Chapter 10

It had been five days since the magical book was stolen from Ethan's dorm, and neither him nor Andrew had any clue yet as to who could have sent Alex to steal it. Alex, feeling guilty for his involvement in the theft, had been doing his best to help them recover the book, but their efforts had been in vain. Frustration hung heavy in the air as they desperately searched for a way to get the book and know who sent Alex.

One day, while Ethan and Andrew were waiting for their teacher to arrive in class, Sofia approached them. She showed Ethan an ancient amulet and explained that it was a tracker used by mages during the dark ages who had gotten lost in the Great War.

She revealed that the amulet not only had the power to guide lost mages home, but it could also track any magical object.

Ethan's eyes widened with hope, but he voiced his concerns. "There are hundreds of magical objects in the school. How will we know if it's leading us to the book or towards something else?"

Sofia scoffed, brushing aside his doubts. "With the right spell, this amulet can be attuned to track anything you desire and I know who can help with that" Excited by the possibility

Ethan, Andrew, and Sofia waited until after class to meet Sofia's roommate, Halle, at the Majestic Garden. Halle is known for her unique ability to control flowers and plants, known as clairvoyance.

As they arrived, the moment Andrew set his eyes on Halle he couldn't help but be captivated by Halle's presence, causing him to gaze at her in a slightly odd manner. Sofia introduced Ethan to Halle, who smiled warmly. "Nice to meet you," Ethan replied,

Halle had the power to communicate with and control plants and flowers, which made her a perfect ally in their search for the stolen book. Andrew couldn't help but feel captivated by Halle's presence, his heart fluttering with each word she spoke. Sofia noticed his enamored gaze and nudged him playfully.

Once they were settled, Sofia showed Halle the amulet and explained the situation to Halle, who listened attentively. Halle turned to Ethan, her eyes glimmering with curiosity. "Do you know what kind of wood the book is made of?" she asked.

Ethan's mind went blank. He had no idea about the composition of the book he cherished so dearly.

"Waichi," Sofia blurted out hastily.

Halle's eyes widened with wonder as she turned back to Ethan. "Waichi? Judging by the energy of that wood, the book must be a powerful one. Waichi can only be found in the Valley of Monks," she explained. Ethan couldn't hide his astonishment as Halle continued to share her vast knowledge of nature.

Sofia gently brought their attention back to the task at hand, urging Halle to help them track down the stolen book. With a nod, Halle led them to her personal workspace.

As they entered, it felt as if they had stepped into another realm. Trees of different species and flowers of every kind surrounded them, creating a breathtaking sight.

Andrew whispered to himself, "This is just like a fairy tale."

Halle smiled and replied, "This is the root of every tree and flower in the world. Even the rarest and extinct ones can be found here." Halting their journey, Halle held out her hands and called forth a majestic Waichi tree. She carefully snapped off a single branch and asked Sofia for the tracking amulet Sofia produced the amulet and laid it delicately in Halle's hands.

Halle began to channel her power. Her fingers moved effortlessly through the air, weaving an ancient spell in a language unknown to Ethan and Andrew.

The amulet responded, glowing brighter and emitting a soft, comforting hum. As the amulet illuminated the path ahead, Halle instructed them to concentrate their intentions solely on the stolen book. She harnessed the power of their connection, their desperate desire to retrieve the book, and directed it towards the amulet, guiding its tracking abilities. Once the amulet start to glow Sofia put it around her neck which makes her feel, understand and be able to read the amulet she can tell where the amulet is leading Halle offered to follow them.

The magical tracking amulet glowed stronger as they left the majestic garden the amulet led them outside of the school and to a mysterious cave in the outskirts of the woods just beyond the school gate.

Ethan, Andrew, Sofia, and Halle stood at the mouth of a cave, its darkness and ominous aura filling them with trepidation.

Andrew, overcome with fear, mustered the courage to ask, "Are we really going in there?"

Ethan looked at him with determined eyes and replied, "Yes, we are." With a deep breath, Ethan stepped forward, into the abyss of darkness. followed by Sofia and Halle.

Andrew, though apprehensive, took a deep breath and reluctantly joined his friends. As they ventured deeper into the dark cave, visibility became increasingly difficult.

Sofia, resourceful as ever, pulled out her cell phone and illuminated the path with its flashlight. However, as the beam of light cut through the darkness, they were met with a shocking sight—human bones scattered on the cavern floor.

Andrew's voice trembling with fear, asked, "Are those… human bones? I really don't think we should keep going after this."

Sofia, gripping the magical amulet in her hand, observed its glow, which seemed to intensify despite the eerie discovery.

"The tracker points to the book being here, and I must find it," she declared with conviction.

Advancing further into the cave, a chilling coldness filled the air. Andrew shivered uncontrollably and exclaimed, "Am I the only one freezing in here?"

Ethan sighed and replied, "No, but you're the only one complaining since we entered here."

Suddenly, Sofia halted in her tracks and whispered, "There is someone here."

The group peered into the darkness and caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure darting away. Without hesitation, Sofia sprinted after the mysterious individual, As they gave chase, it became clear that the person in the cloak was the very same individual Ethan had encountered when he travelled to the past.

Sofia, brought out her fairy wings and flew towards the person in cloak leaving the rest of her friends behind utilizing her own powers, shot bolts of energy in an attempt to hinder the cloaked figure's escape.

Ethan, Andrew and Halle pursuit led them to a junction with three diverging paths they had no idea which one Sofia took so the three of them decided to take a different path. Ethan quickly made hisdecision and darted down the middle path, sensing it was the correct one. . Andrew went left, while Halle ventured to the right.