Chapter 17: The Garden of Everwind

As James stepped through the shimmering portal, the world around him shifted in a dizzying swirl of light and color. For a moment, it felt as though time itself had stopped, the sensation of reality bending and twisting as they crossed into a realm beyond anything they had ever known. When the light finally cleared, they found themselves standing in the Garden of Everwind.

The air was warm and sweet, filled with the scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth. The sky above was a radiant twilight, painted in hues of pink, purple, and gold, with no sun or moon in sight, just an eternal glow that seemed to pulse with the energy of the garden. All around them, the landscape was alive with vibrant, glowing plants, towering trees, and crystal-clear streams that sparkled in the soft light.