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.

was nearly obliterated after their first retreat. While he was not the only one to deal with a secondary attack, it was the worst of them. We lost all but fifteen

stiffen at the mention of the incident. She did mention Ryder, she must be 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 Marcus and Vanessa, his voice

already been briefed on the situation here. The healer just sighs, looking as though she's aged ten years since I saw her

other hand, turns his attention to Lisa.

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

Ava: A

state firmly,

isn't the issue, but her status as an advisor

"The number of people we can truly trust is already

back against him. "As for the situation within the Westwood Pack since Lucas has been... incapacitated as alpha... He pauses, and I feel my heart clench at the mention of Lucas. "It's been almost impossible

Alpha challenges.

is in no shape to be challenged. With his

Lucas has done for his pack, after risking his life to save others... Now, he has to worry

my gaze, steady and

Shit.

ried!

examined Alpha, Vanessa cuts in, sounding worried. "His healing rate is abysmal. It's human-rate. There are so many theories, the doctors are in knots. They think he's cursed somehow, but no one knows if

Blackwell says, unperturbed as several eyes

kind of curse?

old gnome shakes his frail-seeming head. "I do not know such details. However, I am aware of curses befalling

I ask, desperate for good