Page 27 of Shapeshifter's Vengeance

She nods, giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll get through this, Evelyn. I know it.”

As I drive home, my mind races with thoughts of the shapeshifter and the dark magic blocking Alexei’s memory. It’s a daunting task, but I refuse to let him suffer for something he didn’t do. We have to find the truth, no matter how deep we must dig.

The next day at the department, I bury myself in old case files, searching for any mention of shapeshifters or dark magic. The deputies do the same, and by evening, we’ve compiled a list of names and leads.

We gather again at Ana’s place, everyone looking more tired but just as determined.

“Any luck?” I ask, spreading the papers out on the table.

“Some,” Mark says. “I found records of a few shapeshifters who might have survived. But nothing concrete.”

Linda adds, “I spoke to an old-timer who remembered stories about Zara. She was seen years after the war, but right now it’s just rumors.”

“It’s a start,” Ana says. “We need to follow up on every lead.”

We spend the night piecing together the fragments of information, slowly forming a clearer picture. The more we uncover, the more convinced I am that a shapeshifter is behind this.

“We need to confront Zara,” I say finally. “If she’s still alive, she’ll have answers.”

“Agreed,” Ana says. “But we need to be careful. She’s dangerous. All shapeshifters are always dangerous.”

We formulate a plan, deciding to approach her cautiously. As the night wears on, I feel a glimmer of hope. We’re getting closer.

When the meeting concludes, I remind everyone to stay quiet and vigilant. “We meet again tomorrow. Same time.”

As I drive home, I think about the danger ahead. Confronting a shapeshifter won’t be easy, but I’m ready. For Alexei, I’d face any threat. We’ll uncover the truth, and we’ll bring justice to Harmony Grove.

“Stay sharp,” I tell them. “We don’t know what she’s capable of.”

We set out, the weight of our mission pressing on us. It’s a risk, but we’re ready. For Alexei. For Harmony Grove.

When we arrive at Zara’s last known location, surprisingly, it’s a small home. We move quietly, surrounding the area. It doesn’t fit the profile in my head.

“Ready?” I whisper to Ana.

She nods, her eyes steely. “Let’s do this.”

We move in, our steps silent, our hearts pounding. Inside, the atmosphere is charged, and every shadow is a potential threat.

We find Zara. She’s older, but her eyes are sharp and cunning. She sees us and smiles, a knowing look in her eyes.

Zara's laughter echoes around the room, a dry, hollow sound. She looks at us with eyes that have seen too much, eyes that hold secrets we desperately need.

“Well, well,” she says. “What brings you here?”

“We need answers,” I say, stepping forward. “About Alexei. About the murders.”

Her smile widens. “Do you now?”

Ana steps up beside me, her stance aggressive. “We know you’re behind this. We need the truth.”

Zara’s laughter rings out again, colder this time. “Truth? You can’t handle the truth.”

“Try us,” I say, my voice steady.

She looks at us, assessing us before her gaze turns somber. “You think I’m behind this? Look at me.” She gestures to the wheelchair she’s confined to. “I can no longer access my powers. I’m just an old woman waiting for death.”

Ana sneers. “Convenient story. How do we know you’re not lying?”

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