Chapter 230: Chapter 230: Beneath the Mask

The early morning sun bathed the village in a warm, golden light as Elara, Morgana, Kael, and Arian gathered in the clearing just outside the village. The clearing was encircled by ancient trees, their towering forms casting long shadows over the moss-covered ground. This was a place of old magic, Lyra had told them, a sacred ground where rituals had been performed for centuries. It was here that they would attempt to unlock the memories hidden within the orb.

The air was crisp, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, carrying with it the scent of pine and earth. The group worked in silence, each of them focused on the task ahead. Morgana, her face set with determination, had spent the early hours of the morning preparing the necessary components for the ritual: candles made from enchanted wax, runes carved into the earth, and a circle of protection drawn in salt and herbs.