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. Elkins

chance.

a story, if you want

do. "Let's sit down," I offer, motioning toward

bench.

through with no grumbling, though their eyes never leave her. It's somewhat amusing to see them so on edge

it's a good thing that they

herself onto the bench beside me with a soft groan. She places her parcel next to her and gives me

it feels strained. My mind is a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions. I want to trust Mrs. Elkins, to believe in the genuine care she's always shown me, but

Ava, Selene urges gently. She

on the present moment. Mrs.

how much do you

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

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215

Ava: History

say it, there's no belief

Elkins watches me with that calm

about that?"

I shake my head.

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

what isn't?

pleased. "Well, it's no surprise you think they aren't real. The packs don't

magicians different?" I ask, curiosity piqued despite my

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

shameful on all

stern look. "Now, now. Let's not pass judgment before we've even heard the whole story."" She turns back to me,

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

between them."

forward, drawn in despite

down," Mrs. Elkins says quietly. "By

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but

froudited by thejenfocations.

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

things.*

of the guards growls low in his throat. "Witches wanted to eradicate