Celeste finally reached Haven Lake after walking for what felt like hours.
Haven Lake was famous across the fairy realm for its beauty, the clear blue water shimmered like magic at night, the flowers felt alive and anything that grew near it gained healing properties.
But despite its beauty, almost no one came here.
The lake sat at the very edge of the fairy realm, and the forest behind it led straight into the vampire realm.
Everyone feared the vampires.
There had even been an incident long ago where a rogue vampire attacked a fairy right here at Haven Lake.
Celeste's heart beat a little faster as she realized she was completely alone.
She stepped closer to the water and bent down.
Scooping the glowing water into her palm, she watched the droplets shine against her skin before they fell back with a soft splash.
"It's so beautiful…" she whispered.
This was only her first time here. And seeing the famous Haven Lake she couldn't help but admire it.
Remembering her task, she stood and looked around.
There near the forest's edge the moon-bloom flowers stood proudly, glowing softly.
Celeste walked over and gently plucked three of them, placing them in her basket.
Then she froze.
One of the moon-blooms was completely rotten.
"A decaying flower? In the fairy realm?" she breathed.
This land was blessed with magic. Flowers don't decay not here.
She touched the wilted petals. A soft sprinkle of magic flowed from her fingertips, wrapping around the flower. It straightened instantly, blooming as if reborn.
But then she saw another rotten flower behind it.
And another.
And another forming a trail that led deeper into the forest.
Celeste's stomach tightened.
The deeper part of the forest led straight toward the vampire realm. It was dangerous everyone knew that.
But her curiosity burned stronger than her fear.
She followed the trail.
Meanwhile…
Malum rode through the woods on his dark horse, his guards following close behind. They approached the border between the fairy realm and the vampire realm.
Malum dismounted and stepped toward the glowing barrier.
The border was a shimmering magic circle that once required a spell to activate.
Now it flickered weakly, thin, unstable like it could fade away at any moment.
He knelt down.
The sand near the border was turning black. The grass around it was already decaying.
A deep frown crossed his face.
Something was very wrong.