As I stepped into the grand library, the air enveloped me like a warm, velvety cloak, rich with the scent of old parchment and the faint tang of leather bindings. The room seemed to stretch on forever, a labyrinth of towering shelves that reached towards the vaulted ceiling like sentinels guarding ancient secrets. The soft glow of lanterns cast a golden light upon the rows of books, casting long shadows that danced across the floor like dark, ethereal fingers. I wandered deeper into the library, my footsteps echoing off the stone walls as I trailed my fingers over the spines of the books. The shelves seemed to whisper secrets to me, the titles and authors etched in elegant script, each one a promise of adventure and discovery. Tomes bound in supple leather and adorned with intricate gold filigree sat alongside worn, dog-eared volumes, their pages yellowed with age. The air was alive with the whispers of forgotten knowledge, the musty scent of aged paper and the faint hint of smoke from long-extinguished candles. I stumbled upon a cozy sitting area that seemed to beckon me closer. The plush armchairs, upholstered in a rich, velvety fabric, were arranged in a inviting circle, surrounded by towering shelves that seemed to lean in. I spotted a splash of strawberry blonde hair peeking out from between the piles of books that surrounded the chairs. Sorelle's head popped up, her bright smile illuminating the room like a ray of sunshine. Her eyes sparkled with warmth as she caught sight of me, and she launched herself out of her chair, books tumbling to the floor as she flung her arms around me in a tight, signature hug.

"Ace, you made it!" she exclaimed, her whispery voice like music, as she squeezed me tight. I felt a sense of comfort wash over me, as I wrapped my arms around her. As we pulled back, Sorelle's eyes shone with excitement as she began to rummage through the piles of books that surrounded us.

"I've been studying the human lands," she said, her voice barely containing her enthusiasm, "and I found the most fascinating texts. Come see!"

She pulled out a leather-bound tome, adorned with intricate gold filigree, and began to flip through its yellowed pages, pointing out passages and illustrations with a eager finger. I settled in beside her, feeling the softness of the armchair envelop me, as I listened, entranced, to her words, the world outside receding as we delved deeper into Sorelle’s world. As I delved deeper into the stacks of books that surrounded Sorelle, I stumbled upon a revelation that left me breathless. Sorelle had been hired by none other than Queen Amani, Thadeus' mother, to pen the newest additions to the esteemed textbooks about the human lands. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized the weight of this task, the gravity of which was not lost on me. But what truly left me in awe was the fact that Sorelle, with her Svadhi heritage, possessed creation powers that rivaled the gods. Her words, I realized, were not just mere scribbles on parchment, but living, breathing entities that seemed to pulse with a power all their own. As I read through her work, I was struck by the vividness of her descriptions, the way she wove words into tapestries that seemed to transport me to the very heart of the human lands. Her writing was exquisite, a masterful blend of fact and fiction that seemed to dance across the page. I felt myself becoming lost in the world she created, the characters and landscapes springing to life before my eyes like living, breathing things. In that moment, I knew that Sorelle was more than just a scholar, she was a weaver of worlds, a sorceress of the written word. And I was humbled by her talent, felt grateful to be in her presence. As I read on, I felt my admiration for Sorelle grow. She was a true artist, a master of her craft. And I knew, in that moment, that I would do anything to help her, to support her in her endeavors. But as I looked up, I saw Sorelle watching me, a knowing glint in her eye. She knew, I realized, that I had discovered her secret, the true extent of her power. And in that moment, I felt a sense of connection, a sense of understanding that went beyond words.

"You're a true artist, Sorelle."

Sorelle's smile was like a sunrise, warm and radiant. "Thank you, I try my best."

I laughed, feeling a sense of wonder at the world she had created. "You're more than just a scholar, Sorelle. You're a weaver of worlds."

Sorelle's eyes sparkled with amusement, but I could see the hint of a blush rising to her cheeks. "I just try to tell the stories that need to be told."

But I knew better. I knew that Sorelle was more than just a storyteller. She was a creator, a goddess of the written word. And I was honored to be in her presence. As I delved deeper into the stacks of books that Sorelle had so meticulously curated, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment wash over me. Despite Sorelle's incredible talent for words, despite the wealth of knowledge that seemed to leap off the pages, none of the literature seemed to stir any memories within me. It was as if I was reading about the human lands for the first time, the words and stories failing to resonate with any deep-seated familiarity. I felt a pang of frustration, a sense of disconnection from the world that Sorelle's words so vividly described. I had hoped, foolishly perhaps, that the stories and histories would somehow unlock a door in my mind, that the memories would come flooding back like a dam breaking. But as I turned the pages, my mind remained stubbornly blank, the words and images failing to spark any recollection.

Sorelle's eyes met mine, her expression a mixture of concern and curiosity. "Ace, is everything okay?" she asked, her voice soft. "You seem a bit... distant."

I forced a smile, not wanting to worry her. "I'm fine," I lied. "Just a bit... overwhelmed, I think. There's so much to take in."

But Sorelle's gaze lingered, her eyes searching mine as if seeking out the truth. I knew she didn't believe me, that she sensed the disappointment and frustration that simmered beneath my surface. But she said nothing, simply nodded and returned to her notes, her pen scratching across the page with a soft, soothing sound. As I continued to read, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was missing something, that there was a piece of myself that was hidden, just out of reach. The literature was like a puzzle, each piece carefully crafted and placed, but somehow, it didn't quite fit together for me. The stories, the histories, the cultures... it was all so foreign, so alien. And I couldn't help but wonder, was I truly a part of this world, or was I just a stranger, lost in a land that wasn't my own? I slammed the book shut, the thud echoing through the quiet library like a declaration of my frustration.

Sorelle's eyes met mine, her expression a mixture of concern and curiosity. "Ace, what's wrong?"

I sighed, feeling a weight settle upon my shoulders. "I just... I don't remember anything," I admitted, the words feeling like a confession. "I read all these stories, all these histories, and it's like I'm learning about it all for the first time. There's nothing... familiar."

Sorelle's gaze was understanding, her eyes filled with empathy. "You don’t remember anything at all from your life before the bridge?"

I hesitated, unsure of how to share the fragments of memories that had returned to me. But something about Sorelle's kind expression put me at ease, and I found myself opening up to her. "I remember some things, it was during the Frygt... I was so scared, and suddenly, memories came flooding back. But they're hazy, Sorelle. I don't know what's real and what's not."

Sorelle's eyes never left mine, her expression a mask of calm. "What do you remember?"

I took a deep breath, the memories swirling in my mind like a maelstrom. "I remember... a face, a blurry face," I said, the words feeling like a betrayal. "A face, and a feeling... a feeling of love. But it's not clear. I don't know who it is, or what it means."

Sorelle's expression was understanding, but I could see the hint of surprise in her eyes. I felt a pang of guilt, a sense of disloyalty to the unknown lover whose face haunted my memories. "But then there’s Lennon," I admitted, the word feeling like a confession. "I have feelings for him. I think I might even love him. But what if... what if I had a lover waiting for me in Sohume? What if I had a family?"

Sorelle's expression was calm, her eyes filled with reassurance. "Ace, if you've had some memories come back, that means they're not fully gone," she said, her voice gentle. "If you did have a lover, and if Lennon loves you too, whatever happens, they’ll understand. Be gentle with yourself, and hopefully, more memories will return soon."

Her words were a relief. I hadn’t realized how guilty the memory of a possible lover made me feel. I felt a sense of hope, a sense of possibility. Maybe, eventually, I could uncover the truth about my past, about the life I'd left behind.

Sorelle smiled, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. "Keep coming to the library, Ace. Keep reading about Norhume and Sohume. Maybe it'll help trigger more memories eventually."

I nodded, feeling a sense of determination. I would uncover the truth, no matter what it took. I stuck my hands in my pockets, feeling the familiar weight of the book of runes that I had been gifted from the Temple of Truth. I pulled it out, hoping that Sorelle might have some answers as to why it had been given to me. But as I showed it to her, her expression faltered, and she looked at me with a puzzled gaze.

"I... I don't see anything," she said, her voice hesitant.

I felt a jolt of surprise, my eyes scanning the book as if to confirm that it was indeed there. But to Sorelle, it seemed, I was holding nothing more than thin air.

"That's odd," she said, her brow furrowed in concern. "I've never seen anything like that before. Or, not seen, rather. An invisible book, fascinating!"

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I felt a sense of unease, wondering if I was going crazy. But then Sorelle's expression cleared, and she offered a speculative explanation.

"Maybe it's because I've never had a rune tattoo," she said. "Maybe that's why I can't see it."

I nodded, feeling a sense of understanding. It made sense, I supposed. But it didn't explain why I had been given the book in the first place.

I took a deep breath, deciding to confide in Sorelle. "Lennon's stuck in Visu. He can't get out until he can get rid of his runes."

Sorelle's expression turned sympathetic, and she reached out to place a hand on my arm. "I'm so sorry, Ace. I wish we could help him, I miss Lennon!"

I felt a surge of emotion, my heart aching for Lennon. "I want to help him," I said, my voice cracking. "I want to help him get out of there, I just don’t even know where to begin."

"Maybe the book can help you," she said. "Maybe there's a message in the runes that can help you unlock the secrets of Visu. You could look over Lennon’s runes and jot them down. Maybe there’s a message in the runes."

I felt a spark of hope, and I nodded, determination rising up within me. "Sorelle you’re a genius! I was so caught up in saying goodbye to him, I didn’t even think to write down his runes" she said.

I felt a sense of gratitude towards her, and I smiled, feeling a sense of hope that I hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, we could uncover the secrets of Visu, and help Lennon escape The Dread.

Sorelle's eyes sparkled with amusement as she gazed across the library, her nose twitching slightly. "Thadeus and Zane just got here."

I raised an eyebrow, my eyes scanning the room for any sign of the two Sidhe. "How do you know that?"

Sorelle's smile was mischievous. "I caught their scents," she said, her voice matter-of-fact.

And before I could ask any more questions, Thadeus and Zane appeared at our side, lunch in hand. Thadeus, ever the showman, got down on one knee, presenting Sorelle's lunch to her with a theatrically dramatic flourish. Sorelle giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement, as she accepted the offering. Zane, on the other hand, gave me a soft smile as he handed me my lunch, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he chuckled at Thadeus' antics. I felt a flutter in my chest as our hands touched, the warmth of his skin sending a shiver down my spine.

I smiled up at him, feeling a sense of gratitude for the simple gesture. "Thanks."

Thadeus, meanwhile, was still on one knee, gazing up at Sorelle with an adoring expression. "My lady, I present to you... a humble sandwich," he said, his voice dripping with drama.

Sorelle laughed, her eyes shining with amusement, as she accepted the sandwich. "Thank you, kind sir,"

As Thadeus and Sorelle sat together, their heads bent in conversation, Zane sat beside me, his eyes scanning the books that lay scattered across the table. He picked up one of the tomes, his fingers tracing the intricate title etched into the cover: ‘Sohume.’

"Do you remember anything about your past?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.

I shook my head, feeling a pang of frustration. "The memories are few and far between. And they're very hazy. "

Zane's expression was empathetic, his eyes filled with understanding. He nodded, his gaze never leaving mine. "I'm sorry," he said. "It must be difficult for you."

Then, his eyes landed on the book of runes that lay on the table. "What's this?" he asked, his curiosity evident.

I felt a jolt of excitement. "You can see it?" I asked, my eyes wide with surprise.

Zane seemed confused, his brow furrowed in puzzlement. "Of course I can see it, what do you mean?"

I turned to Sorelle, my excitement growing. "Sorelle, he can see the book!"

Sorelle's eyes snapped to Zane, her expression surprised. "Thadeus, can you see it?" she asked.

Thadeus shook his head, his expression puzzled. "No, I don't see anything."

I turned back to Zane, my eyes locked on his. "Have you ever had a rune tattoo?"

Zane's expression turned ponderous, his eyes searching his mind. "Gods, if I have, it's been centuries. I've been to Visu and The Dread plenty of times, though."

I felt a spark of curiosity ignite within me. What did it mean that Zane could see the book of runes? And what did it mean that he had been to Visu so many times? I leaned forward, my eyes locked on his.

I explained the book's significance to Zane, my words spilling out in a rush. "It's a book of rune meanings, gifted to me by the Temple of Truth in The Dread."

Zane's eyes widened in surprise, and he reached out to take the book from me. His fingers brushed against mine, sending a shiver down my spine as he admired the ancient magic that flowed through the pages.

"I'm hoping to use it to get Lennon out of The Dread sooner," I said, my voice filled with determination.

Zane's expression shifted, his eyes clouding over with a solemn intensity. "Does Lennon want to leave The Dread?" he asked, his voice low and measured. "Didn't he deny the throne and move there voluntarily?"

"He did, but that was a long time ago, he's ready to leave The Dread behind now."

Zane's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he asked his next question. "And is it... because of you?" he asked, his voice hesitant. "Is Lennon wanting to leave The Dread to be with you?"

Sorelle and Thadeus shared a knowing look. My heart skipped a beat as I met Zane's gaze, feeling a flutter in my chest. There was something endearing about the way he chose his words carefully, as if he was tiptoeing around a delicate subject.

I took a deep breath, my voice filled with emotion. "That's what I'm hoping for."

His lips tightened and he nodded, but his expression became unreadable. Then his voice lowered. “I see.”

I asked Zane, my curiosity getting the better of me, "Do you know Lennon well?"

Zane's expression turned thoughtful, and he nodded. "I work directly under his father, Their Majesty Cade. I don’t know Lennon super well... I mean, he's sort of a joke to Viya Valtareans."

I felt a spark of defensiveness ignite within me, but Zane continued, his voice dripping with disdain. "We were all in the war, we all struggled with the trauma. None of us had the resources Lennon had access to for help. He’s kind of considered a crybaby for running off to The Dread to escape his responsibilities."

I felt heat rise in my chest at the anger of Zane's judgments, my heart pounding in my chest. How dare he speak of Lennon like that?

But before I could defend him, Thadeus stepped in, his voice calm and measured. "Lennon is a good-hearted Sidhe, Zane. He was dealing with a lot more than just war trauma. You don't know the whole story."

Zane's expression faltered, and he realized he had said too much. He backtracked, his words spilling out in a rush. "I didn't mean to imply that Lennon is weak, it's just... he's not like the others. What he did is considered dishonorable to Valtareans."

Sorelle's eyes met mine, her gaze piercing as she raised an eyebrow. She could sense the turmoil brewing within me, the way my emotions were simmering just below the surface.

My voice turned low as I glared at Zane. “Well, he helped a nobody human like me for nothing in return. I’d say that’s pretty honorable of him.”

Zane chuckled. “From the looks of you both when you were saying goodbye, I wouldn’t assume he received nothing in return.”

My eyes flashed with anger at Zane's words, my jaw clenched in frustration. I could feel the heat rising to my face, my heart pounding in my chest. I was ready to defend, to lash out at Zane for his thoughtless words. I opened my mouth to speak, to unleash the torrent of emotions that had been building inside me.

But before I could say a word, Thadeus stood up, his tall frame towering over the table. "Well, we should be going," he said, his voice smooth and even. "We don't want to take up all of your studying time."

But it was clear that Thadeus wasn't just talking about leaving. He was talking about getting Zane out of there, about removing him from the situation before things escalated further. Thadeus's eyes locked onto Zane's, a silent command that brooked no argument. Zane's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in response. But he knew better than to defy Thadeus. With a curt nod, he stood up, his movements stiff and awkward. I felt a surge of gratitude towards Thadeus, towards his quick thinking and his willingness to defend me. I knew that he had saved me from saying something I might regret, from lashing out at Zane in anger. As Zane followed Thadeus out of the library, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. The tension in the air dissipated, leaving behind a sense of calm and quiet. I took a deep breath, feeling my emotions settle.

As the males left the library, Sorelle turned to me, her eyes flashing with indignation. "Gods, what's his problem?"

I shook my head, still feeling the sting of Zane's words. "He doesn't even know Lennon," I said, my voice bitter. "He has no idea about Sully and everything Lennon went through."

Sorelle nodded in agreement, her expression sympathetic. "It's not just Sully and the war that Lennon struggled with," she said, her voice softening. "Lennon's birth was a planned political move. He's the only heir to two thrones in all of Numariya, and he's been targeted his entire life for it."

I felt a surge of anger on Lennon's behalf, my heart aching for the pain and hardship he must have endured. Sorelle's words painted a vivid picture of a young Lennon, bullied and hated by the Sidhe for his supposed superiority.

Sorelle's eyes clouded over, her expression somber. "I grew up with Lennon, Svadhi is super close to Mula," she said, her voice filled with a deep understanding. "I saw how hard it was for him, growing up with that weight on his shoulders. He was always an outsider, even on his own land."

I felt a pang of understanding, a sense of why Lennon might have felt so drawn to me. "That's why he's so reclusive," She continued, her voice filled with compassion. "He's always felt like an outsider. But with you... maybe he feels like he's finally found someone who understands him."

I felt a lump form in my throat, my heart swelling with emotion. I knew that I had to be there for Lennon, to support him and help him through the darkness that had haunted him for so long.

I opened up to Sorelle, my words spilling out in a rush. "I can’t be away from him for two whole weeks," I said, my voice filled with longing. "I've only been away from him one night and my heart is already shattering. And now that I have a plan to decipher his runes, I just can't wait that long to see him."

Sorelle's eyes filled with empathy, her expression softening as she listened to my words. But suddenly, her gaze shifted, her eyes sparkling with a rebellious glint. "Then just go back there, Ace, fuck it! What's stopping you? Why does it have to be two weeks? Make it one week instead if it'll help you feel better."

Her words were a relief, a salve to my aching heart. She was right, I wasn't chained here, I had nothing to lose. I could go back to Lennon sooner, and if he was mad at me for it, then so be it. I'd take that risk, I'd face his anger, if it meant being with him again. A sense of determination rose up within me, my heart pounding with excitement. I'd do it, I'd go back to him sooner. I'd send for Ozzy in one week instead of two, and I'd return to Lennon's side, no matter what. Sorelle's words had given me the courage to take control of my own destiny, to follow my heart, no matter the cost. I felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Sorelle, my heart swelling with emotion. She had no idea how much she had helped me, in so many ways. Her words had been a balm to my aching soul, a reminder that I didn't have to be bound by the constraints of others.

"You're right," I said, my voice filled with determination. "I'll go back in a week, that's a lot easier to digest. "

I turned to Sorelle, my eyes locking onto hers. "Thank you, Sorelle, for everything. You have no idea how much you've helped me, how much you've given me the courage to do what I need to do."

Sorelle's eyes sparkled with understanding, her face breaking into a warm smile. "You're welcome, Ace. Just make sure you come back. I'm counting on you to be here, to save me from Thadeus. My sanity depends on it."