What had I just seen? The man I saw flying through a building just over a day ago had come to me with answers and left me with even more questions.

But there’s no time to sit and wait for things to happen, if I want to fulfil this chance offer I should prepare myself to the fullest of my abilities before tomorrow.

As I walked back towards Caius's house, I couldn't help but mull over the proposition that had just been offered to me. It could be a chance for me to make some money and gain some valuable experience, but at what cost? I didn't even know what kind of work it would be, and what kind of object would I be looking for.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice Caius until he called out my name. "Eli! Where have you been all morning?"

I turned to see him walking and waving towards me, his easy smile on his face. "I went to the library," I replied, hoping he wouldn't press me for more information. I was planning on keeping the past few hours to myself.

Caius raised his eyebrows but didn't say anything else. "Well, come on then. Since you missed my delish breakfast, let's go back to my place for lunch. I made something I’m sure you’ll enjoy."

“I won’t pass down a free lunch. Just as long as it’s good,” I replied under my breath.

We both walked back to Caius’ worn place and were soon sitting down at the kitchen table ready to eat. Caius served up a dish of pasta which smelt rather good. I never used to have hearty lunches like this back home, I would usually have pre-made meals done for me so I could take them to school.

I dug in, relishing the warm and hearty flavours, but kept my responses to Caius's attempts at small talk to a minimum. I had a lot to think about, and I didn't want to get sidetracked by idle chatter.

After a few more bites, Caius started talking still with food in his mouth. "So, what did you find at the library today? Anything interesting?"

I sighed inwardly. Caius was always so eager to make conversation, even when I wasn't in the mood for it. "Just some books on history and magic, nothing special," I replied shortly.

Caius nodded, not deterred by my lack of enthusiasm. "Magic, huh? You know that stuff is banned right?"

I rolled my eyes. “I can still learn about it can’t I?”

“That's the right attitude,” Caius replied. “You never know when it might come in handy to know a thing or two.”

He didn’t look that impressed at the mention of magic, nor was he acting like his bubbly self. Was there something he held against magic? I mean, it is a crime but what could cause it to be this way? Wouldn’t people try and adapt to it and use it to prosper?

As I was finishing my meal, I decided to accept the job offer from D. It was a risk, but one that could pay off in the long run if I stuck to it.

Caius continued to chat away but stuck in my thoughts I blocked him out, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of preparations I could make before tomorrow. D had mentioned that I would be capable enough, but I didn't want to be caught off guard seeing as I still had doubts about him knowing me.

Eventually, I gave up and decided to wait until tomorrow. I would just have to trust that I could handle whatever came my way and be able to adapt.

Caius interrupted my thoughts, "Hey, I'm planning on hanging out with Fleur later, grabbing dinner at the bar. You want to come along?"

I hesitated. Fleur was at least not as annoying as Caius, but I didn't really feel like socializing today. With my own things to focus on I had no need for others, let alone allow them to get in my way. "No thanks," I replied. "I think I'm just going to read at the library again and rest up for tomorrow."

“So you’ve got plans tomorrow then I take it?”

“Yup, I’m going to actually look for a job. I can’t freeload off your ass forever,” I replied as I got up to leave.

Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

Caius chuckled. "Good for you. Don't forget to stop by the marketplace too, you never know what you might find. I bet many people are looking for someone to hire around there."

I nodded in jest before bidding Caius farewell and stepping out into the street. The air was crisp and the sun was still high. I made my way over to the library, feeling the weight of the job offer still heavy on my mind.

As I pushed through the doors of the library, I was greeted with that already familiar atmosphere. The quiet flip from the pages of books and the occasional hushed whispers of patrons filled the air. I made my way to the stairs leading up to the second floor, hoping for some peace.

Just as I was about to climb the stairs, I spotted Fleur at the counter talking to the librarian with the thin-framed glasses. I tried to slip past her unnoticed, but unfortunately, she spotted me walking by.

"Elias,” she asked, a smile on her face. “What are you doing here?"

I inwardly groaned, not really in the mood for small talk. "Just studying, not a problem is it?" I replied shortly, hoping she would take the hint and let me be.

But Fleur wasn't deterred. "Studying what? Anything interesting?"

I sighed, realizing she wasn't going to leave me alone just yet. "Just some history stuff. Nothing too fascinating," I said, hoping that would satisfy her curiosity.

“No no, it’s quite cool. Caius did say you were a smart one. You gonna hang out tonight? Caius and I are getting dinner at the bar later.”

“I’ll probably just get something on the way home later, you guys have fun without me.”

“Oh, well then you can join us afterwards at Cai’s for drinks then instead?”

“I mean, I’m staying at his at the moment so-”

“Perfect!” she said rather loudly cutting me off. A few people were busy reading looking up to see what the noise was. “I’ll be seeing you later then.”

She patted me on the shoulder as she walked on by, leaving me to finally go and read in peace.

I made my way up to the second floor and found a quiet corner beside the window overlooking the town centre to read. The same seat as the other day. Hours passed by, and I found myself lost in the pages of the book. As I closed the book, I realized I had lost track of time and the library was about to close.

Walking back down the stairs I approached the librarian with the thin-framed glasses and asked her if I could take one of the books I was reading out so I could read it at home.

"Sure thing, just let me check it out for you," she replied before writing down my the book’s information and my own into a large book. "Thank you, Elias. Enjoy the rest of your evening."

I nodded my thanks before heading out into the chilly evening air. Along the way back to managed to pick up something for dinner from one of the shops that were still open late, then got a carriage that was still going late.

As I approached Caius's house, I could hear laughter and chatter coming from inside. I sighed, knowing that Caius and Fleur were likely drinking the night away.

Sure enough, when I entered the house, I found them sitting at the kitchen table with glasses in their hands.

"Hey man, you're just in time," Caius said, gesturing for me to join them. He already looked like he had too much to drink. "I opened some of the good stuff just for you."

I frowned, walking past the table. "Don't you guys have anything better to do than drink and chat?"

Fleur rolled her intoxicated eyes. "Relax, Elias. We're just having a good time. Didn’t you say you’d join us earlier?”

“What’s the harm?" Caius chuckled.

I shook my head, feeling irritated. "I just don't see the point in wasting time like this. There are so many more productive things you could be doing."

Fleur shrugged. "Sometimes it's nice to just hang out and enjoy each other's company. We don't always have to be working or studying."

“Yeah, but you’re not going to get anywhere with an attitude like that,” I grumbled as I walked up the stairs to my room, book in hand.

They continued to chat away over their drinks as I closed the door to my room and sat down on the edge of my bed.

I couldn't shake off my annoyance, feeling like they were wasting their time while I had been reading for hours at the library.

I read for a while longer, the words blurring together as my mind wandered. It was a little later when I heard their laughter finally die down. I sighed, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. It was very late, and I needed to get some sleep.

I was just drifting off to sleep when I heard Caius and Fleur's voices from downstairs.

"Aww," she said, her words slightly slurred from the alcohol. "Elias didn't even say goodnight."

"Don't worry about him, I bet he’ll come around at some point."

Eventually, I heard the front door close as Fleur left for the night. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and closed my eyes, grateful for the peace and quiet