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

chance.

story,

I do. "Let's sit

bench.

lets 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

good thing that they take any

places her parcel next to her

I want to trust Mrs. Elkins, to believe in the genuine care she's always shown me, but the doubts linger like

her, Ava, Selene urges gently. She means

present moment. Mrs. Elkins studies

much do you know

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

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Ava: History

as I say it,

Elkins watches me with that calm gaze of hers.

about that?"

I shake my head.

vampire and hadn't really known about

what isn't?

looks surprised, then pleased. "Well, it's no surprise you think they aren't real. The packs don't talk about them. It's a touchy subject in

magicians different?" I ask, curiosity piqued despite my

They're

witches is shameful on

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

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. It caused a

between them."

drawn in despite myself. "What

hunted down," Mrs. Elkins says

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but

by thejenfocations.

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

things.*

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