Page 25 of Night with a Gamma
With a sense of purpose, we set to work. We gather in a clearing near the edge of the pack territory, where the treesstand tall and proud. The air is thick with magic, and as we form a circle, I can feel the energy buzzing around us.
“Close your eyes,” I instruct, “and take a deep breath. Focus on the energy that flows through you and the earth beneath your feet. Find your element.”
We breathe together, the rhythm of our hearts syncing as we draw on the natural magic that surrounds us. I can feel the pulse of the earth beneath us, a steady heartbeat that resonates with our own. The fire simmering just beneath my skin, and I hold it back from bursting free.
“Now, envision the barriers,” I say, guiding them through the process. “See them rising from the ground, shimmering with protective energy. Picture them forming a shield around the pack, strong and impenetrable.”
As we concentrate, I can sense the wards beginning to take form, flickers of iridescent light dancing in the air as our collective magic intertwines. The energy is intoxicating, and I smile as I watch my coven members channeling their power.
Suddenly, a surge of energy explodes from the center of our circle, and I open my eyes to see the air shimmering with a radiant light. The wards are manifesting, glowing with a brilliant citrine aura that wraps around us like a protective cocoon.
“Keep it steady!” I call out, feeling the energy shift as we focus our intentions. “We can’t let up until it’s finished!”
The ground beneath us thrums with power, and I can sense the wards solidifying, forming an impenetrable barrier around the pack. I glance at Poppy, who grins with excitement, her honey brown hair billowing with energy.
“We’re doing it, sista!” she shouts, her voice filled with exhilaration.
“Yes! Just a little more!” I encourage, pushing my magic forward, intertwining it with theirs. The barriers begin to expand, reaching out to encompass the entire pack territory.
With one final push, the wards snap into place, a shimmering wall of iridescent orange energy surrounding us. I can feel the weight of the protection settle around me, and I can’t help but laugh with joy.
“We did it!” I exclaim, feeling the rush of triumph wash over me.
As the light fades, I look around at my coven and pack members, their faces glowing with satisfaction. Harrison steps forward, his eyes alight with pride. “That was incredible, my Little Bird. You’ve rallied your coven and forged a powerful defense to protect us all.”
I can’t help but beam at his praise, but the reality of our situation weighs heavily on my mind. “This is just the beginning, baby,” I say, my voice steady. “Lenore will come for us, and we need to be ready.”
“Then we train,” he replies, determination sparking in his eyes. “We’ll prepare our fighters for whatever she throws at us.”
I nod, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline. “Let’s gather everyone and get started.”
As the pack begins to assemble once more, I can feel the energy shifting again. Together, we will train, prepare, and stand ready against whatever darkness Lenore brings.
The sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over the clearing. I take a moment to breathe it all in, the scents of pine and earth mingling with the magic in the air. There’s a sense of hope building within me, and I know that as long as we stand together, we can fight the shadows.
“Sista!” Poppy calls out, snapping me from my thoughts. “Are you ready?”
“Always, Pops,” I reply, my voice steady. “Let’s show Lenore that the Waterton Pack and my coven are not to be trifled with.”
With that, we begin our training, the energy of the pack surging around us as we prepare for the challenges ahead.
14
BONFIRES AND WARM-UP ROUTINES
Wren
The sun dipsbelow the horizon, casting long shadows across the training grounds. The atmosphere is electric with anticipation, a palpable energy that buzzes through the air as the Waterton Pack gathers for our first training session since the revelations about Lenore. I stand at the forefront, flanked by Harrison and Poppy, ready to lead the pack and coven into the fray.
“Listen up, everyone!” I call out, my voice clear and steady as I survey the gathered members. “Tonight, we train not just to strengthen our bodies but to fortify our spirits. We face a formidable enemy in Lenore, and we must be ready for anything she throws our way.”
The pack members nod, their expressions a mix of determination and resolve. I can see the fire in their eyes, the same fire that ignited during our earlier meeting. They’re ready to fight, ready to protect their home, their family.
Harrison steps forward, his presence commanding. “We’ve faced challenges before, and we’ve come out stronger every time. Tonight, we’ll focus on tactics and teamwork. High PriestessAgatha, Wren and their coven will assist us in enhancing our magical defenses while we hone our fighting skills.”
A chorus of agreement rises from the pack, and I can feel the energy swell around us. “Let’s start with some warm-ups,” I suggest, leading by example as I stretch my arms and legs, feeling the tension release from my muscles. The pack follows suit, and I can’t help but smile at the sight of my friends and allies preparing for battle.
As we move through our warm-up routines, I glance at Poppy, who stands beside me, the highlights in her chestnut hair catching the fading light. “How are you feeling?” I ask, concerned about the toll this situation might take on her.
