Page 54 of Shapeshifter's Vengeance

"Is it done?" the figure asks, voice low and smooth.

"I've daggered Karla," I reply, a hint of pride in my voice. "I've taken her form. No one suspects a thing."

"Excellent," the figure says, a smile playing at the corners of their mouth. "Your skills are impressive, Cassandra."

I bask in the praise for a moment before the figure continues. "It's time to activate the final plan. You'll take care of Evelyn. I will handle Alexei and his sister."

My blood boils at the thought. "No. I want to be the one to dagger Alexei myself. He deserves to suffer at my hands."

The figure shakes their head slowly. "Sometimes, the best revenge is delivered on your behalf. Trust me, this will be more satisfying."

I clench my fists, anger rising, but I know better than to argue further. Instead, I ask, "Why the rush? What's the end game?"

A chuckle escapes the figure's lips. "Tomorrow night is a full moon. The Luminara witches gain extra power. You need to take care of both Evelyn and Karla before then. As for the end game, you'll see soon enough. Just play your part as we discussed."

With that, the meeting ends. I leave the room, frustration bubbling inside me. I get back into Karla's car, slamming the door shut. Instead of heading to the sheriff’s department, I drive back to the cottage where the real Karla is tied up.

As I pull up to the cottage, I take a deep breath to calm myself. I need to focus. I step inside, the familiar scent of herbs and candles filling the air. I find Karla where I left her, bound and weakened.

She looks up, eyes full of defiance despite her condition. "Back so soon?" she spits out.

I ignore her remark and pull up a chair, sitting down in front of her. "You know, Karla, I almost feel sorry for you… Almost."

"You won't get away with this," she says, her voice strained but steady.

I laugh, the sound echoing in the small space. "Oh, but I already have. By the time they realize what's happening, it'll be too late."

Karla glares at me, and I can see the wheels turning in her head. She's trying to figure out a way to escape, but there isn't one. Not this time.

"You won't win," she says finally. "Evelyn and Alexei will stop you."

I lean in closer, my face inches from hers. "We'll see about that."

I stand up, the chair scraping against the floor. I need to stay focused on the plan. There's no room for error.

"Goodbye, Karla," I say, turning to leave. "Enjoy your last moments."

As I walk out of the cottage, I can't help but smile. Everything is falling into place. The end is near, and soon, Alexei will pay for abandoning me.

I get back into the car and drive towards the town. The streets are quiet, the night still. I need to be careful but also swift. The full moon is tomorrow, and I can't let the Luminara witches gain any advantage.

Chapter 24: The Visions Again

EVELYN

The morning light filters through the blinds in my office, but I barely notice it. The paperwork on my desk blurs together, and the voices of my deputies fade into the background. Karla’s face keeps flashing in my mind, her eyes wide with fear, her mouth silently screaming for help. I grip the edge of my desk, trying to steady myself.

“Sheriff, are you okay?” Deputy Stevens asks, concern etched on his face.

I nod, forcing a smile. “I’m fine. Let’s continue.”

We’re supposed to be discussing the recent break-ins around town, but I can’t focus. The investigation into Cassandra’s whereabouts has hit a dead end. We’ve checked all the known healers, and none have seen or heard from her. But I can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to this than we’ve uncovered so far.

“Sheriff, did you hear what I said?” Deputy Stevens’ voice breaks through my thoughts.

“I’m sorry, Stevens. Could you repeat that?”

He frowns but obliges. “I was saying that we should increase patrols around the residential areas, especially at night.”

---