23. Chapter 23 Impersonating and Chaos

Chapter 23: Impersonating and Chaos

CASSANDRA

I walk out of the cottage with a satisfied smile, feeling the thrill of my successful deception. Karla's form fits perfectly, and I savor the sensation of her power coursing through me. Getting rid of her had been too easy. Now, the real fun begins.

I get into Karla's car and catch a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror. The resemblance is uncanny. Nobody will ever suspect that the real Karla is tied up in her sister's cottage, helpless and at my mercy.

Driving to the coven, I keep my face composed, maintaining Karla's calm and authoritative demeanor. As soon as I arrive, I'm welcomed by several witches. They start filling me in on various coven matters. I nod along, pretending to be interested, though my mind is elsewhere. I just need to get to the secret chamber and retrieve another cursed weapon.

After a tedious meeting, I finally make my way to Karla's personal chamber. My partner showed me a detailed map of this place, and I've memorized every inch of it. The secret chamber is hidden behind a false wall. I find the latch and slide it open, revealing a dark passageway.

Inside the chamber, the air is thick with magic. Shelves filled with various enchanted objects and weapons line the walls. I scan the selection, my eyes settling on a bayonet dagger. It pulses with dark energy, the runes etched into its blade glowing faintly.

I reach out and grasp the hilt. The power within it hums, a perfect tool for my next move. Taking down the sheriff will be easier than I thought. I can already imagine the look on Evelyn's face as I drive this dagger into her heart.

I cackle softly, the sound echoing in the chamber. "Perfect," I murmur to myself.

I slip the dagger into a hidden sheath and exit the chamber, sliding the wall back into place. No one will ever know I was here. My disguise is flawless.

As I walk out, I'm approached by one of the witches. "Karla, we've been discussing the recent disturbances. Do you have any insights?"

I suppress a smirk. "We need to stay vigilant. There's a lot at stake."

The witch nods, satisfied with my response, and I continue on my way. Outside, I take a deep breath, savoring the cool air. The game is just beginning, and I hold all the cards.

As I turn the corner, a young witch named Lila approaches. I know her name because I heard someone call her that earlier. I guess she must be very close to Karla to be able to walk into her chamber like this. Her eyes widen when she sees me leaving the chamber. "Karla? What were you doing down there? You hate being in that place because of the dark energy."

I chuckle nervously, trying to keep my composure. "Desperate times call for desperate measures, Lila. We need to be prepared in case we have to go to war against Cassandra."

Lila nods slowly, still looking suspicious. "I suppose that makes sense. But are you sure everything is okay?"

I smile and pat her on the shoulder. "Of course. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some things to attend to."

As Lila turns away, I pull out the bayonet and plunge it into her back. She gasps, her eyes widening in shock before she collapses to the floor. I quickly look around to make sure no one saw. The hallway is empty, but I know I can't drag her body out without getting caught. I decide to leave her on the floor where she fell.

I close the door to the room where her body lays sprawled and head out towards the main entrance. I pass a group of witches and tell them I'm heading to the sheriff's department. They nod, not suspecting a thing.

Once outside, I get into Karla's car and drive away. I take a deep breath and send a text to a number, asking to meet immediately. I can't afford any more slip-ups.

As I drive, I think about the next steps. Evelyn and Alexei will be caught off guard. They trust Karla, and they won't see this coming.

**

I find myself in a dark room, the only light coming from a single bulb hanging from the ceiling. Shadows dance around me, adding to the eerie atmosphere. I shift my weight, impatiently waiting. Finally, a door creaks open, and a figure enters the light.

"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.