Login via

Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 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?” 

I redouble my efforts to shake off his hand, twisting my arm and pushing against his chest with 

my free hand. It’s like trying to move a mountain

Stop strugglingGrimoire says, his tone both commanding and oddly gentle. You’ll only hurt yourself

Then explain what’s going on,I demand, forcing myself to stand still despite the panic creeping 

201 Ava: New Bond 

up my chest. What transfer are you talking about?” 

His eyes, now a swirling mix of silver and white, bore into mine. The transfer of knowledge, of course. You came seeking answers, did you not?” 

I nod hesitantly, not entirely sure I like where this is going. Yes, but- 

Then be still and listen, he interrupts

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

Grimoire’s expression softens. Good. Now, close your eyes and open your mind. This may be uncomfortable.” 

A surge of energy courses through his hand into my arm. It’s like being struck by lightning, every nerve in my body lighting up at once. I gasp, my knees buckling under the onslaught of 

sensation

Grimoire’s other arm wraps around my waist, supporting me as images and information flood my mind. Centuries of magical knowledge, secrets long forgotten by the mortal world, pour into me in a torrent I can barely comprehend

I see the rise and fall of civilizations, the ebb and flow of magic throughout history. I witness the triumphs and failures of countless witches, wizards, and magical beings. Through it all, Grimoire’s presence is a constant, observing and recording

As quickly as it began, the transfer ends. I sag against Grimoire, my head spinning from the influx of information. Whatwhat was that?” 

A glimpse of what I am,” he replies, his voice echoing strangely in my ears. A fraction of what 

I’ve seen

I blink, trying to 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, filled with a warm presence that I now recognize as Grimoire

He sets me on my feet, though he keeps a steadying hand on my shoulder

My head hurts

It feels like it’s splitting apart

Yes, it will be like that for a while. My apologies.” 

A sudden chill wracks my body with violent shivers. The warmth from earlier is gone, replaced by an icy cold deep in my bones

Grimoire brushes a hand over my forehead, his brows tugging together in concern. Your fever has worsened. I’m sorry, I should have been more careful.” 

My teeth chatter as I wrap my arms around myself, trying to step away from him, despite wanting to lean into the warmth of his body. Wwhy did you do that without asking me first, then?” 

Veu nought this hand. Aun Did you not sama kama ta 

291 Ava. New Bond 

He looks like a wounded puppy

Frustrated, I point out, What 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 book

Grimoire points between us, his finger tracing an invisible line. Our souls are linked now. It’s a profound connection, one that- 

How many souls am I supposed to be linked to?My voice is eerily calm, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me

He looks offended, drawing himself up to his full height, which has now shrunk to a more normalized sixfootsomething. Are you bonded with others?” 

Selene and Lucas are the other pieces of my soul,” I reply without hesitation

Grimoire puffs out his chest, looking both proud and slightly miffed. Well, I am now also a part of your soul. A rather important part, I might add.” 

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

He rolls his eyes dramatically. Who wants more peace and silence after hundreds of years of not being around another living soul? Certainly not me.” 

I guess that makes sense, I mutter, still trying to wrap my head around this new development. 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 understandthe 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 lonelyhe sighs, his voice muffled against my hair. I was worried a new master wouldn’t care about me.” 

I stand frozen for a moment, unsure how to react. This overly affectionate side of Grimoire is unexpected, to say the least. Slowly, I bring my arms up to return the hug, patting his back awkwardly

Um, it’s okay,” I say, my voice slightly strained from the tight embrace. I do care. I just wasn’t expecting all of this.” 

Grimoire pulls back, his hands resting on my shoulders. His eyes, swirling with silver and white, search my face. I apologize for the abruptness of our connection. I should have explained more before initiating the transfer

I nod, still feeling a bit overwhelmed as I try to shove him a little further away. Yeah, that would have been nice. So, what exactly does this connection mean? What am I supposed to do now?” 

Comments

The readers' comments on the novel: Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted