Page 51 of Shapeshifter's Vengeance

Karla's face darkens. "Her soul has been taken. I suspect it was used as part of the healing process for Cassandra."

A murmur of shock ripples through the team. Evelyn's eyes narrow, and she asks the question on everyone's mind. "Do you know anyone capable of such an act, Karla?"

Karla shakes her head. "No, but I'll make some inquiries."

Evelyn and I exchange a glance, then we step away to discuss the situation privately. On our way back to the car, Evelyn's voice is low and serious.

"I don't think Karla is telling us everything she knows."

I nod, considering her words. "We should be cautious, but we can't afford to alienate her. Let's wait it out, see what she comes up with. We need her on our side."

Evelyn sighs, clearly frustrated. "You're right. We can't afford to lose her help now."

As we drive back to the department, the weight of our situation presses down on me. Cassandra is more dangerous than we ever imagined, and now there's the possibility that she isn't working alone. We need to be smart and strategic.

Chapter 22: Of Half Sisters and Disguises

KARLA

As soon as Evelyn and Alexei leave, I know what I have to do. I need to find Keyanna, my half-sister. She's the only one capable of performing the kind of dark magic healing Cassandra requires. It's been decades since we last spoke, and though she doesn’t live far, we might as well be worlds apart.

Our coven disowned her, and she never looked back. No one knows about our connection; it’s a closely guarded secret.

I head out to the hills, keeping my intentions to myself. No one else can know about this. As I walk, memories of our teenage years flood my mind. I smile sadly, recalling our inseparable days before everything changed.

We used to sneak out at night, exploring the woods, laughing and sharing our dreams under the moonlight. Keyanna was always the more adventurous one, always pushing boundaries.I admired her spirit, her courage. But that same spirit led her down a path our coven couldn't accept.

I reach the base of the hills and begin the ascent. The air is crisp, the path familiar. I know exactly where she lives, even though I've avoided this place for years. The last time we spoke, it was bitter, filled with accusations and hurtful words. I wonder if she will even see me.

As I approach her cabin, tucked away among the trees, I feel a pang of nostalgia. It looks almost the same as it did all those years ago. I take a deep breath and knock on the door.

For a moment, there is silence. Then the door creaks open, and Keyanna stands there, her eyes widening in surprise. "Karla," she says, her voice a mix of shock and curiosity. "What are you doing here?"

"I need your help," I reply, my voice steady. "It's important. Can I come in?"

She hesitates but steps aside, allowing me to enter. The cabin is cozy, filled with familiar trinkets and the scent of herbs. It feels like stepping back in time.

We sit across from each other, the silence thick with unspoken words. Finally, Keyanna breaks it. "What kind of trouble are you in, Karla?"

"It's not me. It's the girl you healed," I explain.

Keyanna's eyes narrow. "I do not know what you are talking about. And why I should help you after all these years?"

"Because lives are at stake," I say urgently. "She's already killed, and she'll kill again. We need to stop her."

She leans back, studying me. "And what makes you think I still practice that kind of magic?"

"I know you, Keyanna," I say softly. "I know you haven't changed that much."

“Leave my house, Karla,” she demands, her voice cold.

I scoff. “Always so hospitable, Keyanna. I see nothing’s changed.”

“You have no right to be here,” she snaps. “Get out.”

I shake my head, taking a step forward. “I’m not going anywhere until you tell me where Cassandra is.”

Keyanna’s eyes flash with anger. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

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