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

It's like trying to move

commanding and oddly gentle. "You'll only hurt

to stand still despite the panic creeping 201 Ava:

"What transfer are

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

nod hesitantly, not entirely sure I like where this

still and listen, he

in his voice gives me pause. I take a deep breath,

expression softens. "Good. Now, close your eyes and open your

every nerve in my body lighting up

magical knowledge, secrets long forgotten by the mortal world, pour into me in a

of magic throughout history. I witness the triumphs and

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

voice echoing strangely

I've seen.

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,

My head hurts.

like it's splitting

be like that for a

The warmth from earlier is gone, replaced by an icy cold deep in my

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

I wrap my arms around myself, trying to step away from him, despite wanting to lean into the warmth of his body. "W-why did

nought this hand. Aun Did

291 Ava. New Bond

like a wounded

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

an invisible line. "Our souls are

My voice is eerily calm, a stark contrast to

has now shrunk to a more normalized six-foot-something. "Are you bonded with others?" "Selene and Lucas are the other pieces of my soul,"

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

an eyebrow, recalling our first conversation. "I distinctly remember you saying Grimoire likes his peace. This doesn't seem very peaceful to

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

his true self. The sarcastic, grouchy

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