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.

time. I need to

bit of a story, if you want

do. "Let's sit down," I offer,

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 out wise

thing that they take

sighs, easing herself onto the bench beside me with a soft groan. She places her parcel next to her and gives me a wry smile. "I'm getting too old for this kind of travel,

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

to her, Ava, Selene urges

focus on the present moment. Mrs. Elkins studies me for a long moment

how much do you

guard. "Witches? They're not real." The words tumble out automatically, a knee-jerk response. But even as I say it, there's no belief

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

I shake my head.

until recently I'd never seen a vampire and hadn't really known about them. So how

surprised, then pleased. "Well, it's no surprise you think they aren't real. The packs

witches and magicians different?" I ask, curiosity piqued despite

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

with a stern look. "Now, now. Let's not pass judgment before we've even heard the whole

turns back to me,

any trouble. But as time went on, many witches were threatened by the power of wolves, vampires, and the Fae. It caused a lot

drawn in despite

hunted down," Mrs. Elkins says quietly. "By humans and supernaturals alike. This was centuries ago, mind

by the implications. "If

of them were innocent," Mrs. Elkins agrees. "But there were those who did terrible things. In the end, the innocence of most didn't change the genocide wrought