Both Veridians looked momentarily startled by his tone. Then, to Jamie's surprise, they both nodded.
"We'll need provisions," Azelon said, pivoting smoothly to practical matters.
"And weapons," Corin added. "The wilds aren't exactly friendly."
Jamie turned to study the equipment the store had provided, a strange certainty settling over him.
It felt good to have a plan of action.
And to be in charge.
"Jamie?" Corin's voice broke into his thoughts. "You okay?"
"Fine," Jamie said, reaching for one of the packs. "Just wondering what my accountant would say about all this."
Corin laughed, the sound genuine this time. "Probably best not to include 'magical transportation to another realm' in your documentation."
Even Azelon's mouth quirked slightly in what might have been the beginning of a smile.
Jamie began sorting through the supplies, organizing them with mechanical efficiency while his mind processed everything he'd learned. His store was magic. He apparently had some connection to that magic. A powerful being had brought him here for unknown reasons. He had no idea where his brother was.
With Caelen, most likely.
Jamie could only hope the fae would take care of Daniel while Jamie…
Well, Jamie would take care of the problem in front of him.
A book on a nearby shelf thumped to the floor, falling open to that same illustration he'd seen earlier. Three figures standing in a circle, their hands linked.
Jamie quickly closed it before either of his companions could see.
He'd have to have a word with his store about meddling in his affairs.
Chapter
Four
Sunlight filtered through the forest canopy, casting dappled shadows on the trio as they followed a faint trail away from the bookstore. Jamie led the way, the borrowed pack settled comfortably between his shoulders.
He'd never been much of an explorer, but what else was he to do?
As much as he wanted to stay inside the store and read all the strange new books… he had to know what was going on.
His new companions seemed to agree, though Corin's nervous energy manifested in constant chatter. He alternated between pointing out the bizarre flora they passed and shooting glances at Azelon, who maintained a stoic silence at the rear of their small procession.
"We should be cautious," Azelon finally said, interrupting Corin's rambling description of a flower that appeared to have tiny letters printed on its blossoms. "The disturbances have made the beasts unpredictable."
Jamie paused, taking in their surroundings more carefully. "What exactly are these disturbances you keep mentioning? When did they start?"
"About a week ago," Azelon said. "Around the time your store appeared."
Corin nodded. "The whole forest has been weird. Animals acting strange, plants taking on the color of ink."
Jamie frowned, turning to examine a nearby oak. Unlike the trees they'd passed closer to the bookstore, this one seemed... agitated. Its branches twisted oddly, leaves trembling despite the still air.
"Like this?" Jamie asked, reaching toward the distorted trunk.
The moment his fingers brushed the bark, the tree shuddered. Its branches relaxed slightly, settling into more natural positions. The trembling leaves stilled.
