Nyssa's Point of View

Epilogue

A few months had passed, but the magic of that festival was still going strong. Not the actual magic the story gods had blessed us with, but the magic of people gathering to show their support and love for the library. People visited daily, browsing the shelves and checking out their favorite books.

It was like that wild magic storm had never hit the library and we'd never closed our doors.

Kids were huddled up in the new children's section anxiously awaiting story time with the knights, who always went all out when they told a story. Fans crowded around the demon lord, no matter how much he tried to shoo them away. A group of teens was asking Lisa for romance recommendations.

All in all, the library felt healthy and full again. Everything felt exactly like I remembered, but better. Because the library was my home now, and the home to so many other amazing people.

Cerbie bounded through the stacks, chasing a ball Roan was not supposed to be throwing inside. He smiled sheepishly at me as he bent down to pet the lovable dog.

"Sorry," he said, "he just really wanted to play."

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"Yeah, yeah," I said with a laugh, "I think it's you who wants to play."

"Me? Never, I'm a grown adult. A famous adventurer!"

"And a big softie for puppy dog eyes." I nudged his shoulder, smiling at him. "Why don't we go read for a bit? Recharge the library?"

He nodded, motioning for Cerbie to follow us. "Come on, boy, we're going to go read for a bit."

Cerbie raced him to the great book tree, curling up in the exact spot we always chose to read. I grabbed a couple books Roan had mentioned wanting to read as he stopped by Mochi for two mugs of steaming hot cocoa.

We snuggled up beneath the book tree, cocoas in one hand and books in the other. This was how I wanted to spend my days, with him by my side surrounded by books.

He draped a blanket over my legs, leaning down to kiss me softly. His eyes sparkled as he gazed at me. "You really are amazing, you know that, right? Look what you've accomplished in just a few months."

"What we've accomplished," I said, leaning up to kiss him again before he pulled away. "You changed my life that day you came to our book sale."

"Money well spent," he said, snuggling closer to me. "I'd buy every book in the world if it meant you'd smile like you are right now."

A blush burned across my cheeks as I took a sip of cocoa to hide it. "You don't need to buy anything, just...be here."

"Always," he whispered before cracking open a book. "Ohhh, this looks like a good one. Thanks."

I nodded as Cerbie settled next to Roan, resting his heads on our legs. This was everything I'd ever wanted and more.

This was my happily ever after.