Tangled

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 struggling" Grimoire 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. "What... what 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."Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

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. "W-why 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 six-foot-something. "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 understand-the 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 lonely" he 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?"

He finally releases me and takes a step back, though one of his hands grasp mine, swinging my hand between us in a childish fashion.

The standoffish spirit is a cuddlebug. Noted.

(

291 Ava: New Bond

"The connection allows us to communicate more easily. You'll be able to access my knowledge and abilities, and I'll be able to guide you on your magical journey."

"But what about Selene and Lucas?" I ask, worry creeping into my voice. "Will this affect my bonds with them?"

Grimoire shakes his head. "No, this connection is different. It complements your existing bonds rather than competing with them. Think of it as adding another instrument to an orchestra-it enhances the overall harmony without diminishing the other parts." I can see it in his face. He wants to hug me again, looking all pathetic and neglected.

Very much like a puppy.

It's like I've acquired a new pet. A lap dog, to be precise.

Somehow, I feel like I've bitten off a hell of a lot more than I can chew with this new bond of mine. "Okay. So, I have a magical book spirit linked to my soul now. That's normal, right?"

A chuckle escapes Grimoire's lips. "Normal is relative, especially in the magical world. But yes, for a witch of your potential, it's not uncommon to form such a bond."

"So..." I squint. "You are the book, right?"

He nods. "In simple terms, the book is one part of me. A gift for the witches who yearned to understand the true nature of magic in the world.

"So when I go back, the book will be...?"

He frowns. "I'm right here."

"No. The actual, physical copy of the book. The one I've touched. Where will that be?"

"Oh. Looking thoughtful, he shrugs. "Anywhere you want me to be? You can bring me into existence at any time. Though, I prefer this form. Being book is quite boring. Nothing to see."

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