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.

with time. I need to give Mrs.

chance.

bit of a story, if you want to

sit down," I offer, motioning toward

bench.

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

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

me with a soft groan. She places her parcel next

emotions. I want to trust Mrs. Elkins, to believe

to her, Ava, Selene urges

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

how much do

me off guard. "Witches? They're not real." The

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215

History of

I say it, there's no belief behind

calm gaze of hers. "Are

about that?"

I shake my head.

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

what isn't?

aren't real.

different?" I

"Magicians? They're the

shameful

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

were hidden, and they didn't cause any trouble. But as- time

between them."

lean forward, drawn in despite myself. "What

hunted down," Mrs. Elkins says

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you, but it

froudited by thejenfocations. *if

there were those who did terrible things. In the end, the innocence of most didn't change the genocide wrought upon their kind. People feared their power, and

things.*

of the guards growls low in his throat. "Witches wanted to eradicate everyone who could stand against them. They