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?"

redouble my efforts to shake off his hand, twisting my arm

It's like trying

says, his tone both commanding and oddly

demand, forcing myself to stand still despite the

"What transfer are you

now a swirling mix of silver and white, bore into mine.

sure I like where this is

still and listen, he

urgency in his voice gives me pause. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. "Okay.

close your eyes

courses through his hand into my arm. It's like being struck by lightning, every nerve

my waist, supporting me as images and information flood my mind. Centuries of magical knowledge,

history. I witness the triumphs and failures of

transfer ends. I sag against Grimoire, my head

replies, his voice

I've seen.

the string within me is thick and sturdy, filled with a warm presence that I

My head hurts.

like it's

it will be like that for a

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

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

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

Aun Did

291 Ava. New Bond

like

with you. Whatever you are. He's old and magical, but he's definitely more than just

"Our souls are linked

to?" My voice is eerily calm, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside

a more normalized six-foot-something. "Are you bonded with others?" "Selene and Lucas are the other pieces of

chest, looking both proud and slightly miffed. "Well, I am now

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

and silence after hundreds of years of not being around another living soul? Certainly not

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.

is unexpected, to