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 give

chance.

a story, if

course I do. "Let's sit down,"

bench.

them so on edge over an elderly lady who spends her day in a bookstore, gossiping with

I guess it's a good thing that they take

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

whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions. I want to trust Mrs. Elkins, to believe in the genuine care

Selene urges

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

do you know

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

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215

Ava: History of

it, there's no belief

me with that calm

about that?"

I shake my head.

hadn't really known about them. So how am I supposed

what isn't?

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

witches and magicians different?" I ask, curiosity piqued despite

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

is shameful on

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 turns back to me,

Their abilities 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

between them."

drawn in

hunted down," Mrs. Elkins

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but

by thejenfocations. *if they

who did terrible things. In the end, the innocence of most didn't change the genocide wrought upon their kind.

things.*

his throat. "Witches wanted to eradicate everyone who