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?"

to shake off his hand,

hand. It's like trying to move

Grimoire says, his tone both commanding and oddly gentle. "You'll

going on," I demand, forcing myself to stand still despite the

chest. "What transfer are

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

sure I like where this is going.

be still and listen, he

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

your eyes and open your mind.

surge of energy courses through his hand into my arm. It's like being struck by lightning, every nerve in my body lighting up at once.

of magical knowledge, secrets long forgotten by the mortal world, pour into me in a torrent I can barely

flow of magic throughout history. I witness the triumphs and failures of countless witches,

transfer ends. I sag against Grimoire, my head spinning from the influx of information. "What... what

am," he replies, his voice

I've seen.

an undeniable pull between us now, and the string within me is thick and sturdy, filled with a warm presence that I now recognize as Grimoire. He sets me on my feet, though he keeps a

My head hurts.

feels like it's splitting

be like that for a while. My

warmth from earlier is gone, replaced by an icy cold

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

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

this hand. Aun Did you

291 Ava. New Bond

looks like a

"What bond? I was trying to summon a magic book, not bond with you. Whatever you are. He's old and magical, but he's

tracing an invisible line. "Our souls are linked now.

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

has now shrunk to a more normalized six-foot-something. "Are you bonded with

I am now also a part of your soul. A rather

our first conversation. "I distinctly remember you saying

rolls his eyes dramatically. "Who wants more peace and silence after hundreds of years of not being around

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.

Grimoire is unexpected, to say the least. Slowly, I bring my arms up to