Gabriel stepped forward.

Gabriel: "I'll do it."

Xander and Amelia: Simultaneously "No!"

Gabriel smiled sadly.

Gabriel: "My time has long passed. If it means ensuring your safety, it's a price I'm willing to pay."

Liam looked up, confused.

Liam: "What's happening?"

Amelia crouched down, her voice gentle.

Amelia: "Gabriel wants to help us, but it's dangerous."

Liam's eyes filled with tears.

Liam: "I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me."

Xander placed a hand on Liam's shoulder.

Xander: "None of this is your fault."

Seraphine interjected.

Seraphine: "We need to decide quickly. The Council could be here by morning."

Amelia looked at Xander, desperation in her eyes.

Amelia: "What should we do?"

Xander took a deep breath.

Xander: "If there's a chance to end this, we have to take it."

Gabriel nodded.

Gabriel: "Then it's settled."

Amelia reached out to Gabriel.

Amelia: "Thank you. But there must be another way."

Gabriel: "Sometimes, the hardest choices are the ones that make the difference."

---

As night enveloped the town, preparations for the ritual began. In a clearing surrounded by ancient stones, Gabriel stood at the center, symbols etched into the ground around him.

Amelia, Xander, Seraphine, and Liam stood at the edge of the circle.

Gabriel: "Whatever happens, stay outside the circle."

Seraphine began to chant softly, the air thickening with energy.

Liam clutched Amelia's hand tightly.