Page 131 of The Lycan King's Secret Child

She spotted him a short distance away, lying motionless. Panic surged through her as she rushed to his side.

Xander fought his way toward them, desperation in his eyes.

Xander: "Is he okay?"

Amelia cradled Liam's head, relief flooding her as he stirred.

Liam: "I'm... okay."

The Shadow King advanced, his gaze fixed on them.

Shadow King: "You cannot win. Give up the boy."

Amelia stood protectively over Liam.

Amelia: "Never."

Xander joined her, weapons drawn.

Xander: "You'll have to go through us."

The Shadow King smiled coldly.

Shadow King: "As you wish."

He summoned dark tendrils that snaked toward them, but before they could reach, Elder Magnus intervened, casting a protective spell.

Elder Magnus: "Your fight is with me."

The Shadow King regarded him with disdain.

Shadow King: "Old fool. You've lost already."

They engaged in a fierce duel of magic, the air crackling with energy.

Meanwhile, Seraphine rallied the remaining defenders.

Seraphine: "We must regroup! Protect the core at all costs!"

Amelia and Xander helped Liam to his feet.

Amelia: "We need a new plan."

Liam looked at them, determined in his young eyes.

Liam: "I think I can reach him."

Xander shook his head.

Xander: "He's too powerful, son."

Liam insisted.

Liam: "Not with force—with understanding."

Amelia hesitated.

Amelia: "What do you mean?"

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