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.

forest remains silent, the 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.

my body. There's a strange heat building inside me, different from the warmth of the

open my eyes, hoping to see the spirit more willing to engage. To my surprise, they're hovering closer now, their ethereal form shimmering with

more persistent than

this mean you'll answer

spirit tilts their head, regarding me with those unfathomable

200 Ava imbalance

you're asking the

sigh. Why can't magical beings ever give straight answers? Is it against some freaking supernatural law they hold deep in

my thoughts. "Okay, then what should I be

here?" They gesture to the revitalized forest around us. "You seek

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

you humans.

can learn without a teacher, if you pay attention. That's the problem with Never paying attention. There are no ornate rules to magic. Do you need lessons to

feel that way to

a spirit, and I'm a

a lot of sass in your head for

keep my thoughts out

look in their eyes. "You don't understand what you're trying to control, and therein lies the danger. Wild magic, untamed and uncontrolled, is a force of nature. It responds to your emotions, your desires, but without proper guidance, it can

consume-I was told I needed a teacher so I wouldn't

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

how do wizards control

with an otherworldly light as they consider my question. Their body continues to rotate slowly in the air, defying gravity in a way that makes

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

eager to understand "What do you

200 Ava Imbalance

use glyphs and wards as a magical dumping ground. When they feel the pressure building up, they funnel that excess energy into these constructs. Imagine a pot of boiling water. Instead. of turning down the heat,