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.

I need to give

chance.

a story, if you

sit down," I offer,

bench.

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 residents and doling out

good thing that they

soft groan. She places her parcel next to her and

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

to her, Ava, Selene urges

on the present moment. Mrs. Elkins studies me for a long moment before speaking

do you know about

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

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215

History of

as I say it, there's no belief behind

Elkins watches me with that calm gaze of

about that?"

I shake my head.

really known about them.

what isn't?

they aren't real. The packs don't talk about them.

and magicians different?" I

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

shameful on

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,

But as- time went on,

between them."

lean forward, drawn in despite myself.

Elkins

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you, but it

froudited by thejenfocations. *if

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

things.*

his throat. "Witches wanted to eradicate everyone who could stand