The Taste of Seduction

Atlas shrugged. "I have no idea. But I\'m sure that there are those who would kill to find out."

Meredith nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. They needed to find out if the key would really unlock the location where the book is found, but they also needed to be careful.

Hours passed, and the group worked tirelessly, trying to decipher the clues that would lead them to the key\'s true purpose. They consulted ancient texts, brainstormed about the clues they have so far, listened to Austin\'s events before… but they couldn\'t able to get another clue.

How will they know where this key would work?

They even asked the leprechauns, but they have no idea about it. It only dawned on them that they might have defeated every single incubus in the area when they probably have a clue to what and where the key might work.

"Hmm… if only I thought this through," Marcus said, letting out a sigh. "But I couldn\'t do that as well. Meredith\'s life is on the line. Atlas would do the same."

"True," he agreed, nodding as well. "We could search for other incubus if some weren\'t there at the location a moment ago, but we couldn\'t afford to waste time and to leave Austin and Meredith here alone," he added, the group nodding in agreement as they looked at the key with them.

"Hmm… may I see that."

Atlas gave it to Austin. As he looked at the key, he furrowed his brows as they thought deeply where this could lead them. The leprechaun said that the place where the key will unlock the book is the last place.

But without them not having a clue about it, it would be difficult for them to look for it.

Austin then tried his best to think deeply. There must be something that they have been staring at out in the open yet they are oblivious to the clue. He had traveled around different worlds, especially earth, for so long… he should notice something.

The crest on the key… it reminded him of a place he had long visited here on earth long ago. It was a beautiful place that obviously held something mystical in it, but he had never quite pictured how to further explore the place.

Austin had always been fascinated by the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, hidden deep in the heart of the Peruvian mountains. He had spent years researching the history and legends of the Inca civilization, hoping to one day uncover the secrets they had left behind.

And now, they had finally found the key to one of the most elusive mysteries of all - the underground ruins.

"In Machu Picchu," Austin whispered, getting everyone\'s attention even though he spoke almost in a whisper.

"Machu Picchu…" Meredith mumbled, telling aloud what she knows about the place. "It\'s the ancient ruins, right? What about it?"

According to Mr. Google, as what Aaron called it that kinda stuck with Meredith that\'s why she calls it that way, too, Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru, above the Urubamba River valley.

Built in the 15th century and later abandoned, it\'s renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone walls that fuse huge blocks without the use of mortar, intriguing buildings that play on astronomical alignments and panoramic views. Its exact former use remains a mystery.

"The crest on this key," Atlas began, the three listening to him. "I think this key will let us further explore the ruins in Machu Picchu," he added, Meredith furrowing her brows as she reacted to what he said.

"How could we further explore the place?" she asked, shrugging her shoulders. "The place is a tourist attraction. It\'s actually one of the beautiful places I want to someday visit. How are you sure that we can visit the place with the key? How are you certain that it\'s in Machu Picchu?"

"I have a strong feeling about this," Austin said, his voice full of conviction. "I was about to further explore the place years ago but then I was stumped when there was a part of the ruins in which I couldn\'t further explore. The crest on this key… it makes sense."

"But--" Atlas chimed in, adding to the conversation with his question. "--what lies inside the ruins? For sure with the key, it\'s not that simple to get the book."

"From what I know, there might be a labyrinth of magic protecting the book. Of course, the book was protected at all costs. I could sense mysterious but strong magic underneath the whole ruins," he answered, Marcus then nodding as he thought it best to pursue further.

"Then alright," the vampire said, everyone\'s eyes on him. "Let\'s have Meredith rested and about tomorrow so that traveling to Machu Picchu and exploring its ruins will be easy as pie."

"Indeed," Atlas said, letting out a sigh as excitement in his eyes were obvious present in his eyes. "Finally… the answers that I have been long looking for are finally getting answered once we further explore the ruins. We have to be prepared for the journey. This won\'t be easy."

Austin then stood up and made his way to the tent to prepare their bags, especially for what they need like magical potions and artifacts that they could use during their journey. As the trio was left by the bonfire, Meredith smiling as she commented on Austin\'s enthusiasm.

"He agreed that his friend is a nerd, but he is one himself," she remarked, the two men letting out a chuckle.

As they continued drinking their soup, however, Marcus looked at her with a forlorn expression on his face. He knew that once the book of spells is with them, they would finally break the soul tie.

It would really set Meredith free, him hurt but happy that she is going to be safe and sound with Atlas whom her heart chose and loves so dearly.