The fox remained snug on my shoulder as I began emptying the desk, tossing various quills into the bag. They’d make good testers–small, fragile, and easy to check for damage. I picked up the coded journal, testing its weight in my palm. “I’ll keep this out here for now, just in case it can be damaged.”
That is wise. Better cautious than regretful, Time agreed. But our time is short. Gather what books you wish to keep so we may leave.
No argument there. Turning to the shelves, I started grabbing everything within reach–beautifully illustrated volumes adorned with flowers or knights, plain leather-bound journals resembling the one from the desk, and untitled tomes that practically begged to be read. I didn’t waste time examining each one; we couldn’t linger here long, and if I wanted to keep them, I needed to act now.
The sheer amount of books was staggering, but I moved with determination, clearing shelf after shelf.
By the time I’d taken everything I could reach, the bag felt no heavier, but the sky outside had dimmed significantly. Night was falling, and it wouldn’t be long before someone discovered Silas’s body. As much as I hated leaving any books behind, the mission came first.
I glanced longingly at the upper shelves, so far out of reach. “So many books I have to leave behind.” Hopefully, this wasn’t the kind of country that would burn them. If I found out later that these were reduced to ashes, I would cry.
Time’s tone was understanding, free of mockery. I understand your reluctance, but there will be other books.
“Yeah, but there’s something deeply satisfying about looting Silas’s personal library.” I sighed wistfully. “If only I had a ladder or something!”
Silas had likely used a levitation spell to access the higher shelves, but I had no such thing in my arsenal.
My new foxy friend tilted its head, curiosity glinting in its eyes as it glanced between me and the untouched books. When it didn’t break its stare, I rubbed the back of my head and laughed. “Sorry, little guy. I know you probably don’t understand what the big deal is. These are Silas’s personal books. His treasures. Some might be one-of-a-kind, priceless even. I just…wish I could reach the others.”
The fox’s gaze sharpened, and understanding flickered behind its glowing eyes. Before I could react, it leapt from my shoulder. “Wait!” I lunged, hands outstretched to catch it, worried it might hurt itself on the long drop to the floor. But instead of falling, it floated.
If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.
I froze, staring as it hovered several feet above me, the rings around its body glowing a soft blue that matched its eyes. Through my shock, I managed to choke out, “That…is fucking cool.”
The fox puffed up, clearly pleased with the praise. It turned to face the shelves, focusing on the books. The glow around its body intensified, but nothing happened at first. I frowned, unsure what it was trying to do.
Then, one by one, the books began to glow.
My jaw dropped as every single book on the upper shelves lifted in perfect unison, floating gently down to the floor. Once they were settled, the light faded, and the fox drifted back onto my shoulder with a wide, lazy yawn.
Absently, I stroked its silky ears as awe coursed through me. “I don’t know what that was, but you’re going to be one badass little guy when you grow up.”
It puffed up again, though with noticeably less energy, before curling into my hood and promptly falling asleep.
I chuckled softly, letting it rest. It had damn well earned that nap, and thanks to it, I now had something else to occupy my focus. Turning back to the books now spread across the floor, I grinned and got to work with fervor. My foxy companion had given me a gift, and I wasn’t about to waste it by dragging my feet.
With renewed vigor, I carefully packed the remaining books into the bag. Eyeing Silas’s journal again, I reached into the bag and pictured one of the quills. A tingle swept over my fingers before the quill settled in my palm. Removing it, I checked for any damages, smiling when there were none.
Good, that meant it should be safe to put his journal in.
Setting his journal inside, I absentmindedly swiped the inkwells too, putting them in just as the last rays of sunlight disappeared through the window.
“All right, time to meet up with Dominicus and update him. He’ll probably want to head straight for that city.” Convincing him to stop by Silas’s personal armory first would likely be easy, though.
Just as I turned to leave, the door handle rattled. My heart shot into my throat.
Shit.
How was this going to look to some random guard? Silas’s entire library stripped bare? It would throw the castle into chaos even if the body hadn’t been discovered yet.
I cursed under my breath and tensed, ready to spring on whoever entered and stop them from raising the alarm. The door creaked open, and I surged forward–
“Nikolas, stop!”
Dominicus’s voice sliced through the tension like a blade. I froze, my fist hovering inches from a very familiar face.
Maya’s father stood there, staring at me with gobsmacked disbelief. Embarrassment flooded my cheeks as I let my fist drop.
“Well,” I muttered, awkwardly clearing my throat. “As far as first impressions go, that was…not great. But it could’ve been worse.”