Tangled

Unshift 196

Unshift 196

196 Ava: History of Witches

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

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196 Ava: History of Witches

Lucas tried to give me any bit of attention or care.

proved himself with time. I need

chance.

bit of a story, if you

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

bench.

lets 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

guess it's a good thing that they take any threat so

her parcel next to her and gives me a wry smile. "I'm getting too old for this

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 like shadows at the edges of my

her, Ava, Selene urges gently.

present moment. Mrs. Elkins studies me for a

do you

"Witches? They're not real." The words tumble out

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Ava: History

say it, there's

me with that calm

about that?"

I shake my head.

hadn't really known about them. So how am I supposed to know what's real

what isn't?

they aren't real. The packs don't talk about them.

I ask, curiosity piqued despite

"Magicians? They're the same. But

witches is shameful on

the older guards, their disapproval clear. Mrs. Elkins fixes them with a stern look. "Now, now.

any trouble. But as- time went on, many witches were threatened by the power of wolves,

between them."

lean forward, drawn in despite myself.

hunted down," Mrs. Elkins says

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you, but it

by thejenfocations.

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

things.*

growls low in his throat. "Witches wanted to eradicate everyone who could stand against them. They are not victims