"Guys, how long am I supposed to hold my breath? I'm really scared," Elizabeth whispered anxiously.
Suddenly, a low growling sound echoed through the air.
"Incoming!" Nick shouted just as a swarm of vampires descended upon them in Brotherhood Forest.
The battle erupted with chaos. The three young men fought fiercely, swords and daggers flashing in the moonlight. They moved in harmony, back-to-back, fending off wave after wave of supernatural attackers. Vampires pounced from above in overwhelming numbers, burying the trio under a writhing mass of snarling creatures.
It seemed hopeless.
But through sheer willpower, Nick managed to crawl out from beneath the pile, wincing in pain as his joints ached from the pressure. Gritting his teeth, he summoned the last of his strength and launched himself back into the fight.
With renewed determination, he took down the encroaching vampires—and even a couple of werewolves—one by one. His resilience bought his allies some precious breathing space. As the final creature fell, Nick staggered toward his companions.
"Guys... wake up. It's over," he panted, collapsing beside them and losing consciousness.
---
When they awoke, they were lying on the floor of Madam Jezebel's mystical cottage. The witch had wrapped them in warm towels and was gently pouring warm water over their bruised limbs as part of a healing ritual.
"Wakey wakey!" she chirped.
Nick groaned, clutching his aching head. "Where... am I?"
Madam Jezebel smiled kindly. "I heard a ruckus in the woods last night. I couldn't sleep—I was expecting visitors anyway. When I went to check, I found you three passed out beside a pile of hybrids. I'm Madam Jezebel, the local witch—and your host."
"Ah, Madam Jezebel! You were supposed to cast spells on my map reputations!" Nick recalled.
"Yes, yes. But first, rest. You all look like you've been through hell. I'll prepare refreshments while you recover."
As soft vinyl music played in the background, the group recuperated. Later, Mikal leaned toward her and said, "So this is the guest you were expecting for the spell?"
"Yes. His name is Nick. He's on a short leave and was meant to meet Elizabeth. He needs that map. I mentioned his upcoming wedding, right? That's why he couldn't make it earlier."
"Nice to meet you, Madam Jezebel," Nick said. "I came not just for the wedding, but also to chart out the path ahead with Elizabeth."
"Congratulations!" she beamed. "I hope you're marrying your true love. The puzzle book's magic can only be unlocked by genuine lovers."
"The 'goodness magic'?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes," Jezebel nodded. "Magic that's been misused for centuries can be reversed with this one force. When two true lovers wear half-necklaces—one bearing blue and green gems, the other orange and black—and share a heartfelt kiss, the 'goodness magic' activates. It purges all evil, heals sickness, and returns hybrids to their natural forms."
"That's incredible," Elizabeth whispered.
"But who wrote the puzzle book?" she asked.
"It's a mystery," Jezebel replied. "Some say the gems and the book appeared at the dawn of time, self-written like spell inscriptions on enchanted walls."
After refreshments, they turned to the spellwork. Nick laid out his map decoding on parchment. Surprisingly, his map matched Elizabeth's perfectly.
"This is rare," Madam Jezebel said. "Identical maps suggest you're from the same ancestral lineage—either Crispin or Liputian."
"That's strange," Nick said. "I thought everyone got different results."
"Usually, yes. But if two people share a magical bloodline, especially from ancient empires, their maps may align."
"Then let's find out our lineages," Elizabeth suggested.
"I'm from the Crispin empire—my grandpa told me so," she said.
"And I'm Liputian," Nick added. "That's what my father always said."
Jezebel raised an eyebrow. "The Crispins and Liputians were ancient rivals. But if you're both from inheriting lineages, you might be the ones destined to activate the goodness magic."
Nick and Elizabeth exchanged shy smiles and nervous glances.
They gathered around the fireplace as Jezebel interpreted the map. "You'll need to pass through four regions: forest, desert, volcanic, and oceanic. These paths will lead to the lost pages of the puzzle book."
She continued, pointing at various parts of the parchment. "I can recognize the volcanic zone and the Mansoon Basements—been there myself while collecting potion ingredients. The desert and oceanic zones, I'm afraid, they still remain unknown to me."
"Thank you, Madam Jezebel," Elizabeth said as she accepted the annotated map.
"When do you plan to begin?" the witch asked.
"After the wedding," Nick answered. "I'll sneak away during the honeymoon week to start with the Mansoon Basements—it's the closest."
"And won't that upset Tiffy?" Elizabeth asked gently.
"She'll understand. I'll keep my promise to her—and to this mission."
---
The Wedding Day
The big day arrived. Tiffy glowed in her dress, flanked by her bridesmaids: Marie, Faith, and Toto. Nick's groomsmen were John, William, and Lama. Guests filled the rows as the priest spoke:
"What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. If anyone objects to this union, speak now..."
Nick turned instinctively, half-expecting a protest from the likes of Sally, Shadd, or Jasmine—but none came.
"Very well," the priest continued. "Bring forth the rings."
Tiffy's sister stepped forward with the rings, and the couple exchanged vows under the Holy blessing.
"You may now kiss the bride!"
Applause erupted. Marie captured the moment live on Tiffy's social media: #justgotmarried.
Wine flowed, cake was cut, and the guests danced. Nick paired with Tiffy, Elizabeth with William, Jasmine with Robertson. The night ended with heartfelt toasts and gifts—Tiffy's father presented her with a new apartment and car keys.
Nick carried her over the threshold, and they laughed as he laid her down playfully on the bed.
"Where are we going for the honeymoon?" Tiffy asked.
"Let's enjoy this place for now. We'll go somewhere special in the final week before I return to duty."
---
The Next Day
Over dinner, Nick broke the news.
"I need to visit a soldier friend tomorrow. He's in the hospital. It's urgent."
"But we just got married," Tiffy said softly.
"I know. But he has no one else. I promise, I'll make it up to you during the honeymoon."
"Okay. Just don't forget that I'm your wife now."
"I won't. You mean everything to me."
---
That evening, Nick set off in combat gear, joined by Elizabeth and Mikal. Clad in matching jeans, ninja bandanas, and with weapons at their sides, they looked ready.
But Nick hesitated.
"Guys, I have a gut feeling you're not ready. Let's camp at Jezebel's place for two days and train before heading to the Mansoon Basements."
"Agreed," Mikal and Elizabeth nodded.
Mikal, remembering the path, led them back toward Jezebel's sanctuary.