Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 439

Magister Orion's footsteps echo against the floor of my cabin as he circles me for the tenth time. The sound matches the thrum of anxiety in my chest. Each time he passes behind me, my shoulders tense.

"Please stay still." His deep voice carries notes of concentration.

A warm breeze tickles my scalp as he places his hand near my head again. The sensation reminds me of warm summer days spent out in the sun—pleasant, but unremarkable.

"I apologize, but I must try once more."

My legs itch from standing so still. "Take your time."

His frown deepens with each pass. The wrinkles around his eyes become more pronounced as he squints, as if trying to see through fog.

"I cannot detect what you're describing." He lowers his hand. "The ability to inspect a soul is not a magic we use among the Fae. I sense nothing unusual about you." He then adds hastily, "I'm not doubting your word. Whatever this magic is, it's beyond my understanding. Beyond my sight."

Damn it. With Magister's obsession over reading all things magic-oriented, I'd hoped… "I see. Thank you."

Magister Orion's expression softens. "This simply means we need a different approach. Sister Miriam might have better answers for you."

My shoulders slump at the mention of her name. "I haven't heard from her in months. I don't even know if she's okay."

"Ah." He strokes his chin, his swirling, blue-black eyes distant. "It's likely dangerous for her to attempt contact outside the New Order at present."

She's alive. My heart thumps; while she isn't on my mind daily, I've been worried about her for quite some time. "Why?"

His gaze fixes on mine, then slides away as he walks toward the couch to take a seat. "Sister Miriam has worked her way into the bosom of the New Order. The cost was... significant."

It's unusual for his body language to be so evasive. The corners of my lips tug down before I can stop them.

Grimoire murmurs, She likely had to sacrifice allies. It is understandable she wouldn't risk contacting those she wants to keep safe, then.

His opinion is like an unwelcome jolt in my head. Sacrifice her allies? She wouldn't do that.

Grimoire goes silent in response, but Selene has no such qualms. A dhampir is not like us, Ava. Their favor is fickle.

I shake my head. The accusation doesn't sit right with me. Sister Miriam might be cryptic and strange, but she doesn't seem the type to sacrifice others. She's helped us so many times, demanding little to nothing in return. "What do you mean by cost, Magister?"

His massive form shifts on my couch, the furniture creaking under his weight. A weary hand waves through the air. "That's a story for another day, child."

"But—"

"I have contacts among the vampire communities." He cuts off my protest to change the subject. "Though none I'd trust with your secrets. For now, we must wait for Sister Miriam herself."

Grimoire's grumble echoes in my mind. The sound reminds me of thunder rolling across distant mountains.

Why don't you come out and speak with him directly? I ask Grimoire. Between the two of you, maybe you can figure something out. They're both masters of theory, after all.

"I have no idea," I tell Magister Orion truthfully. _{ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom}