THE QUEST BEGINS

Elara emerged from the cemetery entrance, her figure

covered in a dark cloak that blended

smoothly with the night. Adrian and Lucas immediately took notice of her arrival, and a sense of recognition washed over Adrian as he gazed upon her. She stood just a few metres away, her piercing eyes locked onto theirs.

The memories of that fateful moment by the riverbank rushed back to Adrian. It was Elara who had saved him from Rylan’s clutches. The shock of realising her true identity left him

temporarily speechless.

Lucas glanced between

them, sensing the unspoken connection. He cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Adrian, is this...?"

He

nodded slowly, his eyes still fixed on

her. "Yes, it's her. The witch who saved me."

Her

expression remained enigmatic,

with her

gaze

unwavering. “Adrian, Lucas, it seems fate has a way of weaving lives together in unexpected ways," she remarked cryptically.

Adrian finally found his voice. "Indeed, it does. We have come seeking your help, Elara. We need to find the phoenix feather."

Her

lips curled into a faint smile. "Ah, the phoenix feather—a powerful artefact indeed. But its whereabouts are well-guarded secrets in the supernatural world. What makes you think I can help you find it?"

Lucas stepped forward, his demeanour respectful. "Roger sent us to you. He said, You possess knowledge that could lead us to it."

She

nodded slowly. "Roger, I see. He's not one to send people my way lightly. Very well, follow me."

She invited them into the cemetery and led them

deeper into

it. Ancient tombstones, some nearly hidden by creeping ivy, stood like sentinels in the moonlight. The air was heavy with the scent of earth and distant echoes of whispered spells.

They arrived at a particularly

tanned tombstone adorned with faded engravings of

mysterious symbols.

She paused

and touched it with her hand, muttering an incantation under her breath. The ground beneath their feet shifted, revealing a hidden entrance beneath the tombstone.

"Down here,"

she

beckoned, descending into a narrow stone stairwell that led to an underground chamber. Torches lining the chamber's walls flickered to life as they entered, casting a warm, amber glow on the surroundings.

The chamber itself was filled with a breathtaking array of books, scrolls, and magical artifacts. It was a place of knowledge and power, a treasured legacy passed down through Elara's family lineage of witches.

Adrian and Lucas followed her, their eyes wide with wonder at the sight. The room felt alive, humming with the energy of centuries of magical practice.

She

returned her attention to them as they settled into a small, well-worn sitting area. "Tell me, why are you looking for the phoenix feather? I'm left wondering why the hybrid wants it. Are you ready for the challenges that await you?"

He

nodded, his resolve steadfast. "I'm ready to face any challenges that come my way to obtain the phoenix feather."

She

grew intrigued. "Your desperation makes me wonder more why you are looking for it."

He

leaned forward, and their gazes met. "To be honest, I need the phoenix feather to complete a deal with Roger.I'm looking for this witch with a powerful power, or

can you help me find this witch instead?

There was a little pause before she turned away and asked, "A witch?

I’m not interested in helping you out."

Adrian chuckled, his voice full of wonder. "I don't know why I wonder that you can actually be the one I seek; you are young and pretty good at using her power, and she has this rare mark on her body, just as the rumour had stated."

She

leaned back, her gaze still locked with Adrian's, a faint, devilish smile touching her lips. "Oh, Adrian, I assure you, I am not the witch you seek. While your compliments are flattering, my interests lie elsewhere."

He

raised an eyebrow, still sceptical. "Is that

so? Given the reports about a powerful witch matching your description, you must understand my doubts."

Elara's laughter was both melodic and intriguing. "Rumours, my dear Adrian, are frequently spun from threads of truth, but they can be deceptive. I do not seek the phoenix feather for myself. Such

relics

are far from my goals.”

He

accepted her words with a nod, though a mist of mystery lingered. "All right. I'll attempt to believe you while keeping an eye on you. Please

enlighten

us on the phoenix feather. Where can I get it?”

She gathered her thoughts. "To find the phoenix feather, you must first understand that the way to it is not simple. You'll need four golden coins to get to the mysterious realm where it resides."

Adrian and Lucas exchanged perplexed looks. "Golden coins?" Lucas inquired.

She solemnly nodded. "Four ancient golden coins, each with its own distinct role. They will accompany you on your journey to the mysterious realm. I have one that has been passed down through generations of my ancestors. The others... that's when the true difficulties begin."

Adrian leaned forward, his eyes fixed on

her. "How do we find these coins? And where are they?"

Her

voice grew distant, as if recalling a long-forgotten tale. "The golden coins are scattered across different realms and guarded by formidable beings. I can provide you with information

on where you can find one of the

coins,

but I don’t know where you will get the remaining  coins.

Lucas became intrigued: "You don't know?"

She

cleared her throat and looked them in the eyes. "There are other people who want to have the phoenix feather, so they probably have the other two, which makes me think getting this one before they do gives us some edge in the fight."

Adrian added,

his resolve mirroring

Lucas’s. "That adds to the fun, and don't worry about it; I'll do whatever it takes to get these coins and the phoenix feather before anyone else.

Just tell me all what I need to know about."

She

leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with an otherworldly wisdom. "Listen closely, for time is of the essence. The golden coin is said to be hidden in the ethereal realm of Lumina. There, it is guarded by the guardian of illusions. Seek it out, but be prepared for trials that test your very perception of reality."

As

she

began to impart her knowledge, Adrian and Lucas knew that the journey had just taken an even more perilous turn. The quest for the phoenix feather had only just begun, and the challenges they faced were bound to be as magical as they were deadly.