Tangled

Unshift 286

Unshift 286

286 Ava: Not Yet Ready.

*Sealed? By the water, you mean?"

"Of course not." They look irritated now, likely by how slow my brain is catching up to their thought process. The seals, girl"

"So, a lockbox?"

"Lockb-you humans have such odd innovations." The way they're peering into my face, it feels like they're tearing apart my memories to educate themselves.

"In a sense, I suppose. It isn't that easy" They sit.

In the air.

Floating.

Just-there. As if one would lower themself into a chair, only there's nothing there.

"Why so surprised?" they ask, tilting their head as they blink owlishly in my direction.

Gesturing toward them, I just say, "You're floating. In mid-air."

They roll their eyes again, a surprisingly human gesture for such an otherworldly being. "And you're standing on the ground. How extraordinary."

off guard, and I shake my head, trying to refocus. "I'm sorry.

wave a dismissive hand, changing the subject abruptly once again. "Why are here, girl?

you

new connection I felt within me. My magic, I think. I didn't mean to intrude

mind. "What do you

I'm an obtuse child they're obligated to handle. "Not here, specifically. But you have a penchant for barging in where you're not expected. Grimoire doesn't like to be disturbed, you know," Energy fizzes through my veins, my

prefers his peace and quiet. Yet here you are, once again, stumbling into places you don't belong "I'm not trying

Ava: Not Yet

sense that it-he-would

of on

every inch of me with a curled lip and a slow shake

world. The way they

spirit blinks, their gaze sweeping around us. I hesitate, then follow suit, scanning our surroundings. Beyond our small circle of vibrant green, there's nothing but

one else is out

little human thing?"

were going to tell me. After all, they went on and on about how Grimoire doesn't like to be disturbed and enjoys his peace and quiet. Wouldn't they know better than

came barging in

know anything about him," I counter. "You seem to know him

on their back in mid-air. It's surreal, watching them float there like

magic is doomed," they announce to the canopy above, which has parted into a frame of green trees surrounding a sliver of blue sky.

and start anew."

seem to have any real empathy for my life.

possible?" I ask, unable to keep the

so abruptly it makes me flinch, their eyes burning into mine with an