After they ate their snacks and listened to Marcus' words, they turned their attention back to the topic on the Book of Spells.
Atlas shared his thoughts on what they should do next. "We should be extra careful now that we have the Book of Spells. It's a powerful tool that can fall into the wrong hands."
"I agree. We have to be careful from here on in especially if I'm the only one who can read and open it," Meredith agreed with Atlas.
"We should keep the book hidden and only use it when it's necessary. We don't want to attract unwanted attention," he added, Austin chiming in to the conversation.
"We should also make sure that we are all on the same page when it comes to using the book. We don't want any misunderstandings that may lead to disagreements."
The group continued to discuss their plans on how to use the book, and they all agreed to keep it safe and only use it when it's for the greater good. With them using the book for the breaking of the soul tie, that is the first thing that they have to settle with first.
As they finished their meal, Marcus stood up and said, "I think it's time for us to get going. We have a long journey ahead of us."
Meredith nodded and said, "You're right. Let's move out."
And with that, the group packed their things and left the resting area. They walked towards the exit of the labyrinth, ready to retrieve the Book of Spells.
They wonder if there will be one last challenge for them to prove their worth, but if ever there will be, they knew that they are going to accomplish it. As long as they had each other's backs, they could overcome anything.
Finally, they saw the exit of the labyrinth and have arrived at the location. As they emerged, they saw a beautiful pedestal before them.
Beyond the pedestal, was a golden door that emanated supreme magic. Anyone who set their eyes on the door will definitely have their jaws dropping in amazement as they have never seen anything like this.
It's as if the door was taken out from a fairytale book, existing right before them. It even made the group wonder if they are in the story book rather than the magical item existing right before their eyes!
Well, at first, they thought that mythical creatures and magical people such as them do not exist. Of course, if they are here, then anything is indeed possible.
They just have to witness it and look for it.
"Congratulations on accomplishing the trials."
The mysterious voice spoke to them once more, slightly surprising them as he had not spoken since the trap was activated a moment ago.
Soon after, the pedestal revealed the Book of Spells. Everyone had their eyes on it as it levitated slowly at the pedestal, the book powerful and majestic from where it stood.
Even though the group was overcoming the challenges for them to retrieve the book, they were still hesitant to approach and get it for their use.
They know that they have risked their lives into getting clues for the book and overcoming challenges so they can prove their worth to get the book, still, they understand the trouble.
Even though the book wasn't opened yet, and even though they haven't seen the contents of it and what magic it contains, they knew that the book is indeed a rarity.
Extremely rare, to be honest… to think that this was made by Meredith's ancestors and that it has been passed down generation to generation.
The book in itself is a priceless treasure and it is very much understood why it has been kept properly so it would not be retrieved easily, not taken by the wrong hands.
"The traitor is acting quickly; think now and reflect. A jealous heart is dangerous and not one to be trampled with."
With the voice speaking the warning again, distracting them from their awe on the book, Atlas' calm demeanor changed once more, the man looking at Marcus with doubting eyes.
"You don't have to worry," Marcus reassured, looking at him seriously. "I will get over with the breaking of the soul tie. There is no need for you to doubt me."
Atlas said nothing. With the group's sight returning to the pedestal where the book is levitating above it, the mysterious voice spoke, further telling them what to do next in order for them to retrieve the book from its place.
"Once your mind has been set, you are free to retrieve the book," the voice started, the group continuing to listen to the mysterious man. "Only the descendants of the makers of the book can get ahold of the book. Their blood is precious and royal; a drop of it is needed as well to break the seal."
Surprising them even further, a magical knife appeared right in front of Meredith. It floated in front of her as if it has been waiting for her to come and visit them in the labyrinth.
As the knife descended to her hand, the light surrounding it disappeared. Its blade was adorned in gold, a reflection of her seen on the blade.
Meredith took a solemn pause as she closed her eyes, reflecting on her own. She knew what the next steps are going to be: to prick her hand with the blade and let drops of her blood drip on the pedestal in order for them to get the book.
'This is it,' she thought, opening her eyes, looking courageous as ever. 'There's no turning back now. Finally, we got what we came for.'
The men watched Meredith approach the pedestal. As the labyrinth made small steps for Meredith to walk on going to the book, she took a deep breath and released it, her steps small as she respected her ancestors for creating such a powerful book—made powerful magic to protect it.
She vowed that once she gets the book, she will protect it on her own ways as well. She will learn magic, too, with the help of Austin so she can create a safe haven for the book once they are done with everything.