Page 61 of Shapeshifter's Vengeance

With that, the battle erupts between us, a flurry of spells and physical strikes. Cassandra is formidable, fueled by anger and a thirst for revenge, but I am seasoned, drawing upon years of training and the ancient power of our coven.

Sparks fly as our magic clashes, the air crackling with intensity. I manage to disarm Cassandra of her weapon, a brief opening that I exploit with precision and speed. With a decisive strike, I incapacitate her, rendering her unable to continue the fight.

Cassandra gasps for breath on the floor, defeated but still defiant. "You may have won this battle, Karla," she hisses through gritted teeth, "but you'll never stop what's coming."

I kneel beside her, my gaze unwavering. "It's over, Cassandra. Your partner won't succeed either. Harmony Grove will endure, and justice will be served."

With a final smile at her, I push the dagger that I had managed to pick up during our fight deep into her chest, ridding her of her life and stopping all of this madness once and for all.

EVELYN

I rush through the streets of Harmony Grove, heart pounding. My mind races with the urgency of the situation—Cassandra's betrayal, Karla and Alexei in danger, and the looming threat of her unknown partner. Ana's place is a familiar refuge, a haven where plans are forged and alliances secured. I burst through the door, finding Ana already waiting, her expression grave as she takes in my hurried entrance.

"Evelyn," Ana says sharply, rising from her seat. "What happened? Where's Karla?"

I take a moment to catch my breath, my voice urgent as I recount the harrowing events at the coven. "Cassandra attacked us. She had Karla and me captive, impersonating her," I explain quickly. "She mentioned a partner who might have Alexei."

Ana's eyes widen with concern. "Alexei left to meet a council member," she informs me, her voice steady despite the worry creeping into her expression.

"We need to find him," I say firmly, already moving towards the door. "Let's go."

Together, Ana and I head towards the meeting point, our footsteps echoing in the quiet night. The drive is tense, silence punctuated only by the urgency of our mission.

As we arrive, relief washes over me at the sight of Alexei collapsed by his car. "Alexei!" I cry out, rushing to his side. He isn’t breathing, and he looks like he struggled to get to this point.

Ana joins me, concern etched deeply in her features as she checks on her brother, and the love of my life. "He's been drugged," she confirms, her voice tight with worry.

"We need to get him to the hospital," I decide, already reaching for my phone to confirm how far out the backup I called for is.

The sound of approaching footsteps alerts us to the arrival of our deputies.

“Go inside and cuff everyone you find!” I bark, and they disappear into the building while I try to get Alexei to open his eyes.

"We've secured the elder and everyone else," one of them announces as three deputies take an elder and two men to the department car.

"Good," I reply briskly. "I need a team to head to where Karla and Cassandra were last seen. They could still be there."

While the deputies organize themselves, Ana and I carefully help Alexei into the backseat of our car. His limp form is a stark reminder of how close we came to losing him.

The drive to the hospital is a blur of anxious thoughts and silent prayers. I sit beside Alexei, my hand tightly clasped in his, drawing strength from the touch despite the fear gnawing at my insides.

When we arrive, medical staff rush to assist, wheeling Alexei into the emergency room. I watch, my heart in my throat, as they begin their assessments and treatments.

"He'll be okay," Ana says softly, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

I really hope so.

EPILOGUE: Till Death Us Do Part

ALEXEI

The town hall buzzes with a palpable sense of relief and triumph as I stand at the podium, facing the community that rallied behind me during this tumultuous time. The air is thick with emotion, gratitude, and a shared sense of victory over adversity.

"Thank you," I begin, my voice carrying with it the weight of everything we've been through. "Thank you all for standing by me and for believing in me, even in the darkest of moments." I pause, scanning the sea of faces before me, their expressions a mix of pride and reassurance. "I especially want to thank Evelyn," I continue, locking eyes with her in the front row. "You never gave up on me, even when things seemed bleak. Your strength and courage are my anchor."

Evelyn's smile is radiant as she nods in acknowledgment, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

"And to my sister, Ana," I say, turning to acknowledge her. "Your unwavering support and strategic mind have been invaluable. Harmony Grove is lucky to have you."

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