Already, the pain in my hand has lessened slightly. The skin is knitting back together, forming a stump where I was gushing blood only moments before. My brow lifts, impressed, despite the circumstances.
More shelves catch fire, and the entire back end of the library starts going up in flames. The heat is getting unbearable as the fire licks closer, reminding me that I’m in a bit of a hurry. I give a final, longing look at the burning pages, and my inner bookworm sobs.
I feel like the asshole who burned down the Library of Alexandria.
I will never forgive myself for this. But I will burn a thousand libraries if it means keeping my loved ones safe.
Turning on my heel, I run.
Chapter 19
Vivian’s Point of View
Rule nineteen:Stop thinking you are a Disney princess – the creepy things in the dark (probably) don’t want to cuddle.
Chaos unfolds around me.
I’m fairly certain the Council’s castle has never held a fire drill. Well-dressed courtiers and servants run from the smoke-filled halls. It takes no effort to slip into the throng of fearful faces. The stampede is only momentarily interrupted by men in purple cloaks rushing toward the flames.
Council mages.
I recognize them, since a few days ago, Leon made me sit in a corridor, while he entered a room to speak with them about urgent and private business.
Keeping my head down, I stay hidden in the masses. My pulse races from the knowledge that Leon isprobably already looking for me. I’m assuming the mages will be able to put out the fire without issue.
I have to hurry.
An explosion sounds behind us, and I belatedly remember that the potion lab is near the library. I purse my lips. Maybe those bottles weren’t as useless as I thought. I can only hope that magical flames are harder to put out than the ones I started.
An elbow hits me in the gut, and I blow out a puff of air as a man shoves past me. He’s trying to push his way to the front of the crowd. When he reaches out to grab a woman by the hair, I dart forward, trip him, and ‘accidentally’ kick him in the temple. The people behind me mindlessly trample him.
Oops. Thank goodness he didn’t panic.
The herd is almost at the main entryway when I slip down another familiar corridor. It takes another few minutes before I retrace Lilanthara’s steps and find the hidden door. Not letting myself think about the small space, I press on the hidden lever and slip into the darkness.
Immediately, the sounds of chaos reduce to barely a whisper. My feet scuff against the top step as I carefully pull out the orb I stole a few hallways down. The light is even fainter than when Nymara was holding it. Still, it’s enough that I can see the edges of the steps if I hold it low.
I descend as fast as I can without risking a broken ankle.
Nymara insisted that there was nothing down here for me. While I initially believed her, I’ve since come to the realization that she is quite possibly insane. So, Iprobably shouldn’t be putting much stock in her opinions. Besides, she warned me that we weren’t friends. Maybe she was trying to keep me away from Irena this entire time.
The thought stirs a small pang of sadness inside me. I shove it down.
By the time I reach the bottom of the stairs and pass through the old wooden door, all sounds from above are gone.
I strain to hear the slightest noise.
You’d think a castle would have rats. But there’s not even a scratching or scuffing that would indicate I’m anything other than completely alone.
My measured breaths sound glaringly loud, marking me as a beacon in the darkness.
The deeper I go, the more the inky void seems to feel alive, pressing against me. Even the orb light looks dimmer, like it’s being swallowed by the shadows.
I push forward, ignoring how vulnerable I feel.
This time, I don’t jump when there’s a slight tug on my hand, followed by a breathy hint of static. It feels like someone just walked by and whispered in my ear. My hair even blows a bit, as if caught on the breeze left in their wake.
The hairs on my neck stand on end. Every horror movie I’ve ever watched tells me I need to turn around now.
