"We should head back while it's safe," Jamie said, releasing Corin somewhat reluctantly.
His mind had been so much clearer when he could focus on fixingsomeone else'sproblem.
As they squeezed out of the crevice, Jamie noticed the forest immediately around them had settled—plants growing normally, stones resting firmly on the ground.
"The stabilizing effect is stronger," Azelon observed, looking around with newfound interest.
"What?" Jamie asked, not following.
"When you were calming Corin," Azelon explained, "the effect spread further than before. The distortions retreated completely from this area."
Jamie looked at Corin, who smiled at him. "Apparently the magic responds when you get all dominant and protective."
Jamie ignored the heat rising to his face. "Let's just get back before that thing returns."
They moved quickly through the forest, Jamie hyperaware of how both Veridians stayed close to him now, Corin to his right, Azelon to his left. And all around, the distortions faded.
The bookstore appeared ahead through the trees, seeming to welcome their return. As they approached, Jamie felt a tug in his chest—a recognition, as if the building itself was relieved to see them.
They hurried inside, Azelon securing the door behind them.
"The store feels different," Corin said, looking around. "More... settled."
Jamie nodded, sensing it too. The building had lost some of its frantic energy, as if their expedition had somehow helped it adjust to its new reality.
"We still need to understand what's happening," Jamie said, turning to face the others. "But at least we know more than we did this morning."
Azelon and Corin exchanged a glance, a silent communication that Jamie couldn't interpret.
"What?" he asked.
"Nothing," Corin said quickly.
"You're adapting remarkably well," Azelon observed. "Most humans would be... overwhelmed."
Jamie shrugged. "Panic won't get my store or me back home." He moved past them toward the kitchen. "And apparentlyleaving the building isn't the answer. So let's regroup and think of another approach."
He had discovered quite a few things that he needed to stew over.
Chapter
Five
Azelon couldn't stop watching.
He lingered in the shadowed doorway as Jamie sorted through a stack of books while Corin flitted around him, deliberately distracting. Their shoulders occasionally brushed. With each contact, Corin's power rippled outward, a subtle pulse of warmth that made nearby objects shift slightly. Books rearranged themselves. Pages turned without fingers. A mug edged closer to Jamie's hand.
And through it all, Jamie remained steady. Unmoved by the chaos Corin radiated.
"You're taking this too seriously," Corin complained, draping himself dramatically over the reading chair beside Jamie. "We've been organizing books for hours."
"I own a bookstore," Jamie replied, his mouth quirking. "This is what I do."
"Well, I'm bored." Corin stretched, accidentally knocking a book off the nearby table. "Tell me something interesting about Earth instead."
"Like what?" Jamie asked, retrieving the fallen book without comment.
"I don't know. Something exciting. Do you have sea dragons? Cursed islands?"
