The sky burned with light as Callista's sealing spell intensified. The warlock monster's screams echoed across the battlefield, its massive form writhing against the force pulling it into the abyss. The ground cracked beneath it, runes glowing and expanding with every chant from Callista's lips.
But then—Sabrina intervened.
A jagged bolt of dark magic slammed into the circle, throwing Callista off balance and cracking the lines of the spell.
"No!" Elira shouted, running to support her. "She's trying to undo the seal!"
Sabrina stood at the edge of the battlefield, her hands dripping with blood—her own and others'. Her eyes glowed with madness and power. "You will not erase centuries of my work, Callista!"
Lucien bolted forward, transforming mid-run. His wolf leapt at Sabrina, but she waved a hand and sent him crashing into a wall of fire. Callista screamed, feeling the pain ripple through their bond.
"You were always a threat," Sabrina hissed, walking toward her. "But now? You're a mistake I should have erased the day you were born."
Callista rose shakily, power flaring around her like a storm. "And you're a curse that should have stayed buried."
The clash began—witch against witch. Light against darkness.
Elira supported the barrier while Callista and Sabrina fought. Magic collided in flashes of blinding energy, cracking the ground and sky. Fire spiraled, wind howled, lightning tore through clouds. The witches nearby fell to their knees, overwhelmed by the raw force unleashed.
But Callista… was winning.
Not because she was stronger.
But because she was complete.
Her wolf gave her speed, her instincts sharper. Her magic was more refined, more in harmony with nature, the moon, and the spirits of the ancients who had once sealed the monster.
She dodged Sabrina's final strike, channeled her power into her palm, and struck her in the chest.
Sabrina staggered back, blood pouring from her mouth. "No... I was meant to rule..."
Callista looked her dead in the eyes. "You ruled with fear. I lead with strength."
With one final surge, she reforged the broken sealing circle, amplified now by her rage and clarity. Lucien rose behind her, limping but defiant. Together, their powers converged.
The seal blazed to life again.
This time, the monster didn't fight.
It howled.
And then—it was gone.
The earth stilled.
The sky calmed.
Sabrina collapsed, unconscious. The warlock was sealed once more.
Callista dropped to her knees, exhausted but victorious.
Lucien rushed to her, wrapping his arms around her.
"You did it," he whispered.
"No," she breathed, leaning into him. "We did."