Page 24 of Shapeshifter's Vengeance

"I can’t believe it," he murmurs.

"Believe it," I say, starting the car. "You’re going home."

We drive in comfortable silence, the tension from the past days slowly easing. When we reach his house, I park and turn to him.

"There are conditions," I begin. "No visitors, and you’re not allowed to leave the building. Deputies will be watching you every day."

Alexei nods. "I understand. Thank you, Evelyn."

I squeeze his hand. "I’ll do everything I can to clear your name."

He nods again, his eyes filled with gratitude. I step out of the car and watch as he heads inside, relief washing over me. This isn’t over, but at least he’s safe for now.

I get back into the car, my mind already racing with the next steps. Instead of heading to the department, I decide to drive to Ana’s place. She needs to know what’s happening and how we’re going to prove Alexei’s innocence.

The drive is short, and soon, I’m knocking on Ana’s door. She opens it, surprise flashing across her face.

"Evelyn, what’s going on?" she asks, stepping aside to let me in.

I walk inside, taking a deep breath. "We need to talk about Alexei."

Ana nods, leading me to the living room. We sit down, and I start explaining everything—the attack in prison and the confrontation with the judge.

Ana listens intently, her face growing more serious with every word. When I finish, she leans back, a thoughtful look on her face.

"So, he’s back under house arrest now?" she asks.

"Yes," I reply. "But we only have two days left to prove his innocence. We need to find more evidence."

Ana nods. "I’ll help. Whatever it takes."

"Thank you," I say, feeling a surge of relief. "We’ll start first thing in the morning."

As I leave Ana’s place, the weight of the situation still feels dire, but with Ana’s help, I feel a renewed sense of hope. We will clear Alexei’s name, no matter what it takes.

Back in my car, I take a moment to gather my thoughts. The darkness outside mirrors the uncertainty of our situation, but Irefuse to let doubt cloud my resolve. I start the engine and head home, ready to face whatever comes next. I change my mind at the last minute and head to the coven instead, thinking maybe Karla can help us regarding Alexei’s memory. She might not be forthcoming, but I want to assume she will help me.

I push open the door to the Luminara Coven, the familiar scent of herbs and incense filling my nose. Karla is seated in the large conference area, at the head of a long table, surrounded by other members. Her eyes narrow as she sees me, but she nods for me to approach.

"Evelyn," she says, her tone cool. "What brings you here?"

I take a deep breath, stepping forward. "I need your help, Karla. Alexei's been remembering fragments of that night. I believe you can help him regain his full memory."

Karla leans back, crossing her arms. "And why should I help him?"

"Because deep down, you know he's innocent," I say, meeting her gaze. "He couldn’t have killed those men and the witches."

A murmur spreads through the room. Karla raises a hand, silencing it. "Innocent or not, he's still dangerous. You’re asking me to go against the council."

"You're not going against them," I argue. "You're seeking the truth. Isn’t that what we all want?"

Karla stands, pacing slowly. "And what if the truth condemns him, Evelyn? What then?"

"It won’t," I insist. "He didn’t do this. Please, Karla. Help me."

Karla stops, facing me. "You always were stubborn," she mutters. We lock eyes, and I can see the internal battle she’s fighting. "Fine. I’ll come by later tonight. But this doesn’t mean I’m on your side."

"Thank you," I say, relief flooding through me. "That’s all I ask."

---