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?"

off his hand, twisting my arm

free hand. It's like trying

Grimoire says, his tone both commanding and

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

"What transfer are

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

nod hesitantly, not entirely sure I like where this is

and listen, he

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

expression softens. "Good. Now, close your eyes and open your mind. This may be

by lightning, every nerve in my body lighting up at once. I gasp, my knees buckling under the onslaught

wraps around my waist, supporting me as images and information flood my mind. Centuries of magical knowledge, secrets long forgotten

fall of civilizations, the ebb and flow of magic throughout history. I witness the triumphs and failures of countless witches, wizards, and magical beings. Through it all,

the transfer ends. I sag against Grimoire, my head spinning from the influx

voice echoing strangely in my ears.

I've seen.

trying to focus on 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 I now recognize as Grimoire. He sets me on my feet, though he keeps a

My head hurts.

like

be like that for a while. My

sudden chill wracks my body with violent shivers. The warmth from earlier

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

arms around myself, trying to step away from him, despite wanting

Did you not

291 Ava. New Bond

like a

point out, "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

his finger tracing an invisible line. "Our

linked to?" My voice is

up to his full height, which has now shrunk to a more normalized six-foot-something. "Are you bonded

and slightly miffed. "Well, I am now also a

remember you saying Grimoire likes his peace.

"Who wants more peace and silence after hundreds of years of not being around another living soul?

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

frozen for a moment, unsure how to react. This overly affectionate side of Grimoire is unexpected, to say