Page 43 of Witch's Promise

Sean shifted uncomfortably, his gaze darting between his mother and him. "I've missed you all too. More than I can say."

The raw honesty in Sean's voice hit Gabe like a sucker punch to the gut. He wanted to say something, to bridge the chasm of years and hurt that stretched between them. But before he could find the words, his mother was speaking again.

"Well, you're here now," His mother said firmly, patting Sean's cheek. "And that's what matters. Now, both of you need to get outside. Your father's about to make an announcement, and you know how he gets when people aren't paying attention."

Gabe nodded, grateful for the distraction. "Right, yeah. We should head out. Come on, Sean."

As they made their way through the house, Gabe couldn't help but steal glances at Sean. He looked... different. Not just older, though that was certainly part of it. There was a wariness to him now, a tension that seemed to radiate from every pore. Whatever had happened in the years they'd been apart had clearly left its mark.

The backyard was a riot of color and noise, fairy lights twinkling overhead and the smell of barbecue hanging heavy in the air. Gabe led Sean towards the grill, grabbing a plate and loading it up with hotdogs.

"Here," he said, handing the plate to Sean. "You look like you could use some food."

Sean accepted the plate with a nod of thanks, his eyes scanning the crowd. "This is quite a turnout. The whole coven here?"

Gabe winced, suddenly remembering that Sean might not be entirely comfortable surrounded by so many witches. "Shit, I'm sorry. I should have warned you. Are you okay with this? We can go inside if it's too much."

Sean tensed, his jaw clenching for a moment before he visibly forced himself to relax. "No, it's fine. I'm okay."

Gabe wasn't entirely convinced, but before he could press the issue, a hush fell over the crowd. His father had taken the stage where people had been belting out karaoke tunes all evening, his presence commanding attention without a word.

"First of all," His dad’s voice boomed across the yard, "I want to thank my family for organizing this shindig. And to the entire coven for keeping it a secret. I'm impressed you managed to pull one over on me."

Laughter rippled through the crowd, and Gabe felt a surge of pride. They'd done it. They'd actually managed to surprise his dad, no small feat for a man who seemed to know everything that went on in Salem.

But then His dad’s gaze fixed on Gabe, and something in his father's expression made his stomach drop. Oh fuck. What now?

"Now, as some of you know, I've been leading this coven for a long time," His dad continued, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "It's been an honor and a privilege. But all things must come to an end eventually."

Gabe felt his heart rate pick up, a sense of foreboding creeping over him. Surely his dad wasn't about to...

"Which is why I've decided it's time to pass the torch," His dad said, his eyes never leaving Gabe's face. "To someone who I know will lead this coven with wisdom, compassion, and strength. My son, Gabriel."

The words hit Gabe like a physical blow. He staggered slightly, feeling Sean's hand on his arm, steadying him. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, but it all sounded distant, muffled, as if Gabe were underwater.

Coven leader? Him? What the actual fuck?

"Gabe?" Sean's voice cut through the fog of shock and disbelief. "You okay, man?"

Gabe turned to look at Sean, seeing his own surprise mirrored in the other man's eyes. "I... I don't..."

But before he could form a coherent thought, let alone a sentence, all hell broke loose.

A deafening crack split the air, like thunder but sharper, more immediate. The fairy lights flickered and died, plunging the yard into sudden darkness. Screams erupted from the crowd, panic spreading like wildfire.

Gabe's training kicked in, adrenaline flooding his system and sharpening his senses. He threw up a protective barrier around himself and Sean without conscious thought, his magic responding to the perceived threat.

"What the fuck?" Sean hissed, his body tensing for a fight. "Gabe, what's happening?"

Gabe's heart pounded in his ears as he conjured a ball of light in his palm, pushing back the encroaching darkness. The warm glow illuminated a scene of chaos - overturned tables, scattered party decorations, and panicked guests fleeing in all directions. But it was the scream that pierced through the mayhem that sent ice through his veins.

"Dad," he breathed, recognizing the voice instantly.

Without thinking, Gabe sprinted towards the stage, Sean hot on his heels. The light from his magic cast eerie shadows as they ran, transforming familiar faces into grotesque masks of fear and confusion.

A fireball suddenly hurtled towards them, its heat searing the air. Gabe's instincts kicked in, his free hand already moving to deflect the attack, when Sean's voice cut through his concentration.

"I've got this," Sean shouted, stepping in front of Gabe. "You get to your dad!"

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