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

chance.

a story, if you want to hear

do. "Let's sit down," I

bench.

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

it's a good thing that

herself onto the bench beside me with a soft groan. She places her parcel next

to smile back, 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

her, Ava, Selene urges gently. She means

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

do you know

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

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215

Ava: History of

say it, there's

with that calm gaze

about that?"

I shake my head.

I'd never seen a vampire and hadn't really known

what isn't?

surprised, then pleased. "Well, it's no surprise you think they aren't real. The packs

I ask, curiosity piqued despite my

shakes her head. "Magicians? They're the same.

is shameful

their disapproval clear. Mrs. Elkins fixes them with a stern look. "Now,

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,

between them."

forward, drawn in despite myself. "What

down," Mrs. Elkins

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you, but it

froudited by thejenfocations. *if

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

things.*

to eradicate everyone who could stand against them. They are