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281 Ava: Catching Up

“That sounds…” I grope for a word. “Unpleasant?”

“Very: She shudders and leans forward. “Anyway, Chloe and Mia brought the vampires to the last place, and we barely escaped. We’ve been flying under the radar since and finally got here.” Puzzling over that, I ask, “Are you sure it was them? You didn’t hear what they were saying.”

I hate both of them, so I’m not trying to defend them. I just don’t want to tarnish any innocent names. Lord knows I have enough black marks against me in this pack.

Lisa looks at me soberly. “No. But the way they were acting… And the Grand Sage–ugh, sorry. Dr. Blackwell said he saw something on the phones.”

I shudder. Even with as much hatred as I felt toward Blackwood, I never wanted them wiped from the map. Well, sometimes–but to call down an army upon the same people who watched me grow up, even if they turned a blind eye to my abuse, sours my stomach.

There are innocent people in any pack. They don’t deserve to live through a nightmare like that.

squeeze

“I’m glad you’re okay. Reaching over the table, I her hands. “Really glad. It was hard. Sometimes, I had to stop thinking about you…” Shit. That sounds terrible.

Lisa shakes her head and grips my hand tightly. “Trust me, I had to do the same sometimes.”

“Yeah, but you were the one in a jail cell. I was out here.” My lips twist into a grimace. “I should have been able to do more.”

“Shut up, Ava.” With a gentle squeeze that belies the harshness of her words, Lisa continues, “We’re both unequipped to deal with all these supernatural guys. No wonder Jericho pushed us so hard. And yet…”

And yet we were still so easily overpowered.

Hearing her unspoken words, my soul shrivels at the memory.

Clearing her throat, she says, “What happened while I was gone? How are you and Lucas?”

Ah.

She studies my face, her brows drawing together. “Ava? What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing compared to what you went through. Rubbing at my forehead, I sigh. “He’s lost his memories. He doesn’t feel our bond. I don’t really know what to do.”

“Your pain matters, too, she says immediately. “Tell me everything”

“I know, I know.” I run a hand over my face. “So many things have happened, I don’t even know where to start. Everything’s a blur anymore. A memory hits me and I sit up straight, eyes wide. “Oh! You won’t believe this!”

Lisa leans forward, curiosity piqued. “What?”

“Mrs. Elkins? My boss from Cedarwood?”

201 Av. Catching Up

Lisa nods. “The lady who gave you the apartment, right?”

“Yeah. She’s from a bloodline of old witches. She brought me a magic book after the Moon Goddess brought her to Blackwood. Which I really need to get my hands on.

Lisa’s jaw drops. “What? Are you serious? No, wait. More importantly, if the Moon Goddess can intervene like that, why doesn’t she do anything directly? Why can’t she just give you whatever knowledge you need, if she wants you to learn it?”

I shrug, feeling a bit sheepish. “I have no idea. Honestly? I only half–believed in the Moon Goddess because of how I was raised. It all seemed like stories to keep us in line, you know? Especially because the humans never believe in her,”

“I never believed in the Moon Goddess at all, Lisa admits. “I mean, I’m human. It wasn’t part of my world.”

I can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. Here we are, discussing deities like we’re debating the weather.

“I didn’t even end up learning anything from it. Instead I ended up in the city where you were held. Sister Miriam got me a teacher there, in the Fae Ward. That’s why I was there.

Lisa’s eyes widen. “Really? I’m glad she can be trusted then.

I hesitate. “I still don’t fully understand her motives, but she’s helped us out too many times for me to doubt her anymore. Even Selene is warming up to her. She’s had it out for her ever since she called me a witch.

“Hey, where’s Selene?” Lisa glances around, like she’s just going to appear out of nowhere.

I take a deep breath, knowing I’m about to dive into a long explanation. “That’s… a bit of a story.” Over the next hour, I give Lisa a crash course in the madness that’s been my life since she was taken. I tell her about my training at the Fae Ward, about the imposing yet oddly paternal Magister Orion, and how communication with the outside world suddenly ceased when we could no longer contact anyone from the pack.

Lisa shakes her head in disbelief. “I can’t even imagine. And Selene?”

“Selene and Sister Miriam left together to gather intel,” I say, still feeling a twinge of worry at their absence. “It was right before everything went silent. I haven’t heard from them since? “Do

you think they’re okay?”

I nod. “They’re here somewhere. Sister Miriam saved Lucas‘ life-” Lisa gasps, and I sigh. “It’s a long story, I don’t even know the details. I just know she kept him alive. They’re out now, trying to get more information from somewhere, I think” My brain’s been such mush, I can’t even remember the details of what Kellan told me.

“God, Ava. That’s legitimately crazy. My head’s swimming just hearing about it.” Lisa scrunches up her nose. “I feel like I’m more lost than before.

“Tell me about it. It’s like the more I learn, the more nothing makes sense. As soon as I think I have a grasp on things, another layer appears and it’s like just kidding!

281 Ava: Catching Up

“I need a notebook to keep up with this shit.” Lisa shakes her head. “I just came here to hang out with my best friend because her family sucks. I didn’t realize you were bringing me straight into the middle of a supernatural war.”

I open my mouth, ready to protest, but Lisa’s laughter cuts me off.

“Don’t take it so seriously, Ave. I’m just messing with you.”

How can I not? My eyes trace her gaunt features, the shadows under her eyes, the way her clothes hang loose on her frame. The guilt gnaws at me.

Lisa’s expression sobers as she catches my gaze. “Hey, I’m a big girl. I can take responsibility for the choices that led me here.” Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Her understanding is even worse. She shouldn’t have to take responsibility for this mess. None of this would have happened if I hadn’t dragged her into my world.

Before I can voice these thoughts, a knock on the door interrupts us. Dr. Blackwell and Elverly enter, followed by Kellan, Marcus, and Vanessa. The room suddenly feels cramped.

Kellan moves to stand behind Lisa’s chair, his presence looming. I can’t help but notice how Lisa tenses, her fingers curling into fists on the table. The very air between them seems to crackle.

Marcus takes up position by the door, ever the silent sentinel. Sometimes I wonder if he sees danger in every shadow.

“You seem to be doing well,” Dr. Blackwell tells Lisa, with a fatherly smile. The wizened old gnome looks nothing like the garden statues we’re used to thinking of.

“I’m glad to be with Ava,” she agrees, not seeming to notice–or care–as Kellan stiffens behind her.

Poor guy.

Watching him is like a lesson in the torture I must have given Lucas, making my heart hurt further.