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.

proved himself with time. I need to give

chance.

a story, if you want

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 spends her day in a

I guess it's a good thing that

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

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

her, Ava, Selene

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

do

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

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Ava: History

say it, there's

with that calm

about that?"

I shake my head.

known about them. So how am I supposed to

what isn't?

aren't real.

witches and magicians different?" I ask, curiosity piqued

shakes her head. "Magicians? They're the

witches is shameful

rumble from 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 the whole story."" She

time went on,

between them."

forward, drawn in despite

were hunted down," Mrs. Elkins says quietly. "By humans

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you, but

froudited by thejenfocations.

there were those who did terrible things. In the end, the innocence of

things.*

his throat. "Witches wanted to eradicate everyone who could stand