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.

their first retreat. While he was not the only one to deal with a secondary attack,

hands on her

the situation here. The healer just

Lisa. "Speaking

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

is trustworthy, I state firmly, meeting Marcus's

isn't the issue, but

my veins. "The number of people we can truly trust is already low. We shouldn't alienate Lisa just because she's

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 feel

Alpha challenges.

shape to be challenged. With his wolf gone, he's

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

steady and

Shit.

ried!

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

is possible," Dr. Blackwell says, unperturbed as several

of curse? What

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

happened to them?" I