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327 Ava: A Book’s Debate

That’s absolutely ridiculous.

“It’s a solid theory,” Grimoire counters, sitting on the floor across from Selene. He’s back in his child form, with only minimal flames flickering over his skin. Aurum, for his part, watches in silence, exactly seven feet separating the tip of his paw from her side.

If he moves even an inch forward, she snaps at him. It didn’t take long for him to realize he should stay back.

I feel bad for him, but-

Don’t feel bad for him.

-Selene doesn’t have any interest in backing down.

Of course I don’t.

Grimoire continues, unfazed by our side conversation. “Look, the fault lies with her, no matter how you slice it.”

That is factually incorrect.

“You use that word, but I don’t think you understand what factual means.”

That is also factually incorrect.

“No. You have to break it down. Let’s start from the beginning. Victoria and Gene were dating, right? But then Gene asked for a break. He never said they were breaking up, right?”

He asked for a break because he wanted to take Layla to the prom. Stop trying to spin this around

so Gene’s the victim.

Groaning, I hit my forehead against my knees. This discussion started with Selene trying to explain the first season of her favorite show, and now the two are arguing over the main plotline in season three.

It’s enough to drive the brain host (that’s me) certifiably insane.

There’s no one to certify that.

“You should really be a part of this conversation, since your life mimics this story line a little,” Grimoire adds, both of them staring at me from across the room.

“Excuse me?”

“You know, when you and Clayton-”

“No.” Holding up a finger, I shake my head firmly. “We are not going there. That is ancient history.

Done. It’s over.”

“Technically, ancient history would be-”

“It’s ancient history, Grimoire. Drop it.”

“I’m just saving that Gene and Victoria were also in an ambiguous relationship setting at the

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327 Ava: A Book’s Debate

time of-”

If you keep this up, she might shut you back into that book forever, Selene points out, sounding Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

far too smug.

She’s right, though.

Grimoire shuts his mouth with a scowl, and she takes the opportunity to lead in the argument.

Taking a break means the relationship was inactive. There’s nothing wrong with Victoria being with Sam during that arc. In fact, I’d argue that Sam is better for her.

“Oh, so you’re saying Clayton’s better for Ava, then?” he asks sarcastically.

“Oh, my God. How am I even involved in this conversation? You’re talking about a TV show.

Please talk about the TV show, and not about me.”

“I’m just pointing out how her logic is based on emotional response and not facts.”

That is factually incorrect, Selene says primly again. 2

I groan and bury my head against my knees, wishing I could tune them both out. The bickering is driving me insane, and I just want a moment of peace.

“You know I can hear that thought, right?” Grimoire’s stupid voice cuts through my attempt at

mental solitude.

As can I, Selene chimes in.

Just great. What did I do wrong in my past life to be tortured this way? Maybe I should have asked Vester and Vanessa to find me some more busy work as Luna instead of opting to spend

time with Aurum, waiting not–so–patiently for Lucas‘ psyche to return.

A soft whine draws my attention, and I feel a warm, furry body press against my side. Aurum has abandoned his Selene–stalking to curl up next to me, nuzzling my arm with his cheek. I can’t help but smile, running my fingers through his thick fur with a sigh.

“At least you’re not joining in on their silly arguments,” I murmur to him. “I bet when you’re thousands of years old, you won’t waste time debating the finer points of TV drama.”

Oh, you’d be surprised, Selene’s dry voice echoes in my head. Right now, he’s thinking about how good fish tastes when it’s half–burned and covered in the ashes of a campfire. You might want to rethink your assessment of his IQ and maturity level.

Aurum’s ears perk up at Selene’s words, and he pants hard, staring at her once again. It’s clear he’s thrilled that she’s paying attention to him, even if it’s just to mock his thoughts.

“Wait, how do you know what he’s thinking?”

Grimoire bursts into laughter, clutching his sides as he rolls in mid–air. “How does she know?” he wheezes. “She can’t not hear him. It’s the mate bond. She’s got a constant stream of

consciousness flowing between them. It’s driving her crazy.”

Selene lets out a low, menacing growl at Grimoire’s outburst. Aurum tenses beside me, his

relaxed demeanor vanishing in an instant. He turns his head, fixing Grimoire with a dark, intense

ators that gonda a ahinor down my anino

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327 Ava: A Book’s Debate

The atmosphere in the room shifts, catching me between the urge to diffuse the situation and the instinct to stay very, very still.

Grimoire doesn’t seem to have that level of self–preservation, because he’s still cackling over Selene’s plight.

“Okay, let’s all calm down,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “Grimoire, maybe tone down the laughter? And Selene, I’m sure he didn’t mean any offense.”

He knows exactly what he’s doing, Selene’s voice rings in my head, laced with what feels like centuries of resentment, even though they’ve barely known each other for like, two days.

Aurum’s muscles bunch under my hand, and I realize he’s ready to spring into action at a

moment’s notice.

Grimoire’s laughter dies down, but a mischievous glint remains in his eyes. “Oh, come on. It’s just

a bit of fun.”

I stroke Aurum’s fur, trying to soothe him. “Hey, it’s okay,” I murmur. “No one’s going to hurt anyone here. We’re all friends, remember?”

Selene suddenly stares at the door, and Aurum follows suit.

Lisa and Kellan are almost back.

“Yeah?” Grimoire asks lazily, floating in the air and spinning in a slow circle. “How’d their shopping trip go? For watches, right? Gnomes do love to tinker.”

Not well. She pauses, probably listening to a mental report. They’re still a while out. Kellan will take the gnomes directly to their cabin before bringing Lisa here. She’s a little stressed out.

“What happened?” All the levity of the past few minutes has dispersed. Grimoire even quits his mid–air spinning to listen in silence.

Someone is hunting supernaturals in the human communities, they think. They were chased, but got away. Selene hesitates. It might be good to send a scouting party out to make sure no one’s managed to follow them without being noticed.

“Good call. Do that. What’s Sister Miriam doing?”

I don’t know. She isn’t here. She’s out somewhere.

Oh. I had no idea she wasn’t around. I guess it’s hard to keep tabs on a vampire.

She has her own information network and acts on her own terms. She is a powerful ally, but she’s a bit capricious in her own way. I’m sure she will be back soon.

“I’m surprised you even know the word capricious,” Grimoire mutters, and Selene gives a lazy snap in his direction.

“Is everyone accounted for? Are we missing anyone?”

We don’t know yet.

“Okay. Make sure we have people covering their trail, just in case. Call Vester and Vanessa here and let them know what’s going on.”

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327 Ava: A Book’s Debate

Just moments ago, I was complaining because Selene and Grimoire were bickering over a soap opera’s plot line. Now, there’s so much worse coming our way. 2