FBI pursuit part 2

"It's weird how it has been weeks and Viper hasn't said anything about Beatrix missing. Her blood, her own daughter," Aurora spoke to Alexis still at the witches tower.

Alexis: "I know better not to question Viper's decisions, not after what happened to Agnes."

Aurora looked at the edge of the clearing. "There is something out there."

Alexis: "Yeah... but there is nothing for us witches, just like the old days, they will hang you or burn you."

Aurora: "Nooo... (pointing at the edge of the clearing) look, there is unusual movement."

Alexis walked next to the cages where the Ravens were kept. He opened one and removed a Verreaux's eagle-owl which was considered a proxy for witches and sorcerers.

She whispered in its ears then threw it in the air and through the eyes of the Verreaux's eagle-owl, Alexis gained an aerial perspective of the surrounding area. The majestic bird soared above, its keen eyes scanning the terrain below.

The dense forest stretched out, punctuated by patches of moonlit clearings. Then, a glint of movement caught its attention at the edge of the clearing.

As the eagle descended for a closer look, Alexis could see it clearly now. A group of figures, moving with a purposeful determination. They were armed and clearly organized.

Aurora's voice grew tense, "What do you see, Alexis?"

Alexis relayed the information, "FBI agents, heavily armed. They're closing in on the coven."

Aurora's eyes widened in alarm. "How did they find us?"

Alexis shook her head, unable to provide an immediate answer. The urgency of the situation was palpable. They needed to act swiftly to protect their coven.

Ther rushed into the chamber where Viper was engrossed in studying the coven map.

"Viper, there's a..." Alexis began, but Viper swiftly cut her off. "I've already sensed it, child. Come, I've devised a plan."

Gathering around the table, Viper outlined her strategy.

"Aurora, go and reassure the coven. Let them know there's no need for panic, especially the apprentices. Alexis and I will handle the threat."

Aurora promptly followed Viper's orders, heading off to restore calm while Alexis and Viper strode towards the now unguarded main gate, knowing the impending danger that lurked beyond.

As they approached the main gate, the gravity of the situation hung heavily in the air. The usual whispers and rustles in the coven had given way to an eerie silence.

Viper, her robes billowing around her, had a determined look in her eyes. She knew that this was a crucial moment, one that would test the strength of their coven.

Alexis followed closely, her own resolve unwavering. The trust she placed in Viper was unshakeable. Her leadership had guided them through many challenges before.

They reached the gate, its massive wooden doors standing tall and imposing. Viper raised her hand, fingers dancing in intricate patterns. The locks clicked and the doors slowly creaked open.

Outside, the agents were still advancing, their boots thudding on the forest floor. Viper stepped forward, her presence commanding attention.

"Agents of the outside world," her voice carried, strong and clear. "You have entered a sacred realm, a place where ancient powers dwell. Turn back now, for you trespass where mortals are not meant to tread."

Alexis stood at her side, a living testament to the power that resided within these ancient walls.The agents hesitated, uncertainty flickering in their eyes.

Viper's gaze was unyielding, a force to be reckoned with. The air seemed to thicken, charged with an unseen energy. She was a living embodiment of centuries of magic, a force that could shape destinies.

The standoff held for what felt like an eternity. Finally, agent Cassandra stepped forward, his voice firm but with a hint of deference. "We are here on a mission, a mission that concerns the safety of our nation."

Viper's eyes bore into his, unyielding. "Your mission ends here. This is a realm beyond your understanding, beyond your jurisdiction. Leave now, or face consequences beyond your imagining."

The agent exchanged glances with his team, a silent communication passing between them. Slowly, they began to retreat backwards, their steps hesitant.

Suddenly Agent Cassandra barked orders, "Agents, give it all you've got!" Her voice rang out, carrying a note of steely determination. The agents unleashed a torrent of bullets towards the pair.

In response, Alexis and Viper raised their hands, conjuring a shimmering magical dome that encased the coven. It stood resolute, deflecting each onslaught.

Cassandra's voice sliced through the chaos, "Switch to grenade launchers!" Her team swiftly complied, exchanging rifles for grenade launchers. The grenades detonated on impact with the dome, but it held firm.

Cassandra's tone grew even more resolute, "Fetch me the M72 Law." The agents swiftly brought forth the potent anti-armor weapon. Cassandra hoisted it onto her shoulder, her gaze fixated on the target - Viper and Alexis.

With precision, she lined up her shot, then triggered the rocket. The warhead streaked towards its mark, colliding with the dome. The resulting explosion sent Viper and Alexis careening back, slamming against the wall with formidable force.

Viper gritted her teeth, pulling herself upright. She extended a helping hand to Alexis, concern etched across her features. "Alexis, are you alright? You can rest now. It's time I put an end to this once and for all."

After assisting Alexis to sit against the wall, she turned her gaze back to the agents. "Enough! It's my turn now."

With a wave of her hands, all the rifles scattered on the ground levitated into the air. A quick flick of her wrists directed the barrels towards the retreating agents.

Cassandra and her team, a mix of terror and disbelief painted across their faces, fled towards the edge of the forest. Cassandra led the charge, the urgency of escape written all over her. Behind her, the rifles fired, cutting through the night air.

Amidst the chaos, a bullet found its mark, sending Cassandra crumpling to the forest floor.

Viper strode back to Alexis, offering a steady hand. "The threat has been dealt with. Let's return and plan our next moves for safety. The apprentices will handle the rest."

Together, they made their way back into the coven, securing the gates behind them.

Agent Cassandra's senses slowly returned, the world around her a haze of blurred shapes and distant sounds. Amidst the solemn aftermath, a familiar voice pierced through the heavy air. "Cassandra, do you copy? Agent Cassandra, do you copy?" It was Agent Skyler, a beacon of hope in the grim tableau of fallen comrades.

With every ounce of strength she could muster, Cassandra's trembling hand found its way to the radio. Her fingers brushed against the familiar contours, a lifeline to the outside world. After what felt like an eternity, she managed to lift it, a small triumph in the midst of chaos.

The connection was established, a fragile thread linking her to the rest of the team. "Skyler," she rasped, her voice carrying a mixture of relief and determination, "this is Cassandra... I copy."

A surge of gratitude and relief coursed through the radio waves. "Thank God, we thought... we thought we'd lost you," Skyler's voice crackled with emotion, a testament to the bonds forged in the crucible of their mission.

Cassandra's gaze swept over the field, taking in the weight of their losses. It was a somber reminder of the price they paid for their mission. But there was no time to dwell on it now. "I'm still here, Skyler. We need to regroup, assess the situation. Meet me at the point we split up"

Skyler's response was swift and affirmative. "Understood, Agent Cassandra. We'll be there in five."

As the transmission ended, Cassandra closed her eyes for a fleeting moment, drawing strength from the unwavering support of her team.