Page 60 of Shapeshifter's Vengeance

She fiddles with her phone, trying to make a call, and then walks out, leaving us alone. As soon as she’s gone, Karla turns her head slightly towards me and whispers, “When she comes back, I’ll distract her. You focus on untying us with your magic.”

“Karla, are you sure?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes,” she replies, her eyes filled with determination. “The dagger in you isn’t as strong as the one in me. Your magic can still flow.”

I take a deep breath, nodding. I feel a flicker of hope. “Alright. Let’s do this.”

The minutes stretch, each one feeling like an eternity. I focus on the pain, trying to channel it into my magic. I feel a faint pulse of energy in my veins, weak but present. I concentrate on the ropes binding my wrists, willing them to loosen.

Cassandra returns, looking frustrated. “Damn service in this place,” she mutters, then smirks at us. “Miss me?”

Karla coughs weakly, drawing Cassandra’s attention. “What’s the matter, Karla? Finally ready to beg?”

“Just… thirsty,” Karla says, her voice hoarse. “Water, please.”

Cassandra laughs, a harsh, grating sound. “Water? That’s the best you can come up with?”

While she’s distracted, I focus harder on the ropes. I feel them start to give, my magic slowly working its way through.

Cassandra turns back to me, her eyes narrowing. “And you, Evelyn? Nothing to say?”

“Go to hell,” I manage, trying to keep her focus on me.

She strides over, grabbing my chin and forcing me to look at her. “You first,” she hisses.

Karla takes a deep, shaky breath. “Cassandra, you’ll never get away with this.”

Cassandra laughs again. “Oh, but I already have. And soon, you’ll both be dead, and Harmony Grove will be mine.”

As she rants, I feel the ropes loosen further. Almost there. Just a little more time.

Karla coughs again, louder this time, and Cassandra’s attention snaps back to her. “What now?” she demands.

“Just wanted to say… you’re a terrible witch,” Karla says, her voice stronger now.

Cassandra’s face contorts with rage. “How dare you—”

With a final push, the ropes around my wrists snap free. I move quickly, using my magic to untie my ankles and then Karla’s. Cassandra is still focused on her fury, not noticing our movements.

“Ready?” I whisper to Karla.

“Do it,” she replies.

I summon all my strength, channeling my magic into a forceful blast. It hits Cassandra square in the chest, sending her flying across the room. She crashes into the wall with a scream of rage. I pull out the dagger from my side. Karla reaches to remove hers too.

“Evelyn, go find Alexei. I will take care of this despicable woman myself. We have many scores to settle!” Karla shouts and I nod before dashing out of the cottage, I trust that Karla can take care of Cassandra now that she’s no longer daggered.

I get into Karla’s car and drive out of there fast as hell.

KARLA

I rise to my feet swiftly, adrenaline coursing through me as Cassandra's furious onslaught begins. Evelyn, her eyes wide with urgency, doesn't hesitate when I tell her to go. She understands the gravity of the situation. Alexei's safety is paramount now.

As Evelyn dashes out of the room, I turn to face Cassandra, my expression hardening with resolve. "You've made a grave mistake, Cassandra," I say, my voice steady despite the roiling emotions within me. "You'll regret crossing me and harming my coven."

Cassandra sneers, her eyes gleaming with malice. "You think you can stop me, Karla? You've always underestimated what I'm capable of."

I summon the power of the moon within me, feeling its energy surge as I prepare to defend myself and my kin. "It's not underestimation, Cassandra. It's certainty."

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