Page 47 of Shapeshifter's Vengeance

“We have released an audio recording of the incident, which you will find linked in the press release. Cassandra is now wanted, and a bounty has been placed on her head. We urge the public to come forward with any information on her whereabouts. This woman is very dangerous, so please do not approach her. We encourage everyone to say something if they see something.”

More murmurs, more camera flashes. I signal the end of the statement, and the reporters erupt into questions. I answer afew, staying on script, emphasizing the danger Cassandra poses and the need for public cooperation.

After the conference, Alexei and I retreat to my office. He looks at me, a question in his eyes. “What’s next?”

I lean against my desk, thinking. “We wait for her to make the next move. In the meantime, we need to unite the other supernaturals. We have to come together as one to put her in her place once and for all.”

He nods, understanding the gravity. “We’ll start reaching out to the covens and packs. We need all the help we can get.”

My phone buzzes again, interrupting our conversation. It’s a text from an unknown number: “If you think this is over, you’re in for a rude awakening. You can live in the delusion as long as you want, at least until I’m ready to come for you again.”

I show Alexei the message, and he frowns. “She’s taunting us.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “She has no idea what she’s up against.” This time, I’ll be ready to take her down.

Alexei and I return home. We know the real work has just begun but we’re going to need our full strength and wits to overcome this challenge.

Night falls, and we sit silently, gathering strength for the battles ahead. My phone buzzes again, and another message from the unknown number comes through: “You think you can stop me? You’re delusional.”

I don’t respond, but I show it to Alexei. “She’s trying to get under our skin.”

“She won’t succeed,” he says firmly. “We’re stronger than she realizes.”

I lean into him, drawing comfort from his presence. “We need to stay vigilant. She’ll strike again, and if we’re not ready, it will be deadly.”

“We will be,” he assures me. “We’ve faced worse.”

Excited to get to bed, we settle under our covers but sleep eludes me. I focus on the plan, deepening my breathing to help me find the calm I need to drift off. We’ve set the stage, and now it’s a waiting game. But I won’t let Cassandra win. Not this time. Finally, with that thought in my mind, I succumb to sleep.

The council chamber is heavy with the scent of old wood and lingering incense. Alexei and I step inside, and the low murmur of the elders ceases as all eyes turn to us. The tension is palpable, each elder seated in an ornate chair, the weight of centuries of tradition hanging in the air.

“Sheriff Evelyn; Mayor Alexei,” Elder Mordecai begins, his voice stern. “Explain why the public is more aware of the murderer than this council.”

I take a deep breath, stepping forward. “We had to act swiftly to control the narrative. Cassandra posed an immediate threat, and we needed to alert the public for their safety.”

Elder Liora narrows her eyes. “And you chose to inform them before us?”

I hold my ground. “It was a tactical decision. But I have brought the full tape of Cassandra’s confession for your review.”

I nod to one of the deputies, who set up the playback device. The room fills with Cassandra’s voice, her vitriol and madness evident. The elders listen intently, shock and outrage flickering across their faces.

When the tape ends, silence falls over the room. Elder Mordecai’s eyes are hard. “How did she escape, Sheriff, despite the many warriors present to capture her?”

Alexei steps in, his voice calm but firm. “She was wounded during the confrontation. We underestimated her and her dark magic though, and that is what enabled her to escape. It won’t happen again.”

Karla, seated among the council, interjects. “If she was wounded by the enchanted dagger, she’ll need a powerful witch to heal her. Without one, she risks dying from the wound. She’ll be seeking healers.”

Elder Liora’s gaze shifts to Karla. “Can you reach out to your network of healers?”

Karla nods. “I will. We need to know if anyone has been approached by Cassandra or someone on her behalf.”

Elder Mordecai’s eyes bore into Alexei. “Mayor, the council tasks you with finding Cassandra and bringing her to face us. If you fail, you will be held accountable for her crimes.”

I am in shock by their choice of words, but Alexei nods. “I understand. We will find her.”

The council meeting adjourns, and Alexei and I step outside, the tension easing slightly. I turn to him, concern in my eyes. “This is serious. We need to find her before she finds help.”

Alexei nods. “We will. Let’s regroup with Ana and the others and plan our next move.”

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