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.

need to

chance.

a story, if you want to hear

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

bench.

them so on edge over an elderly lady who spends her day in a bookstore, gossiping

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

bench beside me with a soft groan. She places her parcel next to her and gives me a wry

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 shadows

to her, Ava, Selene

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

much do you know

not real." The words tumble out

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215

History

as I say it, there's no belief

me with that calm gaze of hers. "Are you

about that?"

I shake my head.

hadn't really known about

what isn't?

"Well, it's no surprise you think they aren't real. The packs don't talk about them. It's a touchy subject in

I ask, curiosity piqued

head. "Magicians? They're the same.

witches is shameful on

them with a stern look. "Now, now. Let's

see, Ava, witches once lived in harmony among humans. Their abilities were hidden, and 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 lot

between them."

lean forward, drawn in despite

Elkins says

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but

by thejenfocations.

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

things.*

low in his throat. "Witches wanted to eradicate everyone who could stand against them. They are