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.

himself with time. I need to give Mrs.

chance.

bit of a story, if you want to hear

do. "Let's sit

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,

I guess it's a good thing that

with a soft groan. She places her parcel next to her and gives me a

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

her, Ava, Selene

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

do

me off guard. "Witches? They're not real." The words

16:01

215

History of

it, there's

with that calm gaze of hers. "Are you

about that?"

I shake my head.

recently I'd never seen a vampire and hadn't really known about them. So how am I supposed

what isn't?

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

magicians different?" I

"Magicians? They're the

is shameful on all

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

humans. Their abilities were hidden, and they didn't cause any trouble. But as- time

between them."

in despite myself.

Elkins says quietly.

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but it

froudited by thejenfocations. *if they

of most didn't change the genocide wrought upon their kind. People feared their power, and fear can make even good people

things.*

wanted to eradicate everyone who could stand against them. They are not