Page 41 of Shapeshifter's Vengeance

Karla nods understandingly. "Ana is strong, and she cares deeply for you. You will be safe with her."

Relief washes over me, knowing I have allies I can rely on in this turbulent time. "Yes," I agree, feeling a sense of determination settle within me.

Karla leans forward slightly, her gaze intense. "Evelyn, promise me you'll be cautious. Cassandra is cunning and unpredictable."

"I will," I assure her, my voice firm. "I won't underestimate her."

"Good," Karla says, her expression softening once more. "Now, let us perform a protection ritual for you. It will strengthen the wards around your home and Ana’s to bolster your defenses."

I nod gratefully, knowing the ritual will bring me additional peace of mind. As Karla gathers the necessary herbs and prepares for the ritual, I sit quietly, reflecting on the challenges ahead. Cassandra's threat looms large, but with the support of the coven and my own Luminara abilities, I feel ready to face whatever comes next.

After the ritual is complete and I feel the reassuring surge of energy around me, I bid Karla farewell with a hug. "Thank you, Karla," I say sincerely.

"Take care, Evelyn," she replies warmly. "And remember, you are stronger than you realize."

Leaving the coven, I make my way to Ana's house with a renewed sense of purpose. The air is quiet around me, but inside, my thoughts are a whirlwind of plans and strategies. Cassandra has made her move, but I won't back down. Harmony Grove may be a town of secrets, but I am determined to protect those I care about, no matter the cost.

I knock briskly on Ana's door, as the sun begins to rise, my mind racing with the weight of recent events. When she opens the door, concern immediately etches itself onto her features.

"Evelyn, what's happened?" Ana asks, stepping aside to let me in.

I enter, feeling the weight of the situation settle around us. "It's Cassandra," I begin, my voice low but resolute. "She visited me tonight. Threatened me, taunted me."

Ana's eyes widen in shock. "She came to your house? What did she want?"

"To warn me off," I reply, pacing the small living room. "She made it clear that she intends to harm Alexei, and she told me to not get in her way or try to stop her."

Ana shakes her head, her expression grave. "We can't let her get away with this. What are we going to do?"

I stop pacing and face her directly. "First, I'm staying here with you for a while. It's safer than my house now."

"Of course," Ana agrees immediately. "You're welcome here as long as you need."

"Thank you," I say sincerely, grateful for her unwavering support. "Second, we need to keep a close watch on Cassandra. See if she makes any moves."

Ana nods in agreement.

"I've tripled the deputies keeping an eye on Alexei," I inform her. "He needs extra protection now more than ever."

"That's a good call," Ana acknowledges, her voice tight with worry. "And what about Cassandra?"

I sigh, rubbing my temples as I think. "I'm going to play her game," I say finally, meeting Ana's gaze with determination. "If she wants to test me, I'll show her what I'm capable of. We need to lure her out, find out her next move."

Ana nods thoughtfully. "And then what? Confront her?"

I shake my head. "Not yet. We need evidence, something concrete to tie her to the murders. Once we have that, then we can confront her."

"Agreed," Ana affirms, her mind already racing with strategies. "Let's make sure she doesn't see us coming."

I go to the council to update them on what has happened and what we plan. We need them on our side for all of this.

Chapter 18: An unexpected move

EVELYN

I wake up to knocking on the bedroom door. Groggy and disoriented, its Ana's voice, frantic and loud, that jolts me fully awake. “Come in,” I call to her, not ready to leave my room and admit a new day has begun just yet.

"No Evelyn, you need to come out here and watch the news. Now."

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