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 Mrs. Elkins

chance.

bit of a story,

"Let's sit down," I offer,

bench.

though their eyes never leave her. It's somewhat amusing to see them so on edge over an elderly lady who spends her day

a good thing that they take any threat

She places her parcel next to her and gives me a wry smile. "I'm getting too old for this kind of travel,

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 doubts linger like shadows at the edges of

to her, Ava, Selene urges gently. She means

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

much do you know about

They're not real." The words tumble out automatically, a

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215

Ava: History of

I say it, there's

me with that calm gaze of hers. "Are you

about that?"

I shake my head.

known

what isn't?

surprise you think they aren't real.

different?" I

head. "Magicians? They're the

is shameful on

clear. Mrs. Elkins fixes them with a stern look. "Now, now. Let's

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."

drawn in despite

Mrs. Elkins says

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but

by thejenfocations. *if they

In the end, the innocence of most didn't change the genocide wrought

things.*

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