Teamwork was never his thing. Fighting beside people he had to protect only chained his hands — especially with this bunch, who moved like they had never seen real combat.
That's why William never liked this test.
Still, he held the line. He kept Emma and the child covered. He patched gaps the others didn't even see.
But the moment his gaze slid to Emma, he stopped cold.
Every strike was aimed at her. Most ambushes were cut short, but every hit that slipped through hammered her barrier, splintering it a little more each time.
He scanned the haze. Nothing. The mist clung to them like wet cloth, killing visibility.
Half his spells were useless in this soup.
Frustration crawled under his skin. He needed this done.
"Gloria," he called. His voice cut through the clamor, pulling everyone's eyes.
He stepped into her space. "Don't resist. It'll hurt."
