Page 45 of Dragon Unleashed
“Sounds intriguing.”
“Quite fascinating,” he agrees.
“What publication are you writing it for? Maybe I know it.”
He hesitates for a quick beat and then admits, “For now, this is a personal project. Back in my home world, magic has been in the open for quite some time. Nearly all humans have otherworldly abilities though the ancient way has been lost for quite some time. It is my intent to bring light to the way of our ancestors once again.”
“A noble quest.”
He beams at me, showing straight white teeth and those damned dimples again. “I believe so as well.”
At the back of the library, I opt for the lift instead of the stairs. It’s creaky as hell and sometimes makes me wonder if I’m about to plummet to my death, but it’s a hell of a lot less painful for my battered hip.
I step into the vintage elevator then wait for Morris to join me before closing and latching the ornate iron gate. After pressing theupbutton, I wait for the grinding of gears as the elevator climbs to the second level.
When it comes to a stop, I open the grate and step off—my foot landing nearly right on top of Ted as he zips by in a clear hurry.
“Watch it!” he screeches, nothing more than a blur of blond hair and black, tactical clothing.
“You watch it,” I reply, startled and then annoyed.
He stops and looks up, huffing at my tone. “We’re working.”
“So am I,” I counter. “And you’re right underfoot.”
The gnome glares at me then straightens his black beanie and moves on his way.
“That is an interesting creature,” Morris comments.
“Yes. And they know it, which makes them quite arrogant, too. Right this way.” I gesture toward a cabinet off to the left. “All of the books are on alphabetized cards. You can find them by looking up their shelf and reference number.” To demonstrate, I open one of the drawers and reach in for the first card I see. “Both are listed right here at the bottom of each card.”
He studies then nods. “Easy enough. Will you be staying up here?”
“Yes. Unfortunately, the alchemy section requires a keeper escort at all times.”
There’s that charming smile again. “Great. I was hoping you’d be around to keep me company.”
My own enthusiasm at babysitting a library guest doesn’t quite match his, but at least I’m not alone, and I did promise Aries I’d make sure of that.
“I’ve lived hereat the library all my life, and while I’m not technically a full keeper yet, I will be at the end of the month.”If no one discovers the dragon in my apartment.
“Must have been an exciting childhood. To grow up in a place filled with such knowledge.”
“It really was.”
He plucks out a card, holding it up. “Lucky number one,” he says and then begins walking through the stacks in search of the book he’s chosen.
I follow, doing my duty as keeper-in-training and making sure he stays away from the restricted section and takes no pictures of the pages. Though, given that it appears he’s from an era before camera phones were a thing, I don’t think I need to worry about that.
People come here from parallel timelines nearly as often as they arrive from places that are nothing like ours. Creatures, warlocks, witches…I’ve seen it all.
Well, I haven’tseenit all. Not with my own two eyes. One day, maybe I’d take a portal to one of those places and never come back. Spend my life exploring far-off worlds rather than simply reading about them. I nearly snort at the thought of what Hoc would say if I told him I wanted to give up being a keeper and just portal jump from world to world instead.
What would Aries say?
As soon as I think it, I dismiss the thought. Even if he didn’t think I was crazy, it’s not like he could invite me home for a visit during my travels. He needs a mate. Someone to help him rule a kingdom. Someone that is absolutely not me.
Instead, I remain dutifully among the shelves, assisting Morris in his own endeavors--and putting my own dreams aside.
