AMBER MENORA AND THE VIAL OF BLOOD (Slow Updates)

INTO THE UNKNOWN

    *warning:- slightly longer, but interesting chapter here*

"You sure the compass is working right?"

   "Talia, there's no harm trying. We've come this far already!" Kale stated confidently. Without waiting for a reply, he made his way over to the giant tree standing out amidst the green ocean, followed by Theo and the girls.

     The more they got closer to the Oak, the stronger the compelling energy of something ancient and strong seemed to pull them further in. It was almost as if the tree itself was emanating it.

   "It's different too, look-" Chrissy whispered with a hope that was slowly coming back to life, "First, you don't notice it that well, thanks to the green cover around it, but-- look, all the other trees are covered with climbers, creepers and mosses; all except that."

    
    Once they reached the tree, Talia fished out her journal that contained all the things that she had decoded from Fawcett's maps and books. Flipping over, she exhaled. "Alright, check for the thumb sized butterfly mark near the left base of the tree now. Kale, take out the vial which contains the concoction."

They waited with bated breaths as Chrissy and Theodore crouched down, squinting.

   Kale, who was fiddling with the vial in his hand, glanced at Talia. She appeared to be somewhat nervous, which was very unlikely of her. He frowned, tilting his head. "Something wrong, Tal?"

   Talia let out a sigh, giving away her true feelings for a second before masking them up with her stoic composure. "I don't know...y'all just won't believe me, but I still can't shake the feeling that someone's watching us."

 Before Kale could reassure her, Chrissy clapped her hands, jolting their attention to the Oak. "GUYS!! I've found it. Take a look."

     The mark was tiny, almost the size of a toddler's thumb. It was shaped like a butterfly with tiny, barely noticeable intricate designs and engravings etched on it, almost like magical spells.

     Talia could feel her heart thumping wildly.

"Alright! Quick, give me the potion now. Make sure you don't drop it."

     Kale rolled his eyes, pulled out the small rubber cork and handed the vial over. Cautiously, Tal dabbed her index finger in the cool, clear liquid that had taken them almost four years to make. Holding the page where the incantation to open the portal was written, she stumbled towards the tree and bent down. The rest surrounded her, an unusual silence and energy crashing through them like waves on a shore.

       Talia slowly lowered her trembling finger on the mark. The moment it touched the butterfly engraving, a searing pain jolted through her arm, as if it had been thrust into a raging fire.
    Chrissy immediately held her in place before she could jerk back, knowing that once the contact was lost, all their efforts and hopes would be too. She could faintly feel the pain that Talia was experiencing just by touching her.