Tangled

Unshift 291

Unshift 291

291 Ava: New Bond

Leaning forward, 1 stare at the spirit, who seems nonplussed by the intensity of my gaze.

"What?" They sound defensive for the first time.

"You aren't fond of wizards or magicians, are you?"

They scowl. "I am not fond of humans, human:

"I told you, I'm Lycan. Kind of.

"Hmm." They don't sound convinced. I guess I can't blame them. It isn't like I can shift.

"You're Grimoire, aren't you?"

In between one blink and the next, they're now standing in front of me, feet firmly planted against the ground and taller than before. How tall? Seven feet? Eight?

Are those flames I see flickering over their skin? Yes. Yes, those are.

Gone is the ethereal, androgynous being. In their place stands a towering figure, flames dancing across skin that seems both solid and intangible. His hair is as red as blood, his eyes an unnerving silver, and he's unmistakably male. I keep my eyes on his face.

His hand shoots out, gripping my arm with surprising strength. I try to pull away, but his hold is unyielding.

"How did you know?" His voice, deep and undeniably masculine now, rumbles through me.

I swallow hard, fighting the urge to struggle against his grip. "It seemed pretty obvious in retrospect." My eyes dart to his face, taking in features that seem both ancient and ageless. "Why do you look and sound different now?"

A smile spreads across his face, transforming his stern expression into something almost warm. "You're simply seeing me for who I am, Ava Grey"

I glance around, momentarily distracted by the transformation of our surroundings. The clearing, once bordered by decay and darkness, now teems with vibrant life. Lush greenery. stretches as far as I can see, pulsing with an energy that makes my skin tingle. "Let go of me," I say, tugging at my arm again.

His grip doesn't budge. "I can't. I must maintain contact with you for the transfer.

That sounds a little unnerving. "Transfer? What transfer?"

hand, twisting my arm and pushing against

hand. It's like trying to move a

says, his tone both commanding and

what's going on," I demand, forcing myself to stand

chest. "What transfer are you talking

mix of silver and white, bore into mine. "The transfer of knowledge, of course. You

nod hesitantly, not entirely sure I like where

still and listen,

take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. "Okay.

"Good. Now, close your eyes and

hand into my arm. It's like being struck by lightning, every nerve in my body lighting up at once. I gasp, my knees buckling

me as images and information flood my mind. Centuries of magical knowledge, secrets long forgotten by the mortal world, pour into me in

fall of civilizations, the ebb and flow of magic throughout history. I witness the triumphs and failures of countless witches, wizards,

against Grimoire, my head spinning from the influx of information. "What... what was

of what I am," he replies, his voice echoing

I've seen.

undeniable pull between us now, and the string within me is thick and sturdy, filled with a warm presence that I now recognize

My head hurts.

feels like it's

be like that for a while. My

sudden chill wracks my body with violent shivers. The warmth from earlier is gone, replaced by an icy cold deep

tugging together in concern. "Your fever has worsened. I'm sorry, I should

chatter as I wrap my arms around myself, trying to step away from him, despite wanting to lean into

nought this hand. Aun Did you not

291 Ava. New Bond

like

not bond with you. Whatever you are. He's old and magical, but he's definitely more than

an invisible line. "Our souls are linked now. It's a profound

souls am I supposed to be linked to?" My voice is eerily calm, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside

to a more normalized six-foot-something. "Are you bonded with others?"

proud and slightly miffed. "Well, I am now also a part of your soul. A rather important part,

raise an eyebrow, recalling our first conversation. "I distinctly remember you saying

rolls his eyes dramatically. "Who wants more peace and silence after hundreds of years

within me humming with happiness. It's then that I truly understand-the feelings coursing through the new connection inside me? That's his true self. The sarcastic, grouchy exterior is just a facade. Before I can process this revelation, Grimoire envelops me in a bear hug.

react. This overly affectionate side of Grimoire is unexpected, to say the