Page 31 of Shapeshifter's Vengeance

I sink into my chair, my mind racing with the day’s events. The reporters’ accusations still echo in my head. I pick up the phone and call Ana.

“Any news?” I ask when she answers.

“Not yet,” she replies. “But they’re close to finding a book of hers. It’s a spell book, and I think that should work….”

“Good job, I am so proud of you,” I say.

“I’ll keep you posted,” she promises.

I hang up and turn my attention to the stack of files on my desk. There’s a lot of work to be done as the sheriff, and even if finding the killer is most important, I have to pay attention to other parts, too.

I decide to visit Zara again. There’s something about her that doesn’t sit right, and I have a feeling she knows more than she’s letting on. This time, I go alone. No one else needs to know about this visit.

Zara’s house looms ahead, a small, unwelcoming structure. I knock on the door, and after a moment, it creaks open. Zara sits in her wheelchair, her expression unfriendly.

“What do you want now?” she asks, her voice sharp.

“I have some questions,” I say, stepping inside.

“Make it quick,” she snaps, turning her wheelchair around to lead me into the small living room.

I follow her, feeling a chill that has nothing to do with the temperature. “Did you know someone dug up Elara’s body?”

Her eyes narrow, but she doesn’t look surprised. “And?”

“Do you know who did it?” I press.

She doesn’t answer, just stares at me with those piercing eyes.

“I know that you know another shapeshifter survived the Great War,” I say, trying to push her. “And that this shapeshifter is killing people.”

Zara’s face hardens. “Leave my house.”

I hesitate, but her tone leaves no room for argument. I turn to go, feeling defeated. But as I reach the door, she speaks again.

“You’re on the right path,” she says quietly. “Shapeshifters are meant to create balance, not this chaos.”

I spin around to ask more, but she closes her eyes, pretending to sleep. I leave, my mind racing. Something is off with Zara, but I can’t figure out what. One thing is true: she knows the killer.

I step outside, the cool air hitting my face. I feel a mix of frustration and confusion. I pull out my phone and call Ana.

“Anything from your sources in the shadows?” I ask when she answers.

“No, nothing yet,” she replies. “They’re still looking.”

“Okay,” I say. “Thanks, Ana.”

We say our goodbyes, and I hang up, feeling uneasy. I head back to my car, replaying the conversation with Zara in my mind. Her cryptic comments keep echoing in my head.

The drive back to the department is a blur. I park and sit in the car for a moment, collecting my thoughts. Something Zara said keeps nagging at me. Shapeshifters are meant to create balance, not chaos. What does that even mean?

I step out of the car and head inside, the usual buzz of activity greeting me. I head straight to my office, needing a moment to think. The silence here in my office is a stark contrast to the chaos outside and around the department.

I sit at my desk, trying to piece everything together. Zara’s words, the missing body, the killings. It’s all connected, but how do I find that connection?

A knock on the door interrupts my thoughts. It’s Mark.

“Anything new?” he asks, stepping inside.

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