Chapter 27 - A Plan of Action

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Morning broke over Toronto, bathing the city in pale light that struggled to dispel the night's chill. I climbed down from the Gordon house roof, still reeling from the previous night's revelations. My new power—that fleeting connection to something greater—had given me hope, but also a newfound responsibility.

I knocked softly on the door. Melinda answered almost immediately, her face drawn. She'd likely not slept. Without a word, she let me in and shut the door behind me. In the living room, Liam was already awake, clutching a mug of hot chocolate, his eyes tired but alert.

"You look like someone who's been thinking all night," Melinda said, crossing her arms.

I gave a faint smile and sat across from them. "Because I have."

She arched a brow. "And? Do you have a plan?"

I took a deep breath. "Yes. But you're not going to like it."

Melinda leaned against the table, skeptical. Liam set down his mug and leaned forward, curiosity evident.

With a sly grin, I conjured a small golden snowflake in my palm. With a flick, I sent it floating behind Liam. Instantly, snow began to gather, forming a cheerful, round-armed snowman.

Liam turned just in time to see the tiny creature lob a snowball squarely into his face.

"Hey!" he protested, laughing as he wiped icy powder from his scarf.

I shrugged. "A little humor in dark times never hurts. But he's not just for laughs. He'll stay with you and alert me if anything changes. And to keep him from melting…"

A miniature cloud appeared above the snowman, sprinkling a steady dusting of snow.

Liam stared in awe. "Like Olaf from Frozen!"

"Exactly."

Melinda remained unimpressed. "Adorable. But that won't hold back Pitch and his nightmares."

I nodded. "Then watch this."

Raising my staff, I summoned another golden snowflake. Snow surged instantly, forming a towering figure. Before us stood an ice golem, bear-sized, its muscular body carved from pure ice. It slammed a massive fist into its palm with a thunderous crack.

"Meet your bodyguard, Liam."

The boy blinked, awestruck. Melinda, however, frowned. "How many of these can you make?"

I pointed to the map. "As many as needed. I'll send a golem to each of Pitch's seeds. If we destroy them one by one, he'll just rebuild them elsewhere—maybe faster than we can track. But if we strike all at once… we can cripple him."

Melinda's brow furrowed. "How?"

I handed her the map marked with seed locations. "Pitch knows Liam exists now. He'll come for him. We use that. We lure Pitch here"—I tapped the house—"make him think he's cornered Liam. When he sends his nightmares, we hit back with everything: my powers, the golems, and you."

Melinda shook her head. "There's a difference between defending our home and using a child as bait."

Liam straightened, meeting her gaze. "Grandma…"

She froze. He hadn't called her that in years.

"I know you want to protect me. You always have. Since Mom and Dad died, you've done everything for me. Taught me to be strong, to face things head-on. To do what's right, even when it's hard…"

He clenched his hands. "This is hard. I'm scared. But I can't sit back. Not when I can *see* the seeds. Not when I can help. What Pitch is planning… How many kids will suffer if we do nothing? How many families will break?"

He stood, staring her down. "You raised me to be someone who does the right thing, even when it's dangerous. I don't need you to agree. I need you to understand why I *have* to do this."

Melinda fell silent, her fingers trembling. Finally, she closed her eyes and sighed.

I raised a placating hand. "I don't want to endanger him more than necessary. But he's already involved, Melinda. If we do nothing, Pitch will take him anyway. This way, we control the fight."

She rubbed her temples. "Suppose it works. Suppose we repel the attack. That still doesn't destroy the black sand tree."

I tapped the map. "That's where Liam comes in again."

Melinda opened her mouth to protest, but I cut her off.

"Pitch has a barrier around the tree—one I can't cross. But Liam… He's already proven he can sense things I can't. He might breach it."

Liam watched Melinda, waiting. She weighed the risks silently, then relented.

"And after?" she asked.

I gripped my staff. "Once the seeds are gone, we head to the tree's core. I'll protect Liam as he crosses the barrier. Inside, he'll guide me to destroy it."

Melinda hesitated. "Then I'm coming with you."

I shook my head. "No. It's too dangerous."

The room fell silent. Then, without warning, Melinda closed her eyes. The air shifted. A chilling pressure enveloped us. Lights flickered, dimming as a cold—distinct from my own magic—crept into the room.

I stared at her. Her eyes glowed with an inscrutable light.

"I am not defenseless, Jack." Her voice echoed with quiet power. "I'm old, yes. But I've spent a lifetime communing with spirits, navigating shadows. You may be a guardian, but I know this world differently. I won't let Liam face this alone."

The chill lingered. She wasn't just a mortal.

Liam and I exchanged stunned glances.

Melinda lowered her hand, the energy fading. "Think you're the only one with tricks?"

I tightened my grip on my staff, then nodded. "Fine. But you follow my lead."

Melinda inhaled sharply. "And if the plan fails? If Pitch anticipates us?"

I gritted my teeth. "Then we improvise. But I refuse to wait here for him to win."

Silence hung heavy. Then, reluctantly, Melinda nodded.

Liam smiled, relieved. I exhaled.

"Then we have a plan. We prepare, and we move at nightfall."