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.

time. I need to give Mrs. Elkins the

chance.

a story,

"Let's sit down," I offer,

bench.

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

it's a good thing that they

sighs, easing herself onto the bench beside me with a soft groan. She places her parcel next to her and

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 like

to her, Ava, Selene urges gently.

a deep breath, forcing myself to focus on the present moment. Mrs. Elkins studies

much do you know about

"Witches? They're not real." The

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215

History

it, there's no belief

calm gaze of hers. "Are you

about that?"

I shake my head.

hadn't really known about them. So how am

what isn't?

aren't real. The packs don't talk about them. It's a touchy

and magicians different?" I ask, curiosity piqued

"Magicians? They're

shameful on all

a stern look. "Now, now. Let's not pass judgment before

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

between them."

lean forward, drawn in despite myself. "What

Elkins

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but it

froudited by thejenfocations. *if

the innocence of most didn't change the genocide

things.*

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