Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 24

24 Ava: Paranoia and Secrets (V)

I stare at Selene in utter confusion. “Dig? What do you mean, dig?”

Precisely what I said, she replies, her tone brooking no argument. Dig. 

I glance around the small clearing, taking in the soft carpet of moss and fallen leaves. “With what? My hands?” The mere thought of digging into the earth with my bare fingers fills me with a strange revulsion.

Selene lets out a huff of annoyance. Yes, with your hands. I would do it myself, but… She pauses, eyeing the ground with distaste. I don’t like to get mud between my claws.

I can’t help but snort at that. “Are you sure you’re not just a husky after all? Because that’s a very husky–like attitude.”

In response, Selene snaps at the air, her jaws closing with an audible click. Enough stalling, she growls. Dig. 

With a sigh, I sink to my knees and begin to dig, scooping handfuls of damp earth aside. Selene

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watches me intently, her tail swishing back and forth.

Deeper, she urges after a few moments.

I grimace as my fingers sink into the cool, loamy soil. “This is so gross. You owe me a manicure after this.”

Selene merely flicks an ear, unimpressed by my complaints.

As I continue to dig, my arms quickly grow tired from the exertion. Sweat beads on my brow, and I can feel the grime caking beneath my nails. Ugh.

Finally, my fingers scrape against something hard and unyielding. I pause, brushing away the remaining soil to reveal…a box?

Keep going, Selene prompts.

With a grunt, I manage to pry the box free from the earth. It’s a simple wooden affair, unremarkable save for a strange symbol carved into the lid. I shoot Selene a questioning look, but she merely inclines her head

toward the box.

Taking a deep breath, I lift the lid.

Inside, nestled amid a bed of soft fabric, is a ring. But not just any ring–the centerpiece is a large, faceted

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24 Ava: Paranoia and Secrets (V)

crystal in a deep, vivid purple hue. It’s almost identical to the one I currently have in my pocket.

You’ll need to wear them both, Selene says, as if

reading my thoughts. At all times. 

I frown, gingerly lifting the ring from its resting place. “But why? What’s so special about these crystals?”

Selene shakes her head. It’s not yet time for you to know that. For now, you must simply trust me. 

“Well, that’s ominous,” I mutter, but I obediently slip the ring onto my finger. An odd tingle dances across my skin as the two crystals are united.

Good. Selene’s tone is one of satisfaction. Now, let’s get out of here before I have to groom myself for days to get all this filth out of my fur.

I can’t help but giggle at her disdainful expression as she eyes the mud clinging to her paws. “Whatever you say, princess. I’ll make sure to book you a grooming appointment first thing in the morning.”

With a huff, Selene turns and begins to lead the way back through the trees, leaving me to hurry after her.

I eye Selene warily as we walk, the empty box tucked

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Selene chuffs, twitching one ear in irritation. It means precisely what I said. You were becoming. 

Sometimes being cryptic is the best thing for everyone involved. Selene’s tone is firm as she pads across the small clearing toward the park trail.

Selene doesn’t reply, leaving me to stew in silence as we retrace our steps back toward the main path. It’s only when we reach the trailhead that I realize something feels… different.

Don’t even think about it Selene’s voice cuts through

Running, she replies flatly. Unless you want the attention it will bring. 

Selene shakes her head, clearly exasperated. It’s better you don’t find out. Not yet, at least.