Tyler and the others were suddenly engulfed in a shimmering, painted haze—like ink dropped into water, spreading tendrils of color in every direction.
It was Dr. Juggler's Domain.
The world around them twisted. The forest faded into a strange dreamscape. Trees shimmered as if made of brushstrokes, swaying like dancers in a surreal painting. The lake behind the tent bubbled with unnatural colors, its surface reflecting nothing of the real world. Somewhere in the distance, a broken calliope wheezed out a haunting tune—off-key, whimsical, and deeply unsettling.
From the center of the illusion, a giant pinwheel emerged, its rainbow-colored blades spinning lazily at first. Standing on top of it was Dr. Juggler, arms stretched wide like a performer on stage.
"Play in my Domain—Dream Carnival," he whispered, almost reverently.
"What a nice name," Tyler said, clearly impressed by his naming sense.
