LEYAH V

With a sigh, she dropped the book onto the desk; thoroughly put off from Robert's ever mounting paranoia.

The man was every scientist's role model, afterall there was none who could claim to have designed a weapon so incredibly powerful that it could revolutionize warfare for millennia to come. A weapon that saw use, even in this age of Interstellar warfare.

Yet, it seemed, the man's nonchalant and intelligent persona was just that: a persona, a mask; from within, Doctor Robert was nothing more than an exceptionally disturbed man, seeing enemies where there were none and seeing allies in individuals who were little better than devils. Had, she been in The Eternal Queen's place, she would have had Robert sent to a correctional facility. The man would have certainly benefited from it.

Nevertheless, whatever be his shortcomings as a person; they were all overshadowed by his achievements. Hell, she was sure that few even bothered to research this deep into him. She hadn't, and she was a self-proclaimed expert of history, for the Goddess’s sake. If, she had never wandered across this book, she would have remained blissfully unaware of the man's inner workings. Mayhaps, it would have been for the better.

The journal has shattered many of her childhood fantasies. Some, that she would have preferred to have remained intact.

Additionally, the less said about his fear of Queen Lilac The Eternal, the better. Although, that might have been due to him being a mortal and her being a Goddess. Mayhaps, it was due to something else. Something less mythological. Who knows?

Leyah shook her head, I am way too exhausted to debate over this. Besides, who gives a fuck about Robert and his paranoia. I have much-much better things to mull over, with that thought, she stretched with a yawn. An unknown part of her mind whispered to her, sweetly, alluringly, seductively. It reminded her of the book, of pursuing Charles Arvell’s story, of seeing the conclusion of his and Elena's fate.

She pushed the whispers down. Deeper than her deepest secrets.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud and sharp noise echoing through the halls.

A bell? She had been unaware that the library even had one; not an entirely outrageous assumption, considering that the library was meant only for authorized personnel. Authorized personnel, in this case, being her and only her. And maybe, although it was way too far-fetched, her guests as well.

She would have to test it sometime. A date with Fredrick in the library does not sound too bad. It sounds like a dream, if she was being honest. Enjoying the company of her favorite person while walking in her favorite place? What could be better than that? Not to mention, it would be their first date as an engaged couple. Ohh~, it still feels like a dream that she's going to be married to him. The ring on her finger, however, proves it wrong. It is real and definitely, not a dream.

The bell’s ringing pierced the quiet tranquility of the library anew. She snapped out of her daydreaming. No matter how sweet and pleasant, ignoring a potentially important visitor would do her no good. Clearing her head, she sauntered towards the door.

The door opened and she froze in shock. Her body moved back and gave a salute by instinct. Leyah appeared like the model example of military discipline. However, her mind was in chaos, a stark contrast to her calm exterior.

Why in the Goddess's name, are they here?! Have I done something wrong?! She panicked mentally as her brain failed to provide her with an answer to her questions.

The source of her panic were 3 individuals, wearing black trench coats with blood red linings, grayish-black military pants and black military boots. They wore purple armbands– a uniform standard in all branches of the military. However, what set them apart from any, within the military command structure were their caps. They were standard officer caps with a golden snarling wolf; the sign of the Inquisition.

“Signora Engel?” The man standing in front of her spoke. He was different from the duo. He had a red shoulder cape fluttering about in the air. He was the leader of the squad, she noted.

The man raised an eyebrow in anticipation of her response. She cut her observations of the trio short and responded, “Yes, I am Leyah Engel. May I, inquire as to who is asking?”

The man nodded, “Certainly, Signora Engel. I am Inquisitor Leonardo. Standing to my right is Apprentice Inquisitor Barberry,” Leyah looked at her with a polite smile and was rewarded with a bright grin and an enthusiastic wave. She, somehow doubted that Barberry’s bubbly nature was much too appreciated in the Inquisition.

The man standing to Inquisitor Leonardo’s left, cleared his throat lightly. Barberry's enthusiastic waving halted immediately. She pouted at the other man, looking heavily embarrassed and chastised. The man smirked at her, amusement twinkling in his blue eyes.

“Standing to my left is Inquisitor Alexander,” Alexander, unlike Barberry's enthusiastic greeting, offered her a crisp salute. Leyah mirrored his salute in response. Inquisitor Leonardo nodded in approval at his subordinates, it seemed that every commander had this inate ability of knowing exactly what their subordinates did. He continued, “We are a part of the Brabantia Chapter of the Inquisition.”

A trickle of sweat went down her forehead. She was in deep shit, deeper than even the riots of Calypso.

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Certainly, she was at the lowest of all her lows.

She could have eased herself, deluded herself, into thinking that the Inquisition might not be after her. But now? She was uncertain. There was no telling anymore, about what shall happen to her in the next hour. Best case, she remains alive. Worst case…. Death.

Hopefully, it doesn't come down to that. However, with the Brabantia Chapter being involved? Death might be a mercy.

She had seen and heard, mostly heard, of their brutality, their ferocity, their tactics. There was a reason that the rebellions and overall dissent amongst the population of Calypso had been snuffed out in 3 years. Additionally, their unwavering dedication, loyalty and devotion to the throne were non-pareil; there were enough examples of it in history, both ancient and recent.

The Inquisition of Brabantia was called the Queen's Wrath, for a reason afterall.

“May we be allowed to enter the library, Signora Engel?” Inquisitor Leonardo questioned politely.

She nodded, “Certainly.”

The trio walked leisurely yet with a certain purpose. Barberry appeared to have been as enamored with the library as Leyah had been. Her eyes wandering everywhere and anywhere. Alexander seemed to be taking in the library as well. Although, in a much more subdued manner than Barberry. Inquisitor Leonardo, however, remained steadfast, completely and utterly indifferent to the grand architectural beauty of the library. His gray eyes did not wander, not at all. They remained locked with hers.

Her palms were sweating due to her nervousness and fear. His gray eyes were unsettling to her. Much too unsettling. Mayhaps, this is how Robert felt in Queen Lilac's presence. As if your very life is hanging on by a very thin thread. Any wrong moves, any unacceptable answer and your life is forfeit.

Their impromptu staredown ended with her breaking eye contact. A small smirk appeared on the Inquisitor’s face. At least, one of them found humor in this interaction.

“You have been deployed here, quite recently, haven't you?” Inquisitor Leonardo questioned her. That smug smirk being wiped off his face in favor of utter seriousness.

“Yes, just one and a half months ago.” She responded. His question had given her hope. Mayhaps, this was a routine visit to the library? To check on the well being of this treasure trove of knowledge? It would not be entirely implausible.

Leonardo hummed at her response. Instead of continuing the conversation, he let his eyes wander across the library. They wandered, not in awe but critically. Like an artist critiquing another's handiwork. As if, he was looking for something. Perhaps, she was right afterall. It was nothing more than a routine checkup. However, a large part of her was still suspicious and thus, questioned:

“May I, inquire as to why the Inquisition has paid this library, a visitation?”

Leonardo’s eyes snapped to her. He stared at her, making her jittery. He continued to stare for a little while longer before speaking, “Normally, it would not be us of the Brabantia Chapter doing this visitation. Instead, it would have been another Chapter. However, we have come to learn of some facts regarding the library that were deemed too important to be allowed to go unquestioned.”

“I do not understand? What facts? As per my knowledge, there has been no such incident to warrant an investigation,”

“The Anchor, Signora Engel.” At his words, Leyah froze. Although it was for but a passing moment. It was a fatal slip up but, luckily, one which he failed to notice. Or, that is how it appeared to her.

“The Anchor?” She questioned.

“Yes, Signora. The Anchor. The book written by Charles Arvell, detailing his life or in more simpler terms, his autobiography. I am certain that you must have, heard of it,”

“I have, yes. But, I struggle to understand, how is it of any importance regarding your visit?”

“We have reason to believe that this very library has the actual handwritten book,”

“Oh?” She feigned surprise.

“Yes, and I have reason to believe that it is currently in your possession. Am I correct?” Leyah was confused. How did he know about the book being in her possession? Only Fredrick knew of it.

She doubted that he was their source. It must have been someone else. Perhaps, a spy? It would make sense for the Inquisition to actively tail the library's Custodian. She did, after all, have highly confidential pieces of history at her fingertips.

Nevertheless, she was not going to hand over the book to the man and even if she did want to, she could not. She simply did not have the book, any longer. The book seemed to have a mind of its own, afterall.

“I am afraid, but you are incorrect. I have no such book in my possession and never did,”

Inquisitor Leonardo raised an eyebrow, “Are you sure, Signora Engel?”

“As sure as I could be, Inquisitor.” She stared back at him, holding his sharp gaze without flinching.

Their staredown went for, what seemed to be hours but must have been, barely even a minute. Unlike before, he was the one to break eye contact.

He sighed in resignation and spoke, “Very well, Signora Engel. I shall believe you, this once. I wish you well in your term as the custodian. The Goddess rain her blessings upon you,”

“And, upon you as well, Inquisitor Leonardo.”

The man bowed and with a flourish of his cape, walked out of the library; a gesture of his hand and the other two followed behind. Alexander merely saluted her before leaving while Barberry gave her an enthusiastic wave and an over-the-top salute as a farewell.

Leyah sighed in relief. She had been extremely worried initially but it seems that for now at least, there would be no further troubles.

She could feel a headache forming slowly.

She has been feeling down ever since that infernal book decided to vanish into thin air. It was like a permanent hangover with a healthy dose of a withdrawal as a side.

It was definitely due to the book. She was sure. Absolutely sure.

She sighed again. Fucking hell. The Inquisition just had to give me a scare, right as I was feeling relaxed, with that thought, Leyah shut the door and decided to retire back to her room. After the stress, she deserved some rest.

In her tiredness, she once more failed to notice the security cameras in the library following her………