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.

While he was not the only one to deal with

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 low and grim. "But more exist within

of them seem surprised; they must have already been briefed on the situation here. The healer just sighs,

to Lisa. "Speaking

friend. I struggle to keep my expression neutral as everyone's gaze flicks between Lisa and me. Kellan watches me calmly, but I can see

Ava: A Meeting of

is trustworthy, I state

isn't the issue, but

"The number of people we can truly trust is

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 feel my heart clench at the mention of Lucas. "It's been almost impossible to keep alpha challenges

Alpha challenges.

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

challenge him?" 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... Now, he has to worry about

meets my gaze, steady

Shit.

ried!

healing rate is abysmal. It's human-rate. There are so many theories, the doctors are in

is possible," Dr. Blackwell says, unperturbed as

curse? What

head. "I do not know such details. However, I am aware of

I ask, desperate