Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 196 Ava: History of Witches

She is a good person, Selene whispers.

No shit.

I know that already.

Mrs. Elkins is the one who took me in when I was lost and desperate to start anew.

But Mrs. Elkins is also here, knowing something about the necklace that helped hide my powers.

How much did she know about me? How much did she hide?

My stomach churns with the bitter feelings of betrayal. "You knew about me all along, didn't you?"

"No." Mrs. Elkins stops walking, concern crossing her face. "I knew you were a shifter, of course. I've seen more than one rogue in my life, looking for a new start. You were so lost, so scared. I had to help you."

"Why?" There's a part of my mind that immediately throws in unlikely scenarios, like Mrs. Elkins laughing behind my back over my naivete and ignorance.

But I know Mrs. Elkins.

That's not the kind of person she is.

So I shove it down, squashing it beneath a mental heel with ruthless efficiency.

It's my paranoia trying to take over again. Just like it did every time Lucas tried to give me any bit of attention or care.

with time. I need to give Mrs. Elkins the same

of a story, if you want to hear

"Let's sit down," I offer, motioning toward the

her through with no grumbling, though their eyes never leave her. It's somewhat amusing to see them so on edge over an elderly lady who spends her day

thing that they take

bench beside me with a soft groan. She places her parcel next

smile back, but it feels strained. My mind is a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions. I want to trust Mrs. Elkins, to believe in the genuine care she's

Ava, Selene urges gently.

focus on the present moment. Mrs. Elkins studies me

do you know about

The words tumble out automatically, a knee-jerk response. But even as I

watches me with that calm gaze of hers. "Are you sure about

I shake my head.

and hadn't really known about them. So how am I supposed

you think they aren't real. The packs don't talk about them. It's

and magicians different?" I ask, curiosity piqued despite

her head. "Magicians? They're the same. But

Elkins fixes them with a stern

turns back to me, her expression

Ava, witches once lived in harmony among humans. Their abilities were hidden, and they didn't cause any trouble. But as time went on, many witches were threatened by the power of wolves, vampires, and the Fae. It caused a lot of

lean forward, drawn in despite myself. "What

were hunted down," Mrs. Elkins says quietly. "By humans and supernaturals alike. This was centuries ago, mind you, but it left deep scars. Only whispers of

the implications. "If they

the end, the innocence of most didn't change the genocide wrought upon their kind. People feared their power, and fear can make even good people do