Liam: "Mommy, I'm scared."
Amelia: "It's okay, sweetheart."
As the ritual intensified, a vortex of light swirled around Gabriel. His voice echoed.
Gabriel: "By the old laws, I sever the ties that bind!"
Suddenly, a dark force erupted, pushing everyone back. The ground trembled, and shadows materialized at the edge of the clearing—the Council had arrived.
Council Leader: "Stop this at once!"
Xander stepped forward defiantly.
Xander: "It's over. You won't have him."
The Council members advanced, but a barrier of light blocked their path.
Gabriel's voice strained as he continued the ritual.
Gabriel: "Protect the child!"
The barrier flickered, beginning to weaken.
Amelia looked at Xander, panic in her eyes.
Amelia: "We have to help him!"
Before they could act, a bolt of dark energy struck Gabriel, causing him to falter.
Seraphine: Desperately "No!"
The Council leader sneered.
Council Leader: "You cannot defy us."
At that moment, Liam broke free from Amelia's grasp.
Liam: "Leave him alone!"
He stepped into the circle, light emanating from him.
Amelia: "Liam, no!"
The ground shook violently as Liam's power merged with Gabriel's. The opposing forces clashed, creating a blinding flash.
When the light subsided, Gabriel lay motionless, and the Council members were thrown back, dazed.
Amelia and Xander rushed to Liam, who collapsed into their arms.
Xander: "Liam! Are you okay?"
He opened his eyes weakly.
Liam: "I... I tried to help."
Seraphine checked Gabriel's pulse, her expression sorrowful.
Seraphine: "He's gone."