Chapter 16: The Quest to Asphodel's Temple

Under a sky streaked with the crimson of dawn, Maven, Claire, and Cleo gathered at the edge of Dew Lake Village, their forms casting long shadows on the cobblestone paths. The air held the crisp freshness of a spring morning, invigorating and filled with the scent of blooming virtual flowers. 

Sionna adjusted her pack, filled with necessary potions, scrolls, and various gadgets that would help them bypass magical barriers or decode ancient texts. Her eyes, sharp and calculating, scanned the horizon and then the path that led into the depths of Elder Thyme Forest, a labyrinthine expanse known for its ancient magic and hidden dangers.