THE AFTERMATH

Chapter 37

The three friends walked in silence, their footsteps echoing through the garden. The air was still, the only sound the soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.

As they walked, Luna couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. They had defeated Malcolm, but she knew that he would return. And next time, he would be more powerful than ever.

Daisy seemed to sense her unease, and she reached out to put a reassuring hand on Luna's shoulder. "We'll be okay," she said softly. "We've got each other, and we've got the garden."

Henry nodded in agreement. "The garden is a powerful ally," he said. "As long as we have its support, we'll be able to face whatever challenges come our way."

Luna smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her friends. She knew that she could always count on them, no matter what.

As they approached the garden's entrance, Luna noticed that the gates were slightly ajar. She frowned, feeling a sense of unease. "I could have sworn that we closed those gates," she said.

Daisy's eyes narrowed. "Maybe Malcolm's minions came back," she suggested.

Henry's face darkened. "We need to check the garden's perimeter," he said. "Make sure that there are no more surprises waiting for us."

The three friends quickly set to work, checking the garden's walls and gates for any signs of damage or tampering. As they worked, Luna couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.

She kept looking over her shoulder, expecting to see Malcolm or one of his minions lurking in the shadows. But there was never anyone there.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the garden, Luna, Daisy, and Henry finally finished their task. The garden's perimeter was secure, and they could finally relax.

As they walked back to the garden's entrance, Luna noticed a small piece of paper caught in the gate. She reached out to grab it, and as she did, she saw that it was a note.

The note was written in a code, but Luna's eyes widened as she realized that she could decipher it. The code was one that she had learned from an old book in the garden's library.

As she read the note, Luna's face paled. "Guys, I think we have a problem," she said, her voice trembling.

Daisy and Henry exchanged a concerned glance. "What is it?" Daisy asked.

Luna hesitated, unsure of how to reveal the news. "It's a message from Malcolm," she said finally. "He's threatening to destroy the garden unless we meet him at the old oak tree at midnight."

Henry's face darkened. "We can't let him win," he growled.

Daisy nodded in agreement. "We'll meet him," she said. "But we'll be ready."

Luna smiled, feeling a sense of determination. "We'll show him that we're not afraid," she said.

As the three friends stood there, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, the garden seemed to stir around them. The trees rustled their leaves, and the flowers seemed to bloom with renewed vigor.

The garden was ready to defend itself, and Luna, Daisy, and Henry were ready to defend it.