The trio continued their journey, their spirits lifted by the successful completion of the Enchanted Lake challenge. They followed the winding path through the forest until they emerged into a clearing.
In the center of the clearing stood a tall, wrought iron gate. The gate was rusted and old, but still elegant in its design. Beyond the gate, they could see a lush garden, full of colorful flowers and towering trees.
Raven approached the gate, running his fingers over the rusted metal. "This looks like a secret garden," he said.
"Indeed it does," said Sable. "But the gate is locked. How do we get in?"
Suddenly, they heard a soft voice from behind them. "You seek entrance to the secret garden?" the voice asked.
They turned to see a small, delicate fairy hovering in the air. She was wearing a dress made of leaves and her wings were like shimmering jewels in the sunlight.
"Yes," said Raven. "We were hoping to explore the garden."
The fairy smiled. "I can help you with that," she said. "But first, you must answer my riddle."
The trio exchanged a glance, intrigued. "Very well," said Raven. "What is your riddle?"
The fairy fluttered closer to Raven, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "I am not alive, but I grow; I don't have lungs, but I need air; I don't have a mouth, but water kills me. What am I?"
Raven thought for a moment, but it was Sable who spoke up. "A fire," she said.
The fairy clapped her hands in delight. "Very good!" she said. "You have answered my riddle correctly. I will now open the gate for you."
The fairy waved her hand, and the gate creaked open. The trio stepped through, and as they entered the garden, they were hit with a wave of scent and color. The flowers were in full bloom, their petals soft and fragrant. The trees towered overhead, their branches interlocking like a cathedral ceiling.
As they walked deeper into the garden, they noticed that the plants seemed to be growing in patterns, almost as if they were intentional designs. They saw intricate mazes of flowers and vines, and towering archways made of living branches.
"This is incredible," said Sable. "It's like nothing I've ever seen before."
Raven nodded in agreement. "It's beautiful," he said. "But why is it a secret? Why did we have to answer a riddle to gain entrance?"
The fairy appeared beside them once more. "This garden is enchanted," she said. "It is the product of magic, and only those who are worthy may enter. You have proven yourselves worthy by answering my riddle. Now you may explore to your heart's content."
The trio spent hours wandering through the garden, marveling at its beauty and discovering new wonders around every corner. They saw fountains of crystal-clear water, and bridges made of vines and flowers. They even stumbled upon a hidden grove, where a family of rabbits had made their home.
As the sun began to set, the trio realized that it was time to leave. They reluctantly made their way back to the gate, but as they approached, they saw that the fairy was waiting for them.
"You have honored the garden with your presence," she said. "In return, I have a gift for you."
The fairy held out her hand, and a small seed appeared on her palm. "Plant this seed in the earth," she said. "And watch as it grows into something beautiful."
The trio thanked the fairy and took the seed, promising to plant it.