Page 17 of Broken Destiny

“That’s preposterous!” Dighit yells again. I flinch as the library’s dissatisfaction rises. “Avery has been mine since he reached maturity ten years ago.”

Anger rises in me, and I use my crutches to bring myself around the desk for the first time since Avery showed up. I sense his awareness shift as my position does, and he moves closer to me as I round the counter to stand before the two men. Avery is almost a foot taller than me, and I’m not a short woman. He can hear the strange noises my crutches make, but that’s not my immediate focus. I’m not sure what the library will do if she becomes angry. I’m tempted to see because I really don’t like this worm, but heading off an argument would be more honorable.

“I suggest you keep your voice down,” I say in my best librarian tone. “Firstly, Avery doesn’t belong to you. He has free will. Secondly, I’ve chosen Avery as my first guardian. He’s accepted.” I don’t say more, not wanting to accidentally lie since I don’t have all the information.

Dighit sneers at me, his eyes flickering dismissively up and down my form. He’s perfected the holier-than-thou sneer on his perfect face. “You are naïve and a poor caretaker for this library, regardless of your bloodline.”

Avery growls and steps forward, but I clutch his sleeve. A greater being craves this battle. I feel the surge of power within the center of the library. It comes straight from the cave where Duggar met me and I signed the book. The library’s pride does not allow for her choice to be insulted. A roar sounds from outside. I jump, even though the library has gifted me with all the details. The gargoyles are pissed. Ansel glances around nervously before he takes a careful step away from Dighit.

“Dighit, you might wish to retract your words,” Ansel offers, but it’s clear he doesn’t really care.

“I will say what I want,” the beastmaster continues, oblivious to the danger. “No cripple deserves the right to care for the greatest treasure of the supernatural world.”

Power surges through me in such an intense burst that I almost stumble again. When my hand tightens, I realize I’m still holding Avery’s arm. He stabilizes me as the spirit of the library herself enters me. Dighit’s eyes widen. I’m confident something has changed within my face, but I can’t tell what. My vision focuses upon the beastmaster as my lips curl in a snarl. The words that emerge from my mouth are not mine.

“William Joseph Dighit, you are hereby banned from the library and usage of all its materials until you have apologized and earned your rights back.” Dighit sputters like I’ve just sentenced him to death, but she isn’t done yet. “Escort this man from the premises.”

Ansel and Avery nod in unison as if the instructions were explicitly meant for them. They each take one of the asshole’s arms. My vision blurs as they leave the building. Outside, on the steps, a gargoyle waits. He’s massive, his stone wings strangely flexible and his black eyes deadly as he glares at Dighit. For the first time, surprise and fear crosses the trespasser’s face. The gargoyle growls at him, a menacing rumble that I feel within my bones. The other gargoyles watch from the stone edifice, and I think I see through one of their eyes as Dighit flees the premises, glancing back over his shoulder as he trips down the wide, stone steps.

As soon as he’s gone, my vision snaps back to me. I waver on my feet as the power leaves me in one fell swoop. The absence leaves me whirling, intensifying my exhaustion and the pain in my lower half. Before I’m aware of what’s happening, strong arms are helping me to a chair. I glance upward, expecting Ansel, but Avery hasn’t disappointed. I stop thinking of him as blind because he carefully maneuvers me into a chair without getting tangled in my crutches, which is probably better than a sighted person might have managed.

“Are you all right?” he asks softly, his silver eyes concerned as he looks down at me.

“Yes, I just need a minute. That was intense. Will that happen often?” I glance at Ansel for the answer.

Ansel’s lips twitch. “Do you intend on pissing off every hothead on campus?”

I shrug and can’t help but offer a smile in return. “Maybe?” I counter tremulously. Avery and Ansel both chuckle, twin expressions of pride and amusement on their handsome faces.

“The library works through you, Zosia,” Ansel says as he sits down across from me at the table where we had coffee earlier. Knowledge comes to me in tiny spurts as I grow to learn my new position, and I know this is the only space in the library where we’re allowed to eat or drink. A pitcher of water and glasses on a silver tray appear. Ansel pours me a cup and offers one to Avery who refuses.

“I’m sorry if I’ve caused trouble,” I begin, but Ansel cuts me off.

“No, you’re not. And even if you were, it’s quite all right. You and the library know who your guardians shall be. In fact, I’ve decided not to bring by the candidates I have in mind. I think they’ll find their way to you. There’s also the matter of your ghost. He will come this evening?”

My cheeks heat as I think of Kodi. What will he think of the vampire? Avery stares at me, and although his expression isn’t telling, I sense his curiosity. “Maybe? I’m uncertain.”

“A ghost and a born vampire?” Ansel chuckles. “You’ll be the subject of gossip for weeks once term starts.”

I shrug. I’m used to people talking about me. “I wasn’t certain if I could actually overthrow Dighit’s claim on Avery,” I say honestly. “It felt right to me, but…” I trail off with a shrug.

Ansel leans forward. “Trust those instincts, Zosia. They’re yours, but they’re also the library’s. You are connected to her now. In all honesty, I’m surprised it happened so quickly. Some librarians take weeks to earn her trust. But you have it because she gave you her power for that moment to enforce the ban.”

I chew on my lip. “Did I look different when she spoke through me? I certainly felt different.”

“You glowed brightly,” Avery answered. I assume he’s talking about my aura, but Ansel nods.

“It’s true. Even to my sight, you glowed and your eyes changed color.”

“They did?” The power had been heady and intense. I imagine it could get addictive, but I won’t use it unless I need it. I won’t betray the library’s trust like that. For just a moment, though, the strength within me was so boundless I thought I might be able to walk.

Ansel speaks, and Avery leans closer as if expectant for something. “Yes. Usually, your eyes are light blue with golden flecks. But with the library’s power within you? They glowed pure gold.”

“The same color as your aura,” Avery muses as he looks at my face like he can actually see my features.

Ansel stands. “I wasn’t lying when I said I had things to do. If you don’t need me anymore?”

“No. Thank you, though.”

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