Page 46 of An Ancient Power's Revenge

Karla was waiting for me, her expression unreadable. "Evelyn," she greeted me, her tone guarded.

"Karla," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

We stood facing each other, the weight of our conversation hanging heavy in the air.

"I hope you understand why I had to do this," Karla said, her voice soft but firm.

"I do," I said, though the truth was far more complicated.

Karla sighed, running a hand through her hair. "We can't risk the lives of our people for a treaty that no longer serves us," she explained.

"But if we pull out now, it will only lead to more bloodshed," I argued, desperation creeping into my voice.

Karla shook her head, her eyes unwavering. "I won't let fear dictate our actions, Evelyn. We'll find the killer ourselves, protect our own," she vowed.

I wanted to argue further, to convince her of the importance of unity. But deep down, I knew that Karla was right. I couldn't ask her to jeopardize the safety of our people for a dream of peace.

"I understand," I said finally, the weight of defeat settling over me.

Karla reached out, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You can always return home, Evelyn. The coven will always be here for you," she said softly.

I nodded, gratitude swelling within me. "Thank you, Karla," I said, my voice choked with emotion.

With a heavy heart, I bid Karla goodbye and returned to the Sheriff’s Department. The streets seemed quieter now, the weight of our decision hanging heavy in the air.

As I walked, I couldn't shake the feeling of failure that gnawed at me. I had failed to provide the peace that I promised every supernatural in Harmony Grove.

But as I reached my office, determination stirred within me. I may have lost this battle, but the war was far from over. I would do whatever it took to keep Harmony Grove safe, even if it meant standing alone against the darkness that threatened to consume us all.

I trudged home later, the weight of defeat heavy on my shoulders. Alexei was waiting for me. Concern was etched on his face as I entered.

"How did it go?" he asked gently, stepping forward to envelop me in a comforting hug.

I sighed, leaning into his embrace. "I couldn't convince her, Alexei," I admitted, the disappointment evident in my voice.

He squeezed me tighter, offering silent support as I let myself wallow in my defeat for a moment.

"Come on," he said eventually, pulling away to look at me with a determined glint in his eyes. "Let me cook you something. It might cheer you up."

I managed a weak smile, grateful for his unwavering optimism. "Alright," I agreed, allowing him to lead me into the kitchen.

As Alexei bustled around the kitchen, preparing our meal, I couldn't help but marvel at the easy familiarity of our shared space. Despite the chaos that surrounded us, here, in our home, everything felt right.

We sat down to dinner, the aroma of Alexei's cooking filling the air. As we ate, we talked about anything and everything, ourconversation meandering from mundane topics to more serious matters.

I found myself losing track of time, the simple pleasure of Alexei's company washing away the bitterness of my earlier defeat.

"You know," Alexei said suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between us, "no matter what happens, we'll get through this together. We always do."

His words were like a balm to my weary soul, reminding me that no matter how bleak things seemed, we still had each other.

I reached across the table, squeezing his hand in silent gratitude. "Thank you, Alexei," I said softly, my heart swelling with love for the man sitting across from me.

He smiled, his eyes warm with affection. "Always, Evelyn. Always."

His wide grin stopped my heart for a mini second as he placed his hands on the table where I was seated, trapping me in between his hips. I shot up a brow in curiosity at his sudden action, my heart beating wildly in anticipation of what was to come yet trying to keep a level head.

Shit, I thought, it was already late.

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