Mona held out her lantern, its golden light barely piercing the dense fog. She squinted ahead, gritting her teeth. Of all days to go foraging for flowers, why did it have to be the foggiest one imaginable!? Each step forward was a gamble, the ground almost vanishing into mist

“Where are those flowers…” she muttered, irritation lacing her voice.

All she wanted were a few lilies—just enough to test a new spell. Was that too much to ask!? She let out a frustrated huff. And just as she allowed her guard to drop—

SPLASH!!

She plunged straight into a muddy swamp. The cold, foul water soaked her clothes instantly, and she gagged at the smell. Grimacing, she pushed herself upright, mud dripping from her sleeves.

Fantastic. As if the day wasn’t cursed enough already.