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.

need to

chance.

a bit of a story,

sit down,"

bench.

with 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, gossiping with Cedarwood residents and doling out

guess it's a good thing that they take any threat

She places her parcel next to her and gives

want to trust Mrs. Elkins, to believe in the genuine care she's always shown me, but the doubts linger like shadows at the

to her, Ava, Selene urges gently. She means

to focus on the present moment. Mrs. Elkins

much do you

real." The words tumble out automatically, a knee-jerk

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215

History of

it, there's no belief behind

with that calm gaze of hers. "Are you

about that?"

I shake my head.

a vampire and hadn't really known about them. So

what isn't?

it's no surprise you think they aren't real. The packs don't talk

different?" I ask, curiosity piqued

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

is shameful

fixes them with a stern look. "Now, now. Let's not pass

among humans. 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

between them."

drawn in despite myself. "What

down," Mrs. Elkins

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but it

by thejenfocations. *if

were innocent." Mrs. Elkins agrees. "ha there were those who did terrible things. In the end, the innocence of

things.*

in his throat. "Witches wanted to eradicate everyone who could stand against them. They are not victims