Page 39 of Shapeshifter's Vengeance

Karla listens intently, her expression grave. "Cassandra is a formidable adversary," she says finally. "If she's threatening Alexei, she's not to be taken lightly."

Ana nods in agreement. "We need to lift house arrest. Alexei needs to confront her."

One of the deputies, Mark, speaks up. "What if she denies knowing anything? We won't have anything on her."

"We have to take that risk," I say firmly. "Alexei believes he can get through to her. We need to trust him and his instincts."

After a tense discussion, the council reluctantly agrees to lift the house arrest on Alexei, but with strict conditions—he'll be accompanied by deputies at all times, and a tracker spell will be placed on him discreetly to monitor his movements, both for keeping him safe and knowing where he is at all times.

Once the decision is made, I head straight to Alexei's house to deliver the news. He listens quietly, his expression unreadable. When I finish, he nods once, his jaw set with determination.

"Thank you, Evelyn," he says softly. "I appreciate your support and love you so much."

"We'll be with you every step of the way," I assure him, placing a hand on his arm.

He smiles faintly. "I know."

Later, we stand together outside his house as the deputies prepare to lift the house arrest. Alexei looks out at the quiet street, a mix of emotions crossing his face—resolve, worry, and determination.

"I'll be careful," he says, meeting my gaze.

"I know," I reply, trying to mask my anxiety. "Just come back to me alive and unscathed."

He nods, squeezing my hand briefly before the deputies escort him to his car. I watch them drive away, my heart heavy with worry.

I anxiously wait for any news, turning to any task I can find to take my mind off the situation and pacing when that fails. Finally, the call comes—from Alexei himself.

"Evelyn," he says, stress evident in his voice. "I spoke to her. She denied everything, just as we expected."

"And?" I prompt, my heart in my throat.

"And I let her go," he continues quietly. "There was no evidence, nothing to tie her to the threats."

I exhale slowly, a mix of frustration and relief flooding through me. "What now?"

"We keep looking," he says firmly. "We'll find something, Evelyn. I promise."

I nod, even though he can't see me. "Okay. Be careful, Alexei."

"I will," he assures me before hanging up.

I sink into my chair. Cassandra—or Rachel—remains at large, a dangerous adversary with unknown motives. And now, with Alexei exposed, I fear what her next move might be.

But one thing is certain—we won't rest until we bring her to justice.

Chapter 17: Surprise Visit

EVELYN

I jolt awake in the darkness of my bedroom, the faint moonlight casting eerie shadows across the familiar surroundings. For a moment, I'm disoriented, my heart pounding in my chest as I try to grasp what woke me. Then, I see her—Cassandra, sitting calmly in my dressing chair near the window as if she belongs there.

I sit up slowly, my mind racing with alarm and caution. "What are you doing here?" I manage to keep my voice steady, masking the fear that clenches my stomach.How the hell did she get in here?

Cassandra tilts her head slightly, her gaze piercing in the dim light. "I wanted to have a chat," she says casually, a smirk playing on her lips.

I force myself to remain calm, though every instinct is screaming at me to react with force. "A chat?" I reply, my tone edged with skepticism. "At this hour?"

She chuckles softly, I refuse to let her see my unease. "Oh, don't worry, Sheriff," she says mockingly, leaning back in the chair. "I'm not here to harm you. At least, not yet."

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