The Taste of Seduction

They decided that they would teleport to the location with the help of Austin\'s powers. But he had told the group that it was impossible to do so. He traveled their through commuting because the magic that protected the ruins was so strong, even easy access through powers are disabled.

The journey to Machu Picchu was long and arduous, but the team\'s spirits remained high. They spent their hours hiking through the rugged terrain, taking in the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

And at night, they huddled together around the campfire, sharing stories and laughter as they prepared for the challenges ahead.

The team had to cross many rivers, climb steep mountains, and face several dangerous predators such as pumas and snakes. It was quite funny for the group as they talked about it, saying they\'re magical beings, yet face such trivial challenges like they\'re main characters from a movie.

However, their perseverance and determination to discover the secrets of the underground ruins kept them going.

"You know," Meredith started as they continued to walk. "This reminds me of the movie Jumanji," she added, the three of them not familiar with the movie.

"What\'s that?" Atlas asked, Meredith blinking her eyes a few times. "You know… they play a video game and then they got locked inside and then they are the ones during the adventure instead of the main characters of the game since they are now the characters of the game..."

The three men looked at each other then back at Meredith who playfully rolled their eyes at them.

"They face challenges together as they visit new places and only have three lives for each player and if they die in game, they die in real life…"

"Meredith," Atlas said her name, giving her a smirk. "I guess this is one thing you and your little brother share, huh? I\'m sorry… obviously, we aren\'t well-versed with the movie world."

Meredith didn\'t say a word and just let a puff of air out as she walked away.

The men continued walking along with her as well, now exchanging conversation with her as they continued onward with their journey.

***

Finally, after several days of traveling, they arrived at the entrance to the underground ruins.

It really took them days since they traveled by plane, then by trains… and they made sure that they visit the ancient ruins at night time so that they won\'t look suspicious to tourists visiting the place.

They even decided to go through lengths such as drinking one of his invisibility potions. Though for Marcus who had it innate as a vampire, he opted not to take it this evening.

He even volunteered that if ever there is the need to go on ahead for checking, he\'d do so since he\'s superhuman speed for vampires are at its advantage.

The group looked at the entrance to the underground ruins. The air was thick with an eerie silence, broken only by the faint sound of rushing water somewhere deep below. Austin took a deep breath and turned to his team.

"Remember," he said, "we need to work together through the labyrinth of magic. We must stay focused and trust in each other. And most importantly, we must find our way to the middle of the ruins to unlock the book of spells."

The three nodded at him. As they looked at each other, Meredith spoke as they knew that they have to work together to accomplish what they came here for in the first place.

"Alrighty… we can do this," she said, the three men nodding at her with a confident smile on their faces. "After breaking the soul tie, for sure there are other things for the book that we can use. For now, what we have to do is to retrieve it."

"We do it carefully but efficiently," Marcus said, letting out a sigh. "We actually don\'t know what and how the labyrinth will be like… but we can manage."

"Alright…" Austin took a deep breath and released it. "Let\'s go."

With those words, they plunged into the darkness. The labyrinth of magic was unlike anything they had ever seen before.

The walls were covered in intricate carvings and symbols, and strange whispers echoed through the corridors.

But Austin led the way, his knowledge of Inca history guiding them through the maze of twists and turns.

However, soon, they were stopped when a loud voice resonated in the maze, making them cover their ears as the deep voice boomed in the place as if it had a microphone.

The breeze was strong and as the mysterious voice spoke, it blew even harder, almost blowing them away from proceeding further.

"Who dares enter the labyrinth of magic?"

The voice bellowed in the area. Atlas immediately went to Meredith\'s aid to protect her from being blown away.

"As the book feels a threatening and foreboding presence, thou shall go through a series of challenges to prove yourself worthy of getting the book!"

"I knew it…" Marcus mumbled under his breath, gritting his teeth. "This isn\'t going to be simple."

"Success in accomplishing the trials, the book shall present itself. Failure in accomplishing the challenges will result as a punishment of challengers staying behind in the maze!"

"What!?" Meredith exclaimed, her eyes wide. "So does it mean that if we fail the challenges… we won\'t get out of here?"

"Use your wit and courage. The book chooses who it wants to present itself to but remember… there is always a catch."

The winds ceased the moment the mysterious voice disappeared. With the location calming down, they all looked at each other, wondering what they\'re going to do.

One wrong move in the challenges, whatever they may be, they might not get themselves out and they might not get their hands on the book.

Ever.