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“I also go down to the stables every afternoon to tend to the horses. You’re more than welcome to join if you find yourself needing some fresh air.”

“I’d like that. Thank you.”

She nodded, giving me a small wave before leaving me to explore the room alone.

I stepped inside and circled the space.

There was a small fire burning in the fireplace along the far wall that eased the chill of the summer storm, the rain rolling down the panes of the two large windows that framed the flames. Two high-backed chairs rested facing the heat, blue and green plaid adding to the room’s cozy aesthetic.

The bookshelves were simple, but the wood was beautifully stained. Bronze ladders with wheels connected to anchored bronze bars spanning the length of the shelves at each side of the room, the only way to reach the books stored feet above.

Two narrow wooden tables sat on either side of the entryway, each with its own still life portrait hanging above, assorted fruit painted to rest neatly in bowls. The paintings framed in gold.

Bottles of liquor spanned one tabletop, while a writing machine sat on the other. It appeared identical to a typewriter you’d find in a museum back on Six, with a paper shelf and knob, tiny levers, and various keys. The extent of technology that was allowed here.

The room was so symmetrical it was impossible not to feel situated in the space. The intention of the room to make you feel balanced, allowing you to fully relax.

I got lost easily in the thousands of titles, the sky growing dark as the rain picked up its intensity and night neared.

I was grateful for the fire when I finally sat, running my fingers over the title of a book I thought would be most helpful in understanding where the hell I was.

Scrivener’s History of the Esmereldean Populace, the cover read.

Flipping to the first page, it stated:

Kingdom of Esmerelda

1–5013

The book appeared quite new, the text having been typed, while the majority of the books along the shelves had been handwritten.

The year 5013 was the closest guess I had to the current year on this Earth.

Checking the index, there was no mention of The Nine. But of course, there wouldn’t be, they were a secret.

I tried searching for Delirium instead.

I flipped to the referenced page and deflated when I saw how short the excerpt was on the topic.

Delirium, an Esmereldean rite of passage, is accessible to all who wish to access the Earth’s stores of unrefined magic in one of the six elements: fire, water, air, earth, light, and shadow. Wielders, and non-wielders alike, are prohibited from entering Delirium until the midnight hour of their twenty-fifth birthday or beyond, at which time they shall face trials that test their limits of body, mind, and spirit. Should they succeed in their trials, they are bestowed a gift from the Earth herself, and returned to their bodily form, forever bound and sworn to secrecy of what lies at the center of her existence. To believe yourself worthy of the Earth’s gifts and fail is seen as the utmost disrespect. Death is imminent for those who fail.

I closed the book with shaky hands, trying not to linger on the meaning of returned to their bodily form. What form would I be in if I entered Delirium?

The text had also mentioned the ability to wield only one of the six elements. No mention of a person having the ability to practice a second.

Leo’s words were to be trusted, then. His abilities were rare.

I sighed, my eyes aching.

If I chose to stay by Leo’s side and enter Delirium, I’d be going in blind, and there was a damn good chance I might not make it out alive.

But Leo had said I could stay here no matter what, even without magic. I could live and fight as me, Bryn from Six. Magic-less, but still a soldier.

I placed the book back on its shelf and poured myself a drink. Maybe there was a way I could prepare for Delirium. I wasn’t ready to ask Leo, but I was sure Adrian would know. Even if he hadn’t participated in the trials himself, he had to have learned the preparation needed during his time as an adolescent with Leo.

The burn of my drink made me feel shakier than before as the liquor slid down my throat, but by the third sip the shakiness was replaced with numbness.

I felt light on my feet as I drifted over to the typing machine, mindlessly moving my fingers over the keys.