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?"

my efforts to shake off his hand, twisting my

hand. It's like trying to

says, his tone both commanding

demand, forcing myself to stand still despite the panic creeping 201 Ava:

transfer are you

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

entirely sure I like

be still and listen, he

a deep breath,

close your eyes and

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. I gasp, my knees buckling

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

and flow of magic throughout history. I witness the triumphs and failures of countless witches, wizards, and magical beings. Through it all, Grimoire's presence is a constant,

sag against Grimoire, my head spinning from the influx of information.

what I am," he replies, his voice

I've seen.

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 steadying hand on

My head hurts.

feels like it's

that for a

with violent shivers. The warmth from earlier is gone, replaced by an

over my forehead, his brows tugging together in concern. "Your fever has worsened. I'm sorry, I should have been

him, despite wanting to lean into the warmth of his

nought this hand. Aun Did you not sama kama

291 Ava. New Bond

like

not bond with you. Whatever you are. He's old and magical,

points between us, his finger tracing an invisible line. "Our souls are linked now. It's a profound connection,

many souls am I supposed to be linked to?" My voice

shrunk to a more normalized six-foot-something. "Are

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

remember you saying Grimoire likes his peace. This doesn't seem very peaceful

dramatically. "Who wants more peace and silence after hundreds of years of not

trying to wrap my head around this new development. Grimoire's face lights up, a beaming smile spreading across his features, the new bond 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. His warmth seeps into me, chasing away some of the chill. "I've been so lonely" he sighs, his voice muffled against my "hair. "I was worried a new master

stand frozen for a moment, unsure how to react. This overly affectionate side of Grimoire is unexpected, to say the least. Slowly, I bring my arms up to return