“You can’t just steal my servant!” Dighit exclaims. His words bounce off the interior walls, irritating the library. She doesn’t like people yelling within her space. In that matter, she isn’t so different from a standard library.
“Actually, she can,” Ansel answers for me. I’m grateful for the backup because I wasn’t sure that I could. Relief finally relaxes my shoulders. Ansel eyes Avery and flashes me an approving look out of the corner of his eye. “The librarian has the supreme right to choose her guardians from any supernatural on the campus.”
Ah, so there are limitations. I take note of them, almost glad that I’d dragged Kodi along now. My next step will be getting him on board and hoping the library approves of him.
“That’s preposterous!” Dighit yells again. I flinch as the library’s dissatisfaction rises. “Avery has been mine since he reached maturity ten years ago.”
Anger rises in me, and I use my crutches to bring myself around the desk for the first time since Avery showed up. I sense his awareness shift as my position does, and he moves closer to me as I round the counter to stand before the two men. Avery is almost a foot taller than me, and I’m not a short woman. He can hear the strange noises my crutches make, but that’s not my immediate focus. I’m not sure what the library will do if she becomes angry. I’m tempted to see because I really don’t like this worm, but heading off an argument would be more honorable.
“I suggest you keep your voice down,” I say in my best librarian tone. “Firstly, Avery doesn’t belong to you. He has free will. Secondly, I’ve chosen Avery as my first guardian. He’s accepted.” I don’t say more, not wanting to accidentally lie since I don’t have all the information.
Dighit sneers at me, his eyes flickering dismissively up and down my form. He’s perfected the holier-than-thou sneer on his perfect face. “You are naïve and a poor caretaker for this library, regardless of your bloodline.”
Avery growls and steps forward, but I clutch his sleeve. A greater being craves this battle. I feel the surge of power within the center of the library. It comes straight from the cave where Duggar met me and I signed the book. The library’s pride does not allow for her choice to be insulted. A roar sounds from outside. I jump, even though the library has gifted me with all the details. The gargoyles are pissed. Ansel glances around nervously before he takes a careful step away from Dighit.
“Dighit, you might wish to retract your words,” Ansel offers, but it’s clear he doesn’t really care.
“I will say what I want,” the beastmaster continues, oblivious to the danger. “No cripple deserves the right to care for the greatest treasure of the supernatural world.”
Power surges through me in such an intense burst that I almost stumble again. When my hand tightens, I realize I’m still holding Avery’s arm. He stabilizes me as the spirit of the library herself enters me. Dighit’s eyes widen. I’m confident something has changed within my face, but I can’t tell what. My vision focuses upon the beastmaster as my lips curl in a snarl. The words that emerge from my mouth are not mine.
“William Joseph Dighit, you are hereby banned from the library and usage of all its materials until you have apologized and earned your rights back.” Dighit sputters like I’ve just sentenced him to death, but she isn’t done yet. “Escort this man from the premises.”
Ansel and Avery nod in unison as if the instructions were explicitly meant for them. They each take one of the asshole’s arms. My vision blurs as they leave the building. Outside, on the steps, a gargoyle waits. He’s massive, his stone wings strangely flexible and his black eyes deadly as he glares at Dighit. For the first time, surprise and fear crosses the trespasser’s face. The gargoyle growls at him, a menacing rumble that I feel within my bones. The other gargoyles watch from the stone edifice, and I think I see through one of their eyes as Dighit flees the premises, glancing back over his shoulder as he trips down the wide, stone steps.
As soon as he’s gone, my vision snaps back to me. I waver on my feet as the power leaves me in one fell swoop. The absence leaves me whirling, intensifying my exhaustion and the pain in my lower half. Before I’m aware of what’s happening, strong arms are helping me to a chair. I glance upward, expecting Ansel, but Avery hasn’t disappointed. I stop thinking of him as blind because he carefully maneuvers me into a chair without getting tangled in my crutches, which is probably better than a sighted person might have managed.
“Are you all right?” he asks softly, his silver eyes concerned as he looks down at me.
“Yes, I just need a minute. That was intense. Will that happen often?” I glance at Ansel for the answer.
Ansel’s lips twitch. “Do you intend on pissing off every hothead on campus?”
I shrug and can’t help but offer a smile in return. “Maybe?” I counter tremulously. Avery and Ansel both chuckle, twin expressions of pride and amusement on their handsome faces.
“The library works through you, Zosia,” Ansel says as he sits down across from me at the table where we had coffee earlier. Knowledge comes to me in tiny spurts as I grow to learn my new position, and I know this is the only space in the library where we’re allowed to eat or drink. A pitcher of water and glasses on a silver tray appear. Ansel pours me a cup and offers one to Avery who refuses.
“I’m sorry if I’ve caused trouble,” I begin, but Ansel cuts me off.
“No, you’re not. And even if you were, it’s quite all right. You and the library know who your guardians shall be. In fact, I’ve decided not to bring by the candidates I have in mind. I think they’ll find their way to you. There’s also the matter of your ghost. He will come this evening?”
My cheeks heat as I think of Kodi. What will he think of the vampire? Avery stares at me, and although his expression isn’t telling, I sense his curiosity. “Maybe? I’m uncertain.”
“A ghost and a born vampire?” Ansel chuckles. “You’ll be the subject of gossip for weeks once term starts.”
I shrug. I’m used to people talking about me. “I wasn’t certain if I could actually overthrow Dighit’s claim on Avery,” I say honestly. “It felt right to me, but…” I trail off with a shrug.
Ansel leans forward. “Trust those instincts, Zosia. They’re yours, but they’re also the library’s. You are connected to her now. In all honesty, I’m surprised it happened so quickly. Some librarians take weeks to earn her trust. But you have it because she gave you her power for that moment to enforce the ban.”
I chew on my lip. “Did I look different when she spoke through me? I certainly felt different.”
“You glowed brightly,” Avery answered. I assume he’s talking about my aura, but Ansel nods.
“It’s true. Even to my sight, you glowed and your eyes changed color.”
“They did?” The power had been heady and intense. I imagine it could get addictive, but I won’t use it unless I need it. I won’t betray the library’s trust like that. For just a moment, though, the strength within me was so boundless I thought I might be able to walk.
Ansel speaks, and Avery leans closer as if expectant for something. “Yes. Usually, your eyes are light blue with golden flecks. But with the library’s power within you? They glowed pure gold.”
“The same color as your aura,” Avery muses as he looks at my face like he can actually see my features.
Ansel stands. “I wasn’t lying when I said I had things to do. If you don’t need me anymore?”
“No. Thank you, though.”
Ansel shrugs. “Dighit couldn’t enter by himself while the building is closed, and he wouldn’t leave me alone until I accompanied him.” He stops in front of Avery. “Congratulations on your new post, Avery duClair. It’s an important assignment.”
Avery bows, and I’m reminded of how formal the supernatural world is compared to its human counterpart. “It’s my honor,” he murmurs earnestly. Ansel nods and clasps his shoulder briefly before leaving.
I sag in my chair, leaning against the table. Avery
studies me, and I wonder what he sees. A golden light? Or amber? “You’re tired,” he observes. I sense a lot of his observations are couched in intuition and the usage of his other senses. It makes him more observant than most sighted people.
“I am,” I sigh. I’m sore now that the power has left me and the day’s work is catching up to my body. I think of the salve in my room and remind myself to thank Ansel the next time I see him.
Gilly appears out of nowhere, and I jump again. I’m still not used to it. “Your lessons are done for the day, but I’ve left some reading material for you in your apartment, Zosia.”
“Thank you, Gilly.” I pause. “Will Kodi be able to enter tonight?”
“Is that your ghost?” Avery asks curiously.
I sigh. “He’s not my ghost. I’ve just known him a while. I brought him here, and now I regret it because he finds himself in a similar position as you, beholden to a master in the House of Others.” I shake my head. “What is wrong with this culture that people think that’s normal? Did you get paid for your work?”
“Not exactly, but I was provided with lodgings, a small stipend, and meals. Being at the academy?” He shrugs. “It allows me to learn some of the same things they teach in the classes.”
My brows draw together. “Why don’t you just go to class?”
“They wouldn’t admit a born vampire, especially not a blind one.” Although he tries to hide it, bitterness underlays his words.
“There’s something very wrong with that,” I mutter, although I’m not surprised. I guessed as much when Geena was so blatantly dismissive.
Gilly speaks, reminding me she hasn’t answered my question yet. “If the library approves, your friend will be able to enter.”
Duggar appears next to us, holding the book that I signed earlier. “Forgive me, but all is not done yet. Avery needs to sign the contract.”
“Of course.” I can’t believe that I almost forgot. Everything seemed established already. “Avery, please sit.” The vampire hesitates only a moment before he reaches for a chair and settles into it with far more grace than I’ve ever exhibited. My curiosity again tumbles from my mouth. “You can see inanimate objects as well?” After the words burst from me, I sigh. “I’m sorry. I always say what I’m thinking.”
“And I don’t find that a bad thing,” Avery murmurs. His lips curve in an attractive fashion, and I feel lust course through me again, lust that has no place between my guard and me. I don’t know that there are actual laws against such a thing, but it seems right to assume it would only cause trouble. “I can sense where most objects are, especially larger ones that take up space. If they used to be made of something alive, that sense of space is even greater.” He spreads his palms out on the table between us, drawing my attention to his long, tapered fingers. “I will not be able to tell one book from another, though,” he begins tremulously as if he hates to admit weakness.
I smile. Even though he can’t see it, he’ll be able to hear it in my tone. “You don’t have to worry about that. That’s my job.”
“Very right,” Gilly agrees as her husband places the book in front of Avery. I can’t read this contract either, but it’s not because the type keeps shifting. It’s in braille. Avery’s lean fingers trail over the page, and I arch an eyebrow at Duggar.
“Is he actually able to read the contract in its entirety? I couldn’t.”
“His role is simpler,” the goblin answers with a shrug. Avery’s lips tilt as he comes to the second passage, increasing my curiosity.
“What is his role?” When no one answers, I sigh in exasperation. “Shouldn’t I know? I’m his boss, right?”
Duggar coughs, but it sounds suspiciously like a laugh. “The library is his boss. You enforce her rules.”
“Right. Shouldn’t I know what those rules are?” Just like my limitless curiosity, I hate things being kept from me. That’s something I know is due to my heritage, because it’s always been this way. I remember this one thing from my fuzzy childhood before being captured. Even as a precocious three-year-old, I couldn’t stand to know people were keeping things from me. I had to know everything. I remember several voices I can’t put names to calling me everything from nosy to too curious for my own good.
Avery reaches across the table with the hand that isn’t coasting over the tiny dots on the page. He captures my fidgeting hands, giving them a squeeze. “I am to protect you from every threat. Each line is a variation upon that.”
I swallow hard, trying not to focus on the warmth of his fingers. I’m not used to people touching me unless it’s one of the younger kids tugging on my arms or the Mother dragging me along the hallway toward the torture chamber where her paddle waited.
“Seems like a lot of words for just that,” I grumble. Carefully, so as not to offend, I pull my fingers away. I can’t let him touch me so tenderly or I might embarrass myself. It feels too good.
Avery’s fingers tap the dotted line at the bottom of the page. “Pen?” he asks. My breath catches as I meet Duggar’s gaze.
“Um, I had to sign in blood.” I’d forgotten about the implications that might have for a vampire.
Avery’s smile flashes, but it doesn’t appear as carefree as it was earlier. “Lucky I’m a born vampire then, or I’d have no blood with which to sign.”
I bite my tongue on the questions that want to pour from me, the differences between a born and a turned vampire. Duggar hands him the special pen. He pokes his finger with no hesitation, signing his name with a flourish. The blood doesn’t seem to bother him, but vampires aren’t usually bothered by their own blood. Vampires don’t generally have blood. I make a face. So confusing, and just one more thing I don’t know. The lack of knowledge makes me irritable.
In the next minute, my mind flashes to Kodi. He doesn’t have blood; he won’t even be able to hold the pen. My heart sinks. Does that mean he can’t apply? I can’t wait to see him that night, reminding me that I didn’t spend many days at the orphanage without seeing him. We’re closer than I’d thought, something that's made very clear in his absence.
Nervousness shivers through me. What if he isn’t good enough? What if he’s stuck with his new master? My stomach shrivels with disgust and foreboding. It doesn’t matter if the library doesn’t accept him; I won’t leave him in his new role. I’ll find a way to free him, even if it means letting him pass on to the next world.
I possess every morsel of knowledge at my fingertips. If anyone can find a way to free him, it will be me.
Chapter Nine
Zosia
After Avery signs the book, I’m suddenly nervous again and retreat to my apartments in an attempt to recuperate. Not only have I been thrust into this strange, sudden role, but I’m also not used to companionship that isn’t in ghost form. I need a minute to adjust to all of the world-shifting changes.
Alone in my calming apartment, I slide back the curtains an inch and sit on my bed, looking out the crack that I’ve made. This side of the library looks onto a copse of woods. I’ve lived in the city the entire life I remember, and I’ve never seen such untamed beauty. I want to explore those woods, with the towering trees and sprawling undergrowth, but the hope is dashed within minutes. Even if I could navigate the paths with my crutches, my arms would soon grow tired and I’d become prey for whatever creatures wait within. Ansel had made it very clear. While within the library, I have some semblance of power. Without, I have none. And I have enemies, both from my past and created by my new position.
Thinking of Ansel reminds me of the cream he left. I slip off the strange, magically stretchy pants to rub the salve into my aching legs. My muscles are knotted over my improperly healed legs, and I hold back a wince as I rub one mass of hot, agonizing tissue into submission until my hands are aching as badly as my legs.
I can feel Avery now. I focus on his spot of energy in the library as I absently tame another knot. He’s not alone, and I assume one of the library goblins is giving him a proper tou
r because he shoots up the stairs faster than I can track him and starts exploring the space of the floors above. I only hesitate a moment before closing my eyes, exploring my connection with the library to see if I can glimpse him like I’d seen Dighit from outside.
My vision snaps immediately. I look around, blinking slowly, feeling strange as heaviness settles around me. I’m in the walls, I realize, after a quick glance to get my bearings. I can feel the physical body I left behind, lying back on my bed. But the library fills me, surrounds me, even stronger than usual because I’m a part of it. My nonexistent eyes follow Avery as he examines the floors and stacks, effortlessly switching viewpoints from one wall to another as he trails up another staircase. Through my strange vision, I’m able to see parts of the library I couldn’t reach before.
A library might seem like a boring place, but a magical, sentient library? It’s something else altogether. Each floor is designed differently, with cozy nooks and crannies, window seats and towering shelves of books. Avery examines it all with his inner senses, paying particular attention to the exits and entrances into the building with Duggar at his side. I’m awed by the magic simmering through each wooden bookcase and chair. The trees gave willingly to build this library. Their happiness to serve vibrates within each grain and knot.
Not only is the floor design of each story different, but the coloring scheme is as well. From the inner courtyard, I could tell that each floor was marked by differently colored marble columns. The color scheme extends into the levels themselves. The history floor is red, the magical level is black, the home of creatures and shifters is green, etc. I make a note in my mind, confident that the colors will help me remember where books belong. The carved wooden railings are also unique to each floor.
After watching Avery’s lithe form bound up yet another staircase, I feel like a stalker and snap back into my body. I’m so surprised to see a face hovering above me that I yelp and flop backward on the bed, my heart going into overdrive.
Broken Destiny Page 8