Orryx Enchanted

Combat

Layton’s POV

Today is all about preparing the girls for combat. They’ve made decent progress with their powers, but fighting is different. Magic can fail, especially when they’re up against centuries-old demons in their own territory. I’m confident that if we continue at this pace, we can rescue their parents, but I don’t want them going in without being able to defend themselves. I dread the idea of them getting into a physical fight this early in their journey, but we need to prepare for the worst. If things go south, it’ll be us four against who knows how many demons in the underworld. We need to be ready.

“Good morning,” Thalia yawns, rubbing sleep from her eyes as she steps into the gym.

I stare a little too long, captivated by how effortlessly beautiful she looks, even when tired. Woah—where did that come from? I force myself to focus. I can’t let feelings get in the way of my mission. I’ve always known getting involved with a witch is dangerous, not to mention I’m half-white lighter. I’ve had flings before, but this… it feels different. It’s not just about attraction—there’s something more, and that’s dangerous. For her. For all of us.

“Do we have to be up this early?” Amara groans, breaking me from my thoughts. She plops down on a mat, looking completely uninterested.

“Yes,” Selene replies, already bright-eyed and alert, holding out mugs of coffee. “The earlier we start, the sooner we can go get Mom and Dad.”

“How did you sleep?” I ask Selene. Her powers have been intensifying, and vivid premonitions often bleed into her dreams. Sometimes the visions hurt her physically.

“I got a solid six hours before the worst dream hit. I was in some underground cave, searching for something or someone. Then… I saw the man from the train station. The one who threw fireballs at me.”

Her voice wavers, and I see the fear in her eyes.

I frown, piecing it together. “You might’ve been seeing through your mother’s eyes.”

“What?” Selene gasps, tears welling up.

“It’s possible. Your powers are developing faster than I expected, but it makes sense. You’re learning to channel emotions.”

“We have to get to them, Layton,” Thalia says, her voice filled with desperation. “When are we going?”

“We need one more day of training,” I reply, my voice firm but sympathetic. “I promise we’ll go after that. But you need to be ready—fully ready.”

“I’m scared,” Thalia admits quietly, surprising me. I’ve never seen her vulnerable like this. She’s always the one holding it together for her sisters. “What if we’re too late?”

I walk over and place a hand on her shoulder, looking her in the eyes. “He’ll keep them alive as bait. We’ll only have one shot to get in and out. But I promise, we will get them back.”

After a moment, Thalia nods, her expression hardening with determination. Good. She’s strong—stronger than she knows.

“All right,” I say, stepping back. “Let’s get started. I want to see everyone’s fighting stance.”