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

chance.

bit of a story, if you want

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

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 out wise

I guess it's a good thing that they

groan. She places her parcel next to her

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

to her, Ava, Selene urges gently. She

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

much do

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

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Ava: History of

it, there's no

watches me with that calm

about that?"

I shake my head.

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

what isn't?

no surprise you think they aren't real. The packs don't talk about them. It's a

I

her head. "Magicians? They're

is shameful on all

Elkins fixes them with a stern look. "Now, now. Let's not pass judgment

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.

between them."

lean forward, drawn in despite

were hunted down," Mrs. Elkins says quietly.

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but it

by thejenfocations. *if they

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 fear can make even good people

things.*

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