Tangled

Unshift 290

Unshift 290

290 Ava: Imbalance

"You're really bad at taking care of yourself, aren't you?"

The little bit of life I'd managed to bring back to the forest is already dwindling, but the spirit- Grimoire, I'm pretty sure-is floating in the air when I open my eyes, lying on their side with their head propped on their hand. "Excuse me?" What a welcome.

"Not eating. Don't even notice you have a fever. Wild magic inside of you." They shake their head. "You'll implode at this rate."

A fever? My forehead feels cool to touch. "I don't have a fever."

"Your hand is as hot as your-never mind. Not my problem if humans want to kill themselves." They roll over, presenting their back to me.

"What do you mean by wild magic? And why would I implode?"

The spirit waves their hand dismissively, not even bothering to look at me. Their indifference is frustrating.

Last time, they spoke with me after I connected with the magic hidden here.

Fine. If that's what it takes to get answers, I'll try again.

Once I focus, the hidden magic pulses beneath the lake, calling my attention.

I touch my forehead discreetly. It feels cool to me, but the spirit's words nag at the back of my mind. Could I really have a fever?

Pushing the thought aside, I concentrate on the magic thrumming beneath the water, the faintest whisper of it grazing the land. Reaching out with my senses, I try to coax it to life once more.

air still. But then, slowly, I feel a warmth spreading from my fingertips. It travels up my arms, settling in my chest before radiating outward. The golden glow returns, seeping from my hands into the ground. It spreads like veins through

a strange heat building inside me, different from the warmth

engage. To my surprise, they're hovering closer now, their ethereal form shimmering with an intensity

they muse. "You're more persistent than I gave

you'll answer

head, regarding me with those unfathomable eyes. "Perhaps.

200 Ava imbalance

if you're asking the right

answers? Is it against some freaking supernatural law they hold deep in their souls? It's ridiculous. "No law. It's just how I

forgot they can read my thoughts. "Okay, then what should I be

forest around us. "You seek more power, yet you don't

My teacher-I was separated from my teacher. I'm on my own

you humans.

you pay attention. That's the problem with Never paying attention. There are

feel that

a spirit, and

sass in your head for

clear my throat, trying to keep my

uncontrolled, is a force of nature. It responds to your emotions, your desires, but without proper guidance, it can consume you. It Isn't like electricity, flowing only within the conduits they've installed. It's

told I needed a teacher so I

hasn't it? They're rotating in the air, spinning slowly until they're upside down, seafoam-colored hair reaching the ground. They look ridiculous, despite the grim words and solemn expression. "Magic requires balance, they explain. "What you're doing now is drawing power from the world. around you, but you're not giving anything back. It's like trying to fill a cup with a hole in the bottom. Eventually, the pressure will

do

consider my question. Their body continues to rotate slowly in the air, defying gravity in a way that makes my head spin if

begin, their voice taking on a slightly mocking tone, "they think they're so clever. They've found

to understand "What do you

200 Ava Imbalance

into these constructs. Imagine a pot of boiling water. Instead. of turning down the heat, they just keep adding more