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

chance.

a bit of a story,

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

bench.

It's somewhat amusing to see them so on edge over an elderly lady who spends her day

thing that they take any threat

She places her parcel next to her and gives me a wry smile. "I'm getting

but 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 the doubts linger like shadows at the edges of my

Ava, Selene urges gently. She

to focus on the present moment. Mrs.

much do

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

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215

History of

say it, there's no belief behind

calm gaze

about that?"

I shake my head.

I'd never seen a vampire and hadn't really known about

what isn't?

looks surprised, then pleased. "Well, it's no surprise you think they aren't real. The packs don't talk about

magicians different?" I ask, curiosity piqued

her head. "Magicians? They're

is shameful

Elkins fixes them with a stern look. "Now,

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

between them."

in

down," Mrs. Elkins says

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you, but

by thejenfocations.

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,

things.*

wanted to eradicate everyone who could stand