Page 44 of Dragon Unleashed
“Nope. We searched everywhere. Even had Bingo out looking. He couldn’t catch a scent, and we didn’t find a trace of magic or a portal.”
“Hmm.” He remains silent until the elevator doors open and we step out onto the library’s main floor. It’s empty, for now, as the first patrons won’t be arriving for another half hour.
“It’s troublesome that someone managed to get into the library without setting off the wards,” Hoc says. “Magic is not typically cheated and especially the magic of the Athenaeum. Whomever has done so must be immensely powerful.”
Or a shadow creature not solid enough to set off the ward alarms.“Do you have any ideas on who it could be?”
“Not yet, and until I do, I caution you to be wary. Watch out for yourself, Paige.”
The way he says it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Like he somehow knows that chandelier was meant for my head. “I hardly doubt whoever it is will pay any mind to me. I’m no one.”
“You are a future keeper.” Hoc stops walking, so I do the same and face him. He rests a large hand on my shoulder. “That makes you far more valuable than you realize.”
I swallow hard. “Not as valuable as an actual keeper, though. Blossom and Mag are at the top of that list.”
He smiles in a tight line then releases my shoulder and reaches up to run a hand down his grey beard in the way he does when he’s uncomfortable. Which doesn’t happen often. “Blossom and Mag are able to protect themselves, Paige.”
While true, his words sting. They’re a massive blow to the ego, and frankly—piss me off. I’ve been protecting myself just fine, haven’t I? Harboring a secret dragon upstairs and dealing with shadow men lurking in my shower.
Not that I can tell him either of those things.
“I’ll be fine, Hoc,” I assure him as my throat burns with raw emotion. I may not be a powerful supernatural like Blossom or Mag. Might not be able to fight or wield a sword, but I amanythingbut helpless.
I just wish everyone else could see it.
* * *
“Paige.”
I look up as Blossom rounds the corner with a strange man beside her. Dressed in a light grey, pin-striped suit and fedora, he looks like a high roller who has just stepped straight out of a ’forties mobster movie.
He’s handsome, despite being at least three decades older than me, and when he smiles, two dimples appear on either side of his full mouth.
“Hi.” I glance between them. “Can I help you?”
“Mr. Morris needs help looking through some books in the alchemy section,” Blossom explains. “He’s writing an article on ancient magic.”
I plaster on my best smile. “I can certainly help with that. Hi, I’m Paige, one of the librarians.” He takes my outstretched hand.
“Morris, please,” he says. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Paige.”
“Likewise.”
“Great.” Blossom claps her hands together. “I’m off to do my rounds. You’re in good hands, Mr. Morris.”
“I can see that.” He reaches up and removes his hat, exposing a head full of dark hair.
“The alchemy section is this way.” I begin walking, and he falls into step beside me.
“Are you all right?”
His question startles me, and I duck my head as I realize he’s noticed my limp. My hip hasn’t stopped throbbing since I woke, though I’ve done my best to hide it in front of the others. “I’m fine. Just a nasty spill. Clumsy of me, really.”
“Ah.”
“So, you’re writing an article?” I ask as we head for the stairs in the back.
“Yes, I’m interested in the ancient ways alchemy was used to enhance the abilities of powerful witches and warlocks.”
