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.

himself with time. I need to give Mrs. Elkins

chance.

a bit of a story, if you want

do. "Let's sit down,"

bench.

her. It's somewhat amusing to see them so

good thing that

She places her parcel next to her and gives me a

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 like shadows at

Selene urges gently. She

focus on the present moment. Mrs. Elkins studies

do you know about

me off guard. "Witches? They're not real." The words tumble out automatically, a knee-jerk

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215

Ava: History of

say it, there's no belief

watches me with that calm gaze of hers. "Are

about that?"

I shake my head.

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

what isn't?

"Well, it's no surprise you think they aren't

and magicians different?" I ask, curiosity piqued

shakes her head. "Magicians? They're

shameful on

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

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

between them."

lean forward, drawn in despite

Mrs. Elkins says quietly.

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but it

froudited by thejenfocations. *if

end, the innocence of most didn't

things.*

guards growls low in his throat. "Witches wanted to eradicate everyone who could