Irene sat in the main office, her leg bouncing restlessly as she waited. Her mom was sending someone to pick her up—probably an assistant—because she was, as usual, too busy with work. Jericho had gone back to class, and though she appreciated his support, she was relieved to be alone for now. She needed space to process everything.

Her mind churned with unease. She was sure this had to do with magic—something dark and unfamiliar—but the uncertainty gnawed at her.

“Ms. Thacher?” a voice called, smooth and familiar, snapping her out of her thoughts.

Irene looked up and froze. A stunning woman stood in the doorway. Her dark brown skin seemed to glow under the harsh fluorescent lighting, and her black curls framed her face like a halo. She wore a flowing dark dress that swayed elegantly with her movements and a pendant that shimmered faintly, drawing Irene’s eyes.

“Are you ready to go?” the woman asked, a slight smirk tugging at her lips.

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Irene hesitated, her gut churning with suspicion. This wasn’t any assistant her mom had sent before. “Yes,” she said carefully, standing and following the woman out of the office.

They stepped into the sunlight, walking briskly toward a sleek black car waiting at the curb. The silence between them stretched as they slid into the car. The engine purred softly as it came to life.

“What’s your name?” Irene finally asked, trying to mask her unease.

The woman let out a soft, amused chuckle, fiddling with the pendant around her neck. “Don’t tell me you’ve already forgotten about me,” she teased, her smirk widening.

The pendant caught the light, and recognition slammed into Irene like a wave. Her eyes widened. “Madeline?” she gasped, her voice tinged with disbelief. She remembered the pendant vividly—it was the same one she’d seen countless times on Madeline in her cat form.

“How do you—” Irene started, but the woman cut her off smoothly.

“Look human?” Madeline finished for her, raising an eyebrow. “It’s just a spell. Temporary. I’ve got a few hours before it wears off, so we need to move quickly.”

Irene blinked, her mind racing. “Do what quickly?” she asked, her voice edged with apprehension.

Madeline’s playful demeanor slipped, her expression turning serious. “Find a way to bring Alister back to Wisteria,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.