THE MIDNIGHT MEETING

Chapter 38

The hours ticked by slowly as Luna, Daisy, and Henry prepared for their midnight meeting with Malcolm. They gathered their strength, both physical and mental, and made their way to the old oak tree.

As they approached the tree, they could see Malcolm's figure looming in the shadows. His eyes gleamed with malevolence, and his voice dripped with malice.

"Welcome, my dear friends," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "I see you're right on time. I appreciate punctuality."

Luna, Daisy, and Henry stood tall, their eyes fixed on Malcolm. "What do you want, Malcolm?" Luna asked, her voice firm.

Malcolm chuckled, the sound sending shivers down their spines. "Oh, I think you know exactly what I want," he said. "I want the flower, and I want the garden. And I'll stop at nothing to get them."

Daisy stepped forward, her eyes blazing with determination. "We'll never let that happen," she said. "The garden is under our protection, and we'll defend it with our lives."

Malcolm sneered, his face twisting with contempt. "You think you can stop me?" he spat. "I have the power of the dark arts on my side. I'll crush you like the insignificant insects you are."

Henry's eyes flashed with anger, and he raised his hands, summoning a blast of energy. But before he could unleash it, Luna grabbed his arm, holding him back.

"Wait," she said. "Let's hear him out. Maybe there's more to this than we think."

Malcolm's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on Luna. "Ah, the wise one," he said. "I knew you'd see things my way. You're not as foolish as your friends."

Luna's eyes flashed with anger, but she kept her cool. "What do you propose, Malcolm?" she asked.

Malcolm smiled, his lips curling up in a cruel smile. "I propose a trade," he said. "The flower for the garden. If you give me the flower, I'll spare the garden. But if you refuse, I'll destroy everything you hold dear."

The three friends exchanged a skeptical glance. They knew that Malcolm was not to be trusted, but they also knew that they had to consider his proposal.

As they stood there, weighing their options, the garden seemed to stir around them. The trees rustled their leaves, and the flowers seemed to bloom with renewed vigor.

The garden was sending them a message, but what did it mean?