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.

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

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 low and grim. "But more exist within

them seem surprised; they must have already been briefed on the situation here. The healer just sighs, looking as though she's aged

on the other hand, turns his attention to Lisa. "Speaking of trust,

keep my expression neutral as everyone's gaze flicks between Lisa and me. Kellan watches me calmly, but I can see the veins in his arms

A Meeting

state firmly, meeting

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

can truly trust is already low. We shouldn't alienate Lisa just

the situation within the Westwood Pack since Lucas has been... incapacitated as alpha... He pauses, and I feel my heart clench at the

Alpha challenges.

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

everything Lucas has done for his pack, after risking

meets my gaze, steady and calm. "Almost every

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

Blackwell says, unperturbed as several eyes cut

kind of curse? What does it

However, I am aware of

to them?" I ask, desperate for