“I mean, technically, all the books you’ve been reading are self-help,” Leo comments as he pulls a book down, and a metallic click comes from behind the wall. A narrow portion of the bookshelf jerks backward, allowing Leo to push it aside. Walking through the doorway, it is almost as if they were transported into an entirely different building.
The bookshelves are made of dark-stained oak, with gold trimmings and elegant carvings along the edges. A massive Himalayan pink salt crystal hangs like a pendulum in the center, directly above the librarian’s desk. The light coming through the dome above reflects off the crystal, illuminating the library. Five small birds are fluttering around.
Victor and Leo approach the desk, where a single witch sits, reading a book. She has thick, round glasses and short, curly redhair. She’s wearing a cream-colored Edwardian-style tea dress with light blue floral prints and a laced square collar. There is a small bird perched on her shoulder as she reads. She’s nibbling on the cap of the pen she is holding.
“Ugh, this book has too many plot holes,” she says to herself as she begins to write something down on a paper pad. She looks at the little bird on her shoulder, asking, “Do you understand it, Cactus?” As Victor and Leo get closer, she notices them and smiles brightly. “Leo! So nice to see you again. I have the books you ordered.”
She turns around to grab a pile of books behind her as Cactus flies over to Leo and lands on his shoulder. As she turns and sets the book in front of them, she looks at Victor. “You must be the empath I’ve heard so much about.”
Leo pulls the books closer to him as he introduces the witch. “Victor, this is Wren Llewellyn. And this little one is Cactus. Wren practically runs this place.”
Victor shakes Wren’s hand. “Pleasure to meet you. Is Cactus your familiar?”
“You do know about familiars? I like you already,” Wren grins happily.
Victor holds out a finger, which Cactus notices and perches on. “I guess your name is Cactus because you’re a cactus wren,” Victor says to the tiny bird. Cactus flutters her feathers and sings a little melody, as she is pleased Victor knows that.
“Very good,” Wren says. “How did you know she was a cactus wren?”
“I’m from Arizona. She’s the state bird,” Victor explains. “So, I’m familiar with your familiar. And it seems appropriate, since your name is Wren, to have a familiar be a wren.”
Wren giggles. “Actually, I have a chime of wren as my familiar.” The five birds flying around come down as Wren whistles a bird call. They line up as Wren says their names.“This is Winter, and then this is Sedge. Carolina is a feisty one, so be careful leaving food out. Rock might act tough, but she’s a sweetheart. And Song is the baby of the bunch.” After they greet Victor in their own way, all of them, including Cactus, fly off.
“So, you’re the one I have to blame for providing Leo with all the books I have to read,” Victor says to Wren.
“Well, it’s my duty to ensure you have the right reading material. If I couldn’t do that, then I wouldn’t be a good librarian,” Wren smiles.
Victor looks down at her notepad. “Looks like that pen has seen better days.”
Wren looks down at the pen. “Oh, I like to review the books as they make their way on the shelves. I’ve read every book in this library and can recommend anything you’re looking for. I used to use pencils, but I kept eating the erasers.”
“Is this all we need for now?” Leo asks.
“Well, the next lesson is Earth. And from what you told me about how quickly Victor is picking up magic, this should be all he needs,” Wren responds.
Victor raises his eyebrow. “I hate to ask, but if I weren’t picking up things so quickly, there would be more than three books to read?”
“Seven, to be exact,” Wren responds without hesitation.
Victor’s eyes widen. “I’m glad I don’t have to read seven books in a day.”
“Really? Because I can read seven in a day,” Wren comments with a cheesy smile.
Leo lets out a low chuckle. “I’ll be right back. I need to get something else while I’m here.”
As Leo walks away, Wren leans in and speaks to Victor in a hushed tone. “You shouldn’t be upset with him.”
Victor is caught off guard. “I’m not upset with Leo.”
Wren looks at Victor over her glasses. “You can’t lie to me. I can see it all over your face.”
Victor briefly studies Wren. “You’re an empath, aren’t you?”
Wren places her finger over her lips. “Not many know that I’m an empath. I’ve been in hiding for several decades now. Leo and Charles are a few who know that I am one.My superior helped me get this position with the library to keep me off the radar. The wards around this place are ancient, so it offers great protection.”
“Leo told me that some with abilities are hiding from the dark covens,” Victor says.
“Is that what he calls them? Well, he’s not wrong.” She pauses for a moment. “You need something from me.”
