Page 6 of Shapeshifter's Vengeance

Back in my office, I sit down, my mind racing. I have to keep things together for Alexei, the town, and everyone. The next few days will be critical.

I brought Karla to the station with me, my heart heavy with hope and dread. Alexei’s memory is our only key to unraveling the nightmare that’s fallen upon us. Karla follows silently, her presence a mix of comfort and cold efficiency.

“Thank you for coming,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

“We’ll do what we can. Now, I need to talk with Alexei,” Karla replies, her tone clipped. She’s been through enough already, and this situation is stretching even her formidable patience.

Karla steps forward, her eyes assessing him. “I need you to sit still,” she instructs. “This will take a few minutes.”

Alexei nods and sits down on the edge of the narrow cot. Karla begins an incantation, her hands moving gracefully through the air, tracing patterns of light. The room fills with the gentle hum of magic, a soft, comforting glow surrounding Alexei.

I watch anxiously, hoping for a breakthrough. Karla’s face is a mask of concentration, her lips moving silently as she works. Minutes stretch on with no obvious signs of progress.

Finally, Karla steps back, a deep frown marring her usually serene features. “It’s not working,” she says, frustration edging her voice.

“What do you mean?” I ask, my heart sinking.

“There’s a dark magic blocking his memories,” she explains. “Something powerful. I can’t break through it.”

Alexei looks up, panic flaring in his eyes. “I’m innocent,” he says desperately. “I didn’t do this! I couldn’t have. I would never….”

“Time will tell,” Karla responds coolly. “We need to find out who cast this spell to block your memories first.”

She turns to leave, but I grab her arm, my voice pleading. “Karla, please. There has to be something more we can do.”

She shakes her head, her expression softening slightly. “I’ll look into it, Evelyn. But right now, we’re at an impasse. I have six funerals to plan and some explaining to do at the coven.”

That stops me from saying anything further, so, I just thank her for at least attempting to help. She leaves, and I turn back to Alexei, my heart heavy with worry. “We’ll figure this out,” I promise, taking his hands through the bars. “I believe you.”

He nods, but I can see the fear and doubt in his eyes. “What if we can’t break the spell? What if I can’t get my memories back?” he asks, his voice trembling.

“We will,” I say firmly, trying to instill confidence in both of us. “Now let’s get you out of here on bail.”

Chapter 3: Suspension and Investigation

ALEXEI

I sit in my office, my new reality settling in. The news came this morning: I’m suspended from my duties as mayor and placed under house arrest. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but I know I have no choice but to comply. I have to work hand in hand with the sheriff's department if I want them to prove my innocence.

Evelyn arrives, her face a mask of professional detachment. My heart aches to see her like this, knowing she’s caught between her duty and her love for me.

“Alexei,” she says, her voice steady. “I have to read you the rules of your house arrest.”

I nod, bracing myself. “Go ahead.”

“You’re not allowed to leave your house unless there’s an emergency,” she begins. “You’ll be under the watch of three sheriff deputies at all times.”

“Understood,” I say, my voice hollow. “I accept my fate.”

She looks at me, her eyes softening for just a moment. “We’ll figure this out,” she whispers, her voice breaking slightly. I know it's even harder for her to investigate the love of her life with all the pressure on her.

I nod, trying to muster a smile. “I know we will.”

I head home, the familiar walls of my house feeling like a prison. The deputies take their positions, and I retreat to my study, trying to focus on anything but the impending doom.

Later that evening, I’m summoned to face the supernatural council. The room is filled with tense silence as I take my seat. Evelyn is there, but she remains silent, her eyes avoiding mine.

The council chamber is heavy with tension as I stand before them, the weight of my fate pressing down on my shoulders. Evelyn stands beside me, her presence a small comfort amid this nightmare. My sister, Ana, sits among the council, her expression unreadable.

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