, the doctors

says, unperturbed as several

curse? What

details. However, I am aware

to them?" I ask, desperate for good