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 his

It's like trying to move a

commanding and oddly

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

my chest. "What transfer are you

mine.

nod hesitantly, not entirely sure I like where

be still and

I take a deep breath, trying to

eyes

every nerve in my body lighting up at once. I gasp, my

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

history. I witness the triumphs and failures of countless witches, wizards, and magical beings. Through it all, Grimoire's

against Grimoire, my head spinning from the influx of

am," he replies, his voice echoing strangely in my ears. "A

I've seen.

his face. The world seems sharper somehow, colors more vivid and textures more defined. There's an undeniable pull between us now, and the string within me is thick and sturdy, filled with a warm presence that

My head hurts.

like it's splitting

it will be like that for

violent shivers. The warmth from earlier is gone, replaced

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

him, despite wanting to lean into the

nought this hand. Aun Did you not

291 Ava. New Bond

looks like a wounded

bond with you. Whatever you

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

linked to?" My voice is eerily calm, a

a more normalized six-foot-something. "Are

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

our first conversation. "I distinctly remember you saying Grimoire likes his peace. This doesn't

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

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

of Grimoire is unexpected, to say the least.