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

chance.

of a story, if you

I do. "Let's sit down,"

bench.

her through with no grumbling, though their eyes never leave her. It's somewhat amusing to see them so on edge over an elderly lady who

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

easing herself onto the bench beside me with a soft groan. She places her parcel next to her and gives me a wry smile. "I'm getting too

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

Ava, Selene

myself to focus on the present moment. Mrs. Elkins

how much do you know

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

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215

Ava: History of

it, there's no belief

calm gaze of hers.

about that?"

I shake my head.

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

what isn't?

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

and magicians different?" I ask, curiosity piqued

head. "Magicians? They're the same.

witches is shameful on all

them with a stern look. "Now, now. Let's not pass judgment before we've even

cause any trouble. But as- time went on, many witches were threatened by the power of wolves, vampires, and the Fae. It

between them."

lean forward, drawn in despite myself.

down," Mrs. Elkins says

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but it

froudited by thejenfocations. *if

Mrs. Elkins agrees. "ha there were those who did terrible things. In the end, the innocence of most didn't change the genocide wrought upon their

things.*

throat. "Witches wanted to