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.

with time. I need to

chance.

of a story, if you want to hear

course I do. "Let's sit down," I offer, motioning toward

bench.

security detail lets her through with no grumbling, though their eyes never leave her. It's somewhat amusing to see them so on edge

I guess it's a good thing

soft groan. She places her parcel next to her and gives me a wry smile. "I'm getting too old for

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 the doubts linger like shadows at

Ava, Selene urges gently.

to focus on the present moment. Mrs. Elkins studies me for a long

do you know

They're not real." The words

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215

History of

I say it, there's no

calm

about that?"

I shake my head.

hadn't really known about them.

what isn't?

no surprise you think they aren't real. The packs don't talk about them. It's

different?" I ask, curiosity piqued despite my

They're

witches is shameful on

with a stern look. "Now, now. Let's not pass judgment before we've

any trouble. But as- time went on, many witches were threatened by the power of wolves, vampires, and the Fae. It

between them."

drawn in despite

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

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but it

froudited by thejenfocations. *if

end, the innocence of most didn't change the genocide wrought upon their kind. People feared their power, and fear

things.*

"Witches wanted to eradicate everyone who could stand against them.