69. Clash

SKYLA.

Aleric makes the first move, sending a blazing ball of fire right at Royce, who instantly blocks it with his own flames, clearly making Aleric angrier.

The witches begin chanting, their voices getting louder, their power rising and it’s becoming suffocating.

“Those who cannot fight, fall back!” Dad’s command rushes through the room.

‘Three serpents have appeared, and they are huge.’ Dante’s voice comes. ‘Make that seven…’

‘You can see them?’ Dad asks him sharply.

‘Yes… we’re handling them. Another two,’ Dante says, sounding as relaxed as ever. ‘Leo’s going all out. I can assure you, Dad, if your pack and his pack went to battle… we’d lose.’

‘That much confidence in your brother?’

‘Absolutely.’ Dante replies.

‘We’ll have reinforcements sent.’ Dad says. ‘Anyone on the outer perimeter, assist with the serpents. Use the coloured smoke bombs to help make them visible!’

A flurry of replies come in and I look at Royce. For now, he’s got this… I should be out there.

The groun