Page 3 of Witch's Promise

And just like that, they were off. The training room's holographic systems kicked in, transforming the space into a bustling mall environment. Projected civilians milled about, oblivious to the danger. Somewhere in this digital crowd, Eryx and Marcus were lying in wait, ready to spring their trap.

Gabe felt the familiar surge of adrenaline as he and Lucas moved into the fray. This was what they trained for. This was where it all came together.

"I'll take point," Gabe murmured, his hands already glowing with defensive magic. "Cover our six?"

Lucas nodded, falling into step behind him. "On it. I've got some new shielding tech I've been dying to try out."

They moved through the holographic crowd, senses on high alert. Gabe's eyes darted from face to face, searching for any sign of their hidden opponents. The chatter of the projected civilians filled his ears, making it hard to pick out any unusual sounds.

A flash of movement caught Gabe's eye. He spun, magic flaring to life around his hands, only to find himself face-to-face with a startled-looking holographic teenager.

"Shit," Gabe muttered, lowering his hands. False alarm.

"Easy there, trigger finger," Lucas teased from behind him. "Pretty sure vaporizing the civilians is against the rules."

Gabe was about to fire back a retort when he felt it—a subtle shift in the magical atmosphere. His eyes widened. "Lucas, down!"

They both dropped just as a bolt of energy sizzled through the air where their heads had been moments before. The holographic civilians scattered, screaming in panic.

"There!" Lucas shouted, pointing to their left. Gabe caught a glimpse of Eryx's blonde hair before their teammate ducked behind a digital kiosk.

"I've got him," Gabe said, already moving. "Watch for Marcus!"

He darted forward, weaving through the panicked crowd. A part of his mind noted with approval how realistic the civilian AI was—Emma had really outdone herself with this program.

Eryx popped up from behind the kiosk, but Gabe was ready this time. He threw up a shield, absorbing Eryx's attack.

"Nice try, pretty boy," Gabe called out, grinning despite the intensity of the moment. "But you'll have to do better than that."

Eryx's answering smirk was all the warning Gabe got before a second attack came from behind. He whirled, barely managing to deflect Marcus's strike.

Fuck. He'd let himself get pinned between them.

"Lucas!" Gabe shouted, desperately trying to maintain shields on both sides. "Could use some backup here!"

For a heart-stopping moment, there was no response. Then suddenly, a dome of shimmering blue energy enveloped Gabe, reinforcing his faltering defenses.

"I've got you," Lucas's voice came from somewhere to his right. "But we've got civilians in the crossfire. We need to end this quick."

Gabe nodded, mind racing. They needed a plan, something to neutralize both Eryx and Marcus without endangering the holographic bystanders.

An idea struck him. It was risky, but it might just work.

"Lucas," he called out, "remember that combo move we were working on last week?"

There was a pause, then: "The one that nearly blew up the lab? Are you insane?"

"Probably," Gabe admitted. "But you got any better ideas?"

Another pause. Then: "Fuck it. Let's do it."

Gabe grinned. This was why he and Lucas made such a good team. They were always willing to try the crazy plays.

"On three," Gabe said, gathering his power. "One... two..."

On "three," several things happened at once. Lucas dropped his shield, leaving Gabe exposed. But before Eryx or Marcus could capitalize, Gabe slammed his hands into the ground. A wave of golden energy rippled outward, momentarily destabilizing the holographic environment.

In that split second of confusion, Lucas struck. His hands flew through a series of complex gestures, and suddenly the air was filled with swirling motes of blue light. They darted towards Eryx and Marcus, expanding into glowing nets that pinned their teammates in place.

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