Filed to story: Tangled in Moonlight Unshifted Novel by Lenaleia
The doubt on my face is clear. I know it is, because I’m letting it all out.
“We won’t be stupid about it, but if anything happens to you, it will be an act of war.” He hesitates for a second, appearing to struggle over saying what he wants to say.
But I can see it on his face, and I don’t blame him for thinking it.
“Don’t start a war, Ava.”
I’m not planning on it.
I just hope I don’t let them down.
The candle wick flickers to blazing life. Marcus and Liam’s hands are heavy on my shoulders, grounding me as Adam and Vanessa complete the chain. Selene’s fur brushes my leg, a s nt reminder of her presence.
I focus on Sister Miriam, on my desperate need to understand… everything.
My powers. The city. These phone calls. Steve. The Fae. The Moon Goddess. Lisa. And that damned Mad Prince.
The flame flickers, casting eerie shadows across the faces of those gathered around me. I close my eyes, picturing Sister Miriam’s enigmatic smile, her ruby eyes glittering with secrets.
Sister Miriam, I need you.
I hold my breath, waiting for the rush of magic, the dizzying sensation of being transported across space and time.
But nothing happens.
I open my eyes, blinking in confusion. We’re still in my room, surrounded by the trappings of my everyday life. Kellan and
Jericho exchange a glance, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.
“When’s it supposed to happen?” Kellan asks, his brow furrowing.
A sinking feeling takes hold of my gut. “I don’t know. It worked before.”
Staring at the candle, I whisper Sister Miriam’s name, each syllable a desperate plen. “Sister Miriam. Ster Miriam, please”
The silence stretches, broken only by my harsh breathing. Selene presses closer to my leg,
I’m about to try again when my phone rings, the sudden sound making us all jump. I fumble for it, my hands shaking as I see the unknown number on the screen.
“Hello?” My voice cracks, betraying my nerves.
“Are you an idiot?” a robotic voice demands. “T ng to access your power now could kill everyone around you!”
Jericho and Kellan stare intently at the phone, and I put it on speaker.
“Who is this?”
The robotic voice sighs, the sound harsh and grating through the phone’s speaker. “You’re taking too long.”
I glance around at the others, searching their faces for any hint of understanding. Kellan and Jericho exchange a bewildered look, while Marcus and Liam simply shake their heads.
“Who are you?” I demand, my grip tightening on the phone. “Tell me.”
“I’m trying to help you,” the voice snaps, frustration evident despite the robotic distortion. There’s an edge to their words, something that doesn’t translate through whatever filter they’re using.
“You’ve tapped into your power,” the voice continues, and my heart skips a beat.
“How do you know that?” I whisper
The line goes silent for a moment, the absence of sound almost deafening. Then, abruptly, the speaker changes the subject. “Lisa will soon be in safe hands. That should help your worries.”
Ice floods my veins. “What do you mean? What have you done with her?”
“Youneed to hurry up,” the voice repeats, ignoring n questions. “Time is running out.”
Kellan leans in, his brow furrowed. “Who is this? What do you want with Ava?”
“I won’t talk to any wolves,” the speaker snarls, and the line goes dead.
I stare at the phone in my hand, my heart pounding. The candle flickers, casting eerie shadows across the room.
“They said they won’t talk to wolves,” I tell Kellan, who huffs out a long breath, looking thoughtful.
“What the hell was that?” Jericho demands, his eyes narrowed.
“I don’t know,” I whisper, my mind reeling. “But they know about my powers, and they said something about Lisa. Said she would be safe.”
Kellan runs a hand through his hair, his expression grim. “For all we know, their safe is just another danger.”
I nod, my throat tight. This person won’t answer questions, and knows too much.
“What about Sister Miriam?” Vanessa asks, her voice soft. “Why didn’t she come?”
I shake my head, staring at the candle’s flickering flame. “I don’t know. Maybe she can’t, or maybe she won’t.”
The silence stretches, heavy with all of our unanswered questions.
“We can’t just sit here,” I say finally, my voice shaking. “We have to do something.”
“You do look dressed for the part,” a voice agree. tartling all of us.
Sister Miriam melts from the shadows. Her black dress clings to her figure, and she walks with mincing steps. There’s a cigarette holder dangling from her fingers, a slender line of smoke curling toward the ceiling. Something I’ve only seen an old movie once.
Kellan and Jericho are in front of me before I can blink, a wall of muscle and menace. Even Vanessa steps forward, her gentle face set in lines of determination.
But Sister Miriam merely arches a brow, her ruby lips curving in a smile that’s equal parts amusement and danger. “Is that greet a guest, child?”
“Sister Miriam! How did you…?”
any way to
No one relaxes, even after hearing her identity. Unfazed by the hostility aimed toward her, she takes a long drag from her cigarette, the ember flaring bright in the dimness of the room. “You called me, did you not?”
I swallow hard, my heart hammering against my ribs. “I did, but I thought it didn’t work.”
“Because you didn’t come to my home?” She laughs, but it sounds oddly affectionate. “Oh, Ava. You have so much to learn.”
Kellan shifts, his shoulders tense. “Who are you?”
Sister Miriam’s gaze flicks to him, her eyes glittering. “I am many things, wolf. But to you, I am an ally. For now”
“For now?” Jericho growls, his hand twitching toward the gun at his hip.
“Peace,” I say, stepping forward to touch the back of his shoulder. “She’s here to help.” They’re both on edge “er that phone call, and so am I.
Sister Miriam inclines her head. “Indeed. Though I must say, your choice of companions is… interesting”
I take a deep breath, forcing myself to meet her gaze. “Sister Miriam, this is Kellan, Jericho, Marcus, Liam, Adam, and Vanessa. They’re friends. Pack.”
Something flickers in her eyes, gone too fast to name. “I see.”
“How did you get in here?” Kellan demands, his voice rough. “We have wards, guards…”
Sister Miriam waves a hand, dismissive. “Your wards are child’s play, wolf. You should know this by now. As for your guards? They never had a chance to spot me.”
I shoulder my way forward, putting myself between her and the others. “You said you were here to help?”
She takes another drag from her cigarette, the smoke wreathing her face. “In a manner of speaking. You’ve gotten yourself into quite the predicament, haven’t you, child?”
The condescension in her tone has me bristling. “I didn’t exactly plan for any of this.” But I realize how childish my response is as soon as the words come out of my mouth.
Of course I didn’t plan for any of this. That doesn’t change the fact that it’s happening. It doesn’t absolve me of the responsibility. A hard lesson, learned from the loss of too many lives.