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.

need

bit of a story, if you

do. "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 in a bookstore, gossiping with Cedarwood residents and doling

thing that

places her parcel next to her and gives me a wry smile.

try to 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 always shown me, but the doubts linger

her, Ava, Selene

on the present moment. Mrs. Elkins studies me for

do you know

automatically, a knee-jerk

that calm gaze of hers. "Are you sure

I shake my head.

never seen a vampire and hadn't really known about them. So how am I supposed to know what's

no surprise you think they aren't real. The packs don't talk about them. It's a

magicians different?" I ask, curiosity piqued despite my

head. "Magicians? They're the same. But the history of witches

from the older guards, their disapproval clear. Mrs. Elkins fixes them with a stern look. "Now, now. Let's not pass judgment before we've even heard

back to me, her expression

among humans. Their abilities were hidden, and they didn't cause any trouble. But as time went on, many witches were

lean forward, drawn in

centuries ago, mind you, but it left deep scars. Only whispers of their existence remain

why?" I ask, troubled by the implications. "If they weren't causing

"But there were those who did terrible things. In the end, the innocence of most didn't change the genocide wrought upon their kind. People feared their power,