He took her hand.

Liam: "I can try to make them go away."

Before she could respond, the cellar door began to glow faintly. Liam's eyes shimmered with a soft light.

---

Above, the attackers pressed harder. The barrier was weakening, cracks forming as bursts of energy struck repeatedly.

Marcus: "They're breaking through!"

Xander braced himself.

Xander: "Get ready."

Just as the barrier shattered, a wave of light surged from beneath the cottage, emanating from the cellar. The attackers were thrown back, shielding their eyes.

Lead Figure: "What is this power?"

Seraphine's eyes widened.

Seraphine: "It's Liam!"

The ground trembled as the light intensified, forming a protective dome around the entire property.

Amelia held Liam as he channeled the energy, his face serene yet focused.

Amelia: "Liam, what's happening?"

Liam: "I can feel them. They're angry and afraid."

Above ground, the attackers regrouped, hesitating.

Second Figure: To the leader "We didn't anticipate this. Perhaps we should retreat."

The lead figure scowled.

Lead Figure: "No! We can't leave without the boy."

But as they attempted to advance, the light repelled them, forming an impenetrable barrier.

Xander watched in awe.

Xander: "He's protecting us."

Seraphine placed a hand on Xander's shoulder.

Seraphine: "His power is extraordinary, but he can't maintain this for long."

Marcus nodded.

Marcus: "We need to find a way to end this standoff."

Suddenly, a distant horn sounded—a signal. The attackers exchanged alarmed glances.

Lead Figure: "The others are coming. We need to move."

They began to withdraw into the forest.