I decided not to lie. “History is part of my curriculum, although I am also interested in it,” I answered, pulling down the book I had stared at. “Basically, knowing about unusual and unexplainable events throughout history.”
He sighed, stepping out from the shadows. “You’re into conspiracy theories?”
“No!” I denied quickly, shaking my head. “I just want to read about mysterious things.”
“Would be better in the fantasy section,” he grumbled, and he was near enough that I could make out his handsome features. Wavy green hair framed his face, and he had the blackest eyes I had ever seen. Something was familiar about him, but I was sure I had never seen him before.
“Are you the librarian?” I asked, ignoring his teasing words.
“One of many.” He glanced at the selection of books beside me. “These might interest you.” He pulled a few books and stacked them on my arms. “And I took the liberty of getting this.” He added the book he was initially holding onto the pile.
That was surprisingly thoughtful. “Thank you,” I smiled, meaning it wholeheartedly. Even if the books might not end up being useful, his immediate assistance in helping me was very, very appreciated.
He stared at me for a beat before turning away. “It’s my job,” he grunted and walked off to a corner, leaving me alone once again.
When the twins and Mia found me at the library, I had skimmed through the books and read the history of the Everlasting War. While I didn’t find anything that told of sudden appearances of people from another world, the books did tell of the Demon Lord.
Like the fact that he just appeared one day. Nobody knew where he came from, but most suspected he was a fallen god shunned from their plane of existence and now terrorizing humans as a form of revenge.
Or maybe he was transported here. Like me?
Why would he summon monsters though? Or how could he have lived for hundreds of years? Was that his method of going back to his home realm?
Did anyone even try to talk to him and ask what his problem was?
I supposed nobody got close enough through the seemingly endless number of monsters he kept around. There was also no coherent account of what he even was — if he was an entity like a demon, or a lord, or both. He almost never appeared to anyone, even during the every-ten-year major battle. Survivors claimed to have seen glimpses of him, but no one knew for sure.
The thought of having a deep conversation with the Demon Lord was appealing. If we were in the same predicament, then maybe we could help each other.
This line of thinking would get me killed sooner rather than later.
Still, it was something to heavily consider.
“My lady, did you have fun reading books?” Robin asked as we made our way to the dining hall for lunch. He was about to reach for my hand when he froze, and then glanced at his brother, who frowned at me. What did I do?
Reuben leaned down, nostrils flaring and eyes searching my face. “Why is it that when we leave you alone for two seconds, you always smell like another man?”
I tried to hide my surprise, but it wasn’t any use to these two, who I suspected had already memorized my every movement.
But if that was true, how come they never realized I wasn’ttheirLady Beatrix for a while now? At least, not entirely? So many questions, so little answers.
Robin tutted before he held my hand. “Do we have to lock you up?”
What.
“Chain you to our sides,” Reuben grunted.
There was overprotective, and then there was over-possessive. Admittedly, in some crazy and psychotic part of me, both appealed to me that wild tingles spread throughout my body. I shouldn’t let it affect me though, but oh my god, the lack of a good fuck was getting to me. Again.
I had to address it soon.
Mia, whom I had asked to walk ahead of us, stopped on her path before stepping backwards. “Miss Bea, Lord Grimwald is heading towards us.”
Robin and Reuben both tensed and stood alert, while I racked my brain who Grimwald was.
Marquis Grimwald controlled the territory nearest the front lines of the War. He had the whole Kingdom at his back, as he was evidently the man leading the charge against the Demon Lord as the Grand General. One of his sons was Samuel Grimwald, a Captain of the army, and currently marching in our direction.
Why would a Captain be here at the magic academy? I didn’t have time to ponder when he stopped a few feet in front of me, his crimson-red eyes assessing me.
