Third POV
Maria stood in the heart of Carl’s work chamber, her eyes wide with amazement and a hint of trepidation. The room was a chaotic masterpiece of spellcraft and arcane knowledge. Bubbling teapots of spells simmered on various tables, each emitting a different color of steam. Intricate signs and symbols were drawn on the ground in chalk, forming the boundaries of potent enchantments. Scattered books, some ancient and others freshly bound, lay open to pages filled with cryptic runes and diagrams. The air was thick with the mingling scents of herbs and magic.
“Carl, were you actually expecting us?” Maria asked, her voice tinged with disbelief as she took in the extensive preparations. The potions and spells he was working on seemed to be in anticipation of a monumental battle.
Carl
