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

chance.

a bit of a story, if

I do. "Let's sit down,"

bench.

though their eyes never leave her. It's somewhat amusing to see them so on edge over an elderly lady who

thing that

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

it feels strained. My mind is a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions. I want to trust Mrs. Elkins, to believe in the genuine

Selene urges gently.

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

how much do you

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

16:01

215

Ava: History of

I say it,

Elkins watches me with that calm gaze of hers. "Are you

about that?"

I shake my head.

hadn't really known about them. So how am

what isn't?

think they aren't real. The packs don't talk about them. It's a touchy subject

and magicians different?" I ask,

"Magicians? They're the same.

is shameful

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

Their abilities were hidden, and they didn't cause any trouble. But as- time went on, many witches were threatened by the power

between them."

in despite myself.

were hunted down," Mrs. Elkins

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but it

froudited by thejenfocations. *if

were innocent." Mrs. Elkins agrees. "ha there 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 make even good

things.*

wanted to eradicate everyone