Ava: At the Perimeter

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.