Page 58 of Shapeshifter's Vengeance

I sit down, trying to mask my discomfort. “We’re working on it. Evelyn and I are doing everything we can to maintain order and find Cassandra.”

Marlowe nods slowly, his eyes never leaving mine. “You and Evelyn have been quite the team, haven’t you? Running Harmony Grove like a family business.”

I blink, taken aback by the sudden shift in tone. “What do you mean by that?”

He leans forward, his expression hardening. “I mean, it’s time for a change. We’re done taking orders from you.”

The realization hits me like a punch to the gut. This is a trap. I glance around, but there’s no way to warn anyone. No escape.

Before I can react, I feel a sharp pain in my neck. Someone stabs me from behind with what feels like a needle. My body goes numb, instantly paralyzed.

Marlowe’s face twists into a cruel smile. “Now it’s time to talk, Alexei.”

I struggle to move, but my limbs refuse to cooperate. “What... what is this?”

“This,” Marlowe says, gesturing to the strangers behind him, “is the beginning of a new order. One where you and your ilk no longer hold sway.”

One of the strangers steps forward, his eyes gleaming with malice. “You’ve been in power for too long, Alexei. It’s time for fresh blood.”

“You won’t get away with this,” I manage to say through gritted teeth.

Marlowe chuckles. “I think we already have. While you’re incapacitated, we’ll be taking control. And there’s nothing you can do to stop us.”

I fight the paralysis, rage building inside me. “Evelyn...”

“She’ll be dealt with,” Marlowe says dismissively. “Just like you.”

The room spins as the injection takes full effect. My vision blurs, and I struggle to stay conscious. “This isn’t over,” I whisper.

“Oh, but it is,” Marlowe says, his voice fading as darkness claims me. “For you, at least.”

I wake up with a start, now tied to a chair. My muscles ache, and my vision is blurry. I struggle against the ropes, but they hold firm. Elder Marlowe stands in front of me, a twisted smile on his face.

“What do you truly want, Marlowe?” I ask, my voice rough.

He chuckles, the sound cold and menacing. “I’m bringing down Harmony Grove, Alexei. Your reign ends now.”

“You’re mad,” I say, glaring at him. “Evelyn and Ana will come looking for me. You won’t get away with this.”

“Evelyn is already taken care of,” he says, waving his hand dismissively. “And Ana is next. You aren’t escaping this time.”

My heart races, fear clawing at my insides. “What did you do to Evelyn?”

He leans in close, his eyes gleaming with malice. “She’s in no position to help you. And once Ana is dealt with, there will be no one left to stop me.”

“Why, Marlowe? Why turn against your own people?”

“Power,” he says simply. “I’m tired of living in your shadow, Alexei. Tired of taking orders. It’s time for a new order.”

“You’re willing to destroy everything we’ve built for your own gain?” I ask, incredulously.

“Everything must change,” he replies. “And change always comes with sacrifice.”

The room is quiet except for the sound of my labored breathing. I need to find a way out of this. I need to warn Ana and save Evelyn.

“What’s your endgame, Marlowe?” I ask, trying to buy time. “What do you gain from all this chaos?”

He smiles, a chilling sight. “Harmony Grove will be mine. And with it, all the power that comes from ruling the supernaturals and the humans alike.”

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