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, if

do. "Let's sit down,"

bench.

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 bookstore, gossiping with Cedarwood

it's a good thing that they take

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

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

Ava, Selene urges

on the present moment.

do you know

not real." The

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215

Ava: History of

I say it, there's no belief behind

me with that calm gaze

about that?"

I shake my head.

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.

magicians different?" I ask, curiosity piqued despite my

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

is shameful on

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

were 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 lot of

between them."

drawn in despite myself.

Elkins says quietly.

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you, but

thejenfocations. *if

were those who 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

things.*

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