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Lira rolled out a parchment on the obsidian counter. The map was hand-inked, with curling script and glowing red ink that faintly pulsed like a heartbeat. The underground network it depicted sprawled like a tangled root system beneath the volcanic crust.
"This," Lira began, tapping a thin tunnel with her charcoal-smudged finger, "is the Blistered Path. It's the only safe-ish route into the Gemwater Caverns. If you stray, you'll end up in the Ember Pits… and nothing comes back from there in one piece."
Oliver leaned in, studying the map. "So… why does the safe route still have a skull drawn on it?"
Lira deadpanned. "That's for the Pyre Wraiths—restless elemental spirits that haunt the passages. They're not always hostile, but if they smell fear, they'll latch onto your shadow until they burn it away. You don't want to find out what happens when you lose your shadow."
Rosemary arched a brow. "Charming."
Lira pointed to several marked zones on the map:
Ingredient Locations
Ash Bloom Petals – Deep in the Steam Gardens, where boiling mist rises from cracks in the floor. "The trick," Lira explained, "is that the petals wilt instantly in open air. You'll need sealed glass jars."
Ignis Root – Beneath the basalt cliffs of Scorchtongue Ridge. "Guarded by Lava Maulers—hulking creatures made of rock and molten blood. They're slow but relentless."
Emberfruit – Inside Hollow Nest Falls, a cavern lit by glowing waterfalls of magma. "Flare Drakes nest here. They like to test intruders before deciding whether to roast them or… roast them slower."
Scorchvine Pepper Seeds – Hanging over molten rivers in The Ember Veins. "You'll have to freeze the vines with magic to cut them safely… or lose your arms."
Sorrel traced the path between the Ember Veins and Hollow Nest Falls with a clawed finger. "These tunnels—are they flooded?"
"Some," Lira admitted, "but it's not normal water. It's Thermal Springwater—hot enough to scald skin, but perfect for carrying certain crops to the surface without spoilage. Why?"
Sorrel gave a small smile, the fur along his arms shifting into a soft silver-blue shimmer. "My kind—riverfolk—can channel stored vita through our fur. It lets me generate water far purer than what's down here… and enough to put out most fire creatures if it comes to that."
Oliver smirked. "So basically, you're a walking, fuzzy fire extinguisher."
Sorrel ignored the jab, continuing to study the map. "If we can route through the flooded sections, I can handle any steam or flame ambush. But we'll have to be fast—water against fire is strong, but it evaporates quickly here."
Lira nodded approvingly. "Then you're our edge. Most hunting parties come back… half-charred, if at all. You might just survive with all your skin intact."
Rosemary adjusted the strap of her satchel. "I suggest we start with the Steam Gardens. The petals are fragile, but easy to carry. And if we run into Pyre Wraiths early, we'll know whether they're watching us for the rest of the trip."
Oliver glanced once more at the crimson-inked map, feeling the heat radiate from the very parchment. "Steam gardens first, then drakes. Sounds easy enough." He paused. "And by 'easy,' I mean 'probably going to regret this by tomorrow.'"
Lira smirked faintly, sliding the map toward them. "Good. You're starting to think like someone who actually survives here."
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