Viktor wasn’t sure what to expect, but no one treated them differently once they returned to the ranch. Nadia took this as a sign to snuggle close until they had to get breakfast, but Viktor couldn’t sleep. What we did was murder. No, worse, because those souls will never have a chance to move on. Why didn’t Death do anything? That was the perfect time to step in!

He tried to lose himself in his routine, but for the first time since, he became aware of it. The loop refused to interfere. Viktor still accomplished his tasks well enough, but his mind was always elsewhere. How long will it take before someone discovers the village? Will they come straight to Father Lena or take it up with some local guards?

He knew Father Lena would hear of it eventually. People don’t just drop dead without any wounds or warnings. But he couldn’t think of a way to explain what he and Nadia were doing that night. I could say we took a walk, but even I wouldn’t believe it. Viktor sighed, placing his shovel into a fresh pile of used hay as he wiped his brow.

“This is one of the dumbest things I’ve ever done,” he muttered as Nadia’s voice greeted him from the entrance.

“Do you always talk to yourself when you’re cleaning?”

Viktor forced himself to grin as he looked at her. “Only when I’m desperate. What are you doing out here? Did you get bored of reading when you’re supposed to be working?” Did Father Lena send her here? It wouldn’t have been the most shocking thing that happened, but Viktor was still relieved when Nadia giggled.

“Actually, I think I found something that can help us defeat Zum! Clean your shovel and meet in the library. You won’t want to miss it!”

Viktor stared at her in shock. “Are you serious?” She didn’t seem to care that much last night. Is this her way of comforting me?

Nadia darted forward and kissed his nose. “I’m always serious about these kinds of things, Viktor. And don’t worry, everyone knows you’re a hard worker. They won’t care if we get caught… You could say you want to practice proposing to me!”

“I could say lots of things,” Viktor joked as he looked at the rest of the stable. It could be cleaner, but he already knew he’d be back tomorrow. “I suppose a little break won’t hurt. Does Father Lena know?”

Nadia shrugged as she tugged his arm. “We don’t need to tell him every time we see each other, Viktor. Come with me. I can’t bring the book here. It’s locked up!”

“It’s what?”

Nadia nodded and began pulling harder. “That’s what I thought. Why bother locking up a book in a library? And it’s open to! I could see an illustration with the same kind of symbols Zum used to send me here. Come on, Viktor. You have to see this!”

Viktor didn’t remember washing his shovel, but he soon found himself in the library, staring at a glass case covering an open book on a pedestal. Why would Father Lena have something like this? The angle made it difficult for Viktor to see the binding, but despite Nadia’s words, it didn’t look dangerous.

He didn’t recognize the symbols or the writing, but it looked like a number of books, with a pale blue cover and pages turning a soft yellow at the edges. Nadia tapped the glass and looked at him, grinning like she used to whenever he praised her.

“See? This picture is definitely about the gate! Do you think Father Lena would open the case if I said it was to help with the organization?”

“No. Most people keep their most important books in cases like this. I doubt Father Lena will risk it getting damaged simply because you asked, Nadia.” And that will also expose us to risks we don’t need to take.

Nadia pouted and stared at the book. “What else can we do, then? Breaking the glass doesn’t sound like a good idea.”

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“No, it doesn’t,” Vikor agreed. At least she didn’t try that before… or did she? Viktor leaned closer to the glass and breathed a sigh of relief. “The glass and everything else connected to the book has some symbols carved into them. We shouldn’t try something so dangerous when we don’t need to… Especially when I can’t read the writing anyway. There’s no point in taking a book if we can’t understand it.”

Nadia nodded but didn’t look away from the book. “I was hoping you recognized the words. I’ve been looking for some books or scrolls with the same writing, but I haven’t seen any.”

Viktor patted her head and looked around the room. “How far have you gotten in your task? I see a lot of empty shelves around here but no piles like you used to make when we lived in Vern.”

“That’s because I just started this section. The books needed to be inspected for damage, so I haven’t had a chance to read them yet. That might get Father Lena to open the case, wouldn’t it? To check for damage?”

“It might…” But that doesn’t change the fact that neither of us can read it. “Are you the only one working in here today, Nadia?”

She shook her head. “I’m never the only one here. There are several small alcoves near the windows and corners that you can read books in. And there’s a separate room for the rest of Father Lena’s collection. I haven’t been inside it yet, though. And I’m sure that’s where the books are being inspected!” Nadia tapped her chin and grinned. “Shall we see if we can find the door? I’ll tell everyone I’m giving you a tour if we get caught!”

Viktor chuckled but shook his head. “We shouldn’t risk upsetting anyone right after… you know.”

Nadia tilted her head as her smile vanished. “Do you regret helping me?”

“Yes, but not because I don’t want you to live, Nadia.” He pointed at the picture and asked. “Are you sure these are the same symbols Zum used to send you here? We should try to be certain before anything else happens.”

Nadia crossed her arms over her chest and nodded. “They’re the same. My memories are better than yours, Viktor. I haven’t forgotten anything since I was created.”

That sounds… promising. “Did he say an incantation or do anything to suggest he was casting a spell?”

“He snapped his fingers, and the room was engulfed in a bright light. I don’t think trying to focus on how I got here is going to help, Viktor. I already told you how he plans on entering your world. Why are you asking me about this?”

Because that’s the only thing I’ve been doing since we started living with Father Lena. Viktor smiled and shrugged. “Because asking you is better than guessing at what that book means… You said you’ve been working on organizing the library since we arrived. What exactly do you do?”

Nadia frowned and led the way back toward the main room. Viktor hadn’t let himself appreciate it before, but the library was clearly important to Father Lena. It was divided into four rooms, with bookshelves and tables taking up most of the space. I can see why Nadia likes it in here. But how was this disorganized?

Nadia pointed to a shelf and smiled. “First, I took down all of the books from a bookcase, then I put them on a table. Father Lena said I could organize it any way I liked, so I cleaned the room from top to bottom before giving each volume the attention it deserved! That’s how I noticed some of the books needed to be repaired. It’s sad to see them fall apart with the lightest touch.”

“It is. Does that mean you haven’t been in that room before?”

“Not to clean, no. I followed Father Lena inside it once. But he didn’t have that book with him. We should ask around, Viktor. Any lead to Zum can only help us, right?”

“It should.” Unless this is some kind of trap. “Have you spoken about Zum to anyone?”

Nadia shook her head. “I’m not that foolish, Viktor. The only ones who know what he’s up to is us… Unless you wanted to get more people involved?”

“No, I’m just trying to figure out our next move.” I don’t want to just stand there and watch Nadia steal souls again. I promised I would help her, but what have I been doing? “Nadia?”

“Yes?”

“Give me a week to come up with something.”

She raised an eyebrow before slowly grinning. “You’re finally ready to move on your own?”

“I don’t know, but I’ve spent too long sitting on the sidelines.” Death said he would help, but he didn’t do anything when Nadia stole those souls. There’s something I’m missing, and I need to make a move before Nadia has to send Zum more souls. He looked at the door leading to the room with the locked book and sighed. “I have no idea if this is going to work.”

“Care to let me in?” Nadia gently caressed Viktor’s cheek as she shifted closer. “You know I won’t betray you. I love you!”

Viktor took her hand and kissed it with a smile. “I know. But I’m still working on the details. Let me try this my way and if it doesn’t work…” He shrugged and squeezed her hand. “I might be dead.”