Unshift

283 Ava: Create Contact

1 slam my hand on the table, frustration boiling over. “What’s the point of all this magical training if I can’t even activate a simple orb?”

The communication ball sits there, mocking me with its inert silence. I’ve tried everything I can think of–touching it, willing it to work, even whispering different incantations I can barely remember. I’m not even sure what most of them are for.

Nothing

Vanessa places a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Ava, we weren’t expecting your connection to magic to be cut off so suddenly. Your training was brief:

“I know, I know.” Running a hand through my hair, I blow out a long sigh. “I just wish I’d started earlier. Maybe things would be easier now.”

If only I’d known then what I know now. But hindsight’s always perfect, isn’t it?

Dr. Blackwell clears his throat, drawing my attention. He’s holding something in his wrinkled hand–a bracelet, but not like the chunky white one on Lisa’s wrist. This one’s a delicate silver chain, adorned with stars and moon phases.

“This might help,” he says, offering it to me.

The metal is cool against my skin, but there’s a familiar energy to it. Something I’ve long ago associated with magic within an item. “How?”

He shrugs, his eyes twinkling. “I don’t know. It’s an artifact, made for a witch long ago.”

Long ago? That’s shocking. “But it looks so… modern.”

“Appearances can be deceiving,” Dr. Blackwell says with a wink. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small obsidian disc. “This is a wardstone. This will create a ten–foot radius where no one can hear what’s being said. One of our most requested items. Just infuse it with magic, or use the incantation. Just be warned, the silence activates after the incantation.”

So basically–don’t use the incantation if you don’t want your enemies to know what you’re doing. Got it.

“What’s the incantation?” There’s nothing about the stone that hints at its magical properties. Not even a buzz against my skin. It’s just a rock as far as I can tell.

““By moon’s grace and stardust bright, silence falls, veiling the night.”

The stone tickles my palm, magical energy seeping out of it. It’s faint, but there.

Fascinating.

Though, the incantation is much than anything I’ve heard Magister Orion use. They’re usually one or two words. Not a poem. “I’m going to have to write that down.”

“Can I use it?” Vanessa asks curiously, reaching out to touch the stone. She doesn’t seem to feel the magic emanating from it at all.

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203 Ava: Create Contact

“Anyone can use it. Wardstones have no owner and will activate if the requirements are met. To deactivate it, the incantation is, ‘By dawn’s first light and morning’s cheer, break the hush; let sounds appear.”

The thrumming disappears at once.

Lisa snorts. “No wonder no one knew about any plans if everyone’s walking around with those.”

Dr. Blackwell looks startled by her comment, his bushy eyebrows shooting up. “That is a point to

consider.”

Staring at the item in my hand, I’m suddenly overwhelmed.

My brain hurts. My heart hurts. The bond inside me is still weeping.

“Kellan, is there anything urgent at this particular time? Or can I take a break for a few hours and get a little rest?” I’d love to visit Lucas after, but–well. That’s for tomorrow, I guess.

“No, Luna. I have everything under control. Marcus and Vanessa are up to date, and Dr.

Blackwell is well aware of the situation here.”

Luna? Since when did he call me that? I guess it’s to keep the pack feeling secure since their alpha is indisposed.

“What about the war out there?” I wave an arm at the general outside. “Have we learned anything new?”

“Nothing new for you. I’m the one who has a lot to process.” His lips quirk, even as his eyes travel toward Lisa. “Sounds like we’re up shit creek without a paddle.”

“Yeah. Pretty much.”

Fiddling with the bracelet, I nod. “I’m going to see what I can figure out, magic–wise, while we wait for Sister Miriam. I’m worried about Lucas, and about any possible alpha challenges.”

Kellan sighs. “Understood. One reason he’s been in the hospital is to avoid any challenges; they can’t challenge him if they don’t see him.”

It’s a temporary measure; an absent alpha can be challenged, especially if they abandon their pack.

“Don’t worry, Luna. I’ve got this under control.”

“That,” Lisa whispers, “is the coolest fucking thing”

Three flames flicker between us, looping in a lazy circle.

“That’s about the extent of what I’ve learned.” My wry tone catches her attention, and she shakes

her head.

“It’s still amazing. Don’t discount what you’ve learned just because it isn’t fast enough for your liking.

my wrist. It

Chastened, I flick each flame out of existence, fiddling with the new bracelet on my

În amır uinu Tha kad Ne Blandnull didn’t Immu mush akaut it

283 Ava Create Contact

“So, you said you need to just…” She waves her arms in the air, free to chat as much as she wants. with the wardstone keeping our conversation safe and all the curtains closed. “Summon this book? Like, out of thin air?”

“Somehow. Yes. Rubbing at my eyebrow, I close my eyes to concentrate on that string of connection inside of me. It’s been quiet since I saw Lucas. Everything about my magic, about me, is subdued.

But maybe if I get this damn book back, I can figure out something with the communication ball. Or, even better, Sister Miriam and Selene might be back soon.

“So, how can I help?”

Opening my eyes to see Lisa’s visage practically sparkling with excitement, I laugh. “I don’t know. I don’t think you can. You just have to be quiet and not distract me.”

“Oh. The light around her seems to dim as her face falls. “Well, I can do that.”

“Sorry. It’s nothing spectacular. Just…” I shrug, not even sure how to end the sentence.

She holds up her hands, shaking them and her head vigorously in my direction. “No. It’s fine. I get it. I wanted to have the Grand Sage show you all the gadgets, but it doesn’t sound like it’s a great time right now. Maybe I’ll just see what he can bring in. There has to be something helpful in his bag of tricks.”

That might actually be helpful, but who knows.

So far, the bracelet’s a dud, but I leave it on. Who knows what wards exist in it.

“Go ahead. Lisa scoots a little further back on the floor. “I’ll give you space. Don’t mind me. I’m not even here.”

But she is here, and it’s one of the best feelings on this earth. To finally have my best friend safe. To see her with my own eyes and know she’s okay.

I’m sure she has plenty of traumas to work through. Hell, I’ve been ignoring mine. But that can always be dealt with another day, right?

Like when war isn’t at our freaking doorstep. With supernaturals at the helm.

As if human wars weren’t bad enough.

As if there isn’t enough death and hatred to go around.

Now Book!