Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 350

There’s a pause, and when Grimoire speaks again, his tone is more serious. Do you remember what I said when we first met?

The dying, otherworldly forest flashes through my mind. But try as I might, I can’t recall anything specific Grimoire might have said.

"No."

Vanessa and the others don’t even look at me as I speak; they’re all used to my one-sided conversations at this point. Of course, very few people know about Grimoire, but they all know about Selene.

Who’s ignoring our conversation as she hops through the snow, tail high.

I mentioned that you have wards all over your soul.

The words trigger a vague recollection, and I frown. "I... yes, I think I remember that now." But why wouldn’t I remember something so important? At least, it sounds important.

It’s precisely because of the wards on your soul.

Hmm.

What are these wards? Selene’s voice echoes in my mind, her curiosity palpable.

Grimoire sighs, a sound that reverberates through my consciousness. I’ve been trying to figure that out myself.

"Wait, what?" I blurt out, earning a curious glance from Vanessa. I wave her off with a smile, focusing on the conversation only I can hear. "You don’t know what they are?"

I don’t know every literal thing about the world, Ava, he retorts, a hint of defensiveness in his tone. I only know what I’ve witnessed over the centuries.

Have your memories faded since being with Ava? Selene asks him.

Absolutely not, Grimoire replies firmly. My knowledge and memories remain intact.

She stops her playful bounding through the snow, turning to stare at the messenger bag where Grimoire rests in his book form. Her ice-blue eyes narrow, and I can sense her jealousy.

"Why are you suddenly bringing this up?" I ask, absently patting the bag, as if making sure Selene hasn’t grabbed at it and hauled him away to chew on his spine.

She’s done that a couple times when he really got on her nerves.

Despite our repeated failures at integrating you with the pack bond, I still believe it’s possible. These wards are the problem, Ava. They’re blocking you from full integration with any pack.

I pause, considering his words. "But I feel connected to the Westwood Pack. It’s not as strong as what others describe, but it’s there."

That extra connection you feel, Grimoire explains, is likely supplemented by your bond with Selene and your mate bond with Lucas, not from you, yourself.

"Have you seen other wards on souls before?" I’m curious as to the extent of his knowledge in this area.

I have, he admits. Usually, they’re simpler. Protection spells, curses, that sort of thing. But yours... they’re different. Layered.

Almost as if they were put there over time. I first thought they were to hide your powers, but you don’t seem limited by their existence.

She cannot shift, Selene points out.

Touche, wolf. Maybe it is suppressing her shifter abilities.

"Ava, the herbs are just north of us. I’ll meet you at the next ward."

I nod at Vanessa, watching her retreating form as she breaks off from our little group.

A flicker of concern crosses my mind.

"Marcus, can one of the them accompany Vanessa? Just to be safe."

Marcus nods, his expression stoic. "Of course, Luna." He signals to one of the wolves, who trots off after the healer.

I turn back to the path ahead, my feet crunching through the snow. It’s not as difficult as it was months ago. My muscles have grown stronger, more accustomed to grueling hikes. I can feel the difference with each step.

Marcus and the remaining three bodyguard wolves fall into formation behind me as I make my way to the next ward.

As my thoughts settle, I turn my attention back to Grimoire. "So, what’s your plan? You wouldn’t bring up these wards without having an idea in mind."

Perceptive as always, Ava, Grimoire’s voice echoes in my mind. I’ve been considering a ritual that might help us understand these wards better, possibly even remove them.

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "A ritual? What kind?"