“Wolves... wolves... what books have wolves in them?Little Red Riding Hood?Twilight?” I mutter.
“That wouldn’t be a quote fromTwilight.It doesn’t sound like something a contemporary author would write.”
I place my hands on my hips. “Have you ever readTwilight?” I’m genuinely curious.
“Just the first book. And it wasn’t for me. A girl I liked at the time was into vampires.”
“Uh-huh.” I store the knowledge away for future use. I’m beginning to learn that Art is a very well-read man. A man with a brain is something I find incredibly attractive. It’s going on the list of qualities that I admire about him.
“What about a Roman fable, like the story of Romulus and Remus?” I suggest.
“No. It’s coming to me. I think it’s Rudyard Kipling. Give me a moment.” Art closes his eyes and scrubs them. “That quote... it’s on the tip of my brain.”
“Oh, could it beThe Jungle Book?”
“Yes, that’s it.”
The excitement between us grows as we continue to piece the clue quotes together. It’s all Art’s brain power at this point. Literature is not my forte, unless it’s something science or engineering related. I would’ve been stuck in here indefinitely without him. Although he may have been grumpy at first, he’s relaxed and has even given me a few smiles.
“Two hearts entwined in the glow of the moon—find the answer, and you’ll be free.” I set the scroll down.
Art runs a hand through his hair. “This one has me stumped. Two hearts and the glow of the moon? Maybe a romance book of some sort?”
“We’re so close. This has to be the last clue. Let’s search all the titles again.” I start on my knees and scan the scattered books with a more focused eye. This clue is different than the rest. It wasn’t located inside a book like the others. It was on a scroll inside a hidden compartment under the table. Does that mean it doesn’t pertain to a book?
I sit on the floor. My eyes search the decor. That’s when I spot a small ornate mirror hanging on the wall. Carved into the frame are two intertwined hearts, reflecting the soft glow of the room’s single lamp.
“Here,” I say, pointing to the mirror. “This has to be it.”
Art reaches for the mirror and carefully removes it from the wall. Turning it over reveals a key taped to the back. He hands it to me, his fingers lingering on mine for a moment longer than necessary. The touch sends a shiver down my spine.
“You did it!” he says, his voice low and husky. He kisses me on the cheek. I let out a satisfied sigh.
“Are you ready to get out of here?” I whisper.
“Yes. Beyond ready. This was fun, but once was more than enough for me.”
My stomach grumbles. I’m ready for lunch. We stand and walk over to the door. I place the key inside, hesitating to leave behind stacks of books on the ground. “Do you think we should clean up the mess first?”
“No. Letthem sort it out. I’m sure the fee you paid is more than enough to cover them shoving the books and clues back into place.”
We share a chuckle. As I move to turn the key, however, it doesn’t budge.
“Odd.” I rattle it around.
“Maybe that’s the wrong door? What about the other one opposite the way we came in?”
I remove the key and insert it into the second door. To my relief, it turns, and we’re finally free. We enter into a warmly lit reception area. It’s night and day to what we experienced when we first walked in. There are glass windows flooding the room with plenty of natural light. Music from Taylor Swift’s latest album plays through speakers. Orchids are tastefully scattered throughout the room.
“Oh, you two have completed the challenge! Well done,” an attendant in a green blouse and black trousers exclaims, stepping into the room from the back-office area. “Usually, the Enchanted Library room takes about three hours, but you’ve managed it in two. How did you find it?”
“Fine,” Art says.
“Pardon him. He’s hangry.” I glance at him and shake my head. “It was fun. It’s the first time we’ve done one of these.”
“Is there any feedback you’d like to share?”
“Er, can you have the lights on next time before you shove your players into the room? There was a lot of furniture inside and we would’ve crashed into it if we hadn’t had his mobile.”
