Page 33 of My Fated Minotaur Hero

Iblink rapidly, trying to clear the spots from my vision. The world slowly comes into focus, and I find myself in a small, musty room. A different small musty room. There is a thick, old oriental rug under my butt, and bookshelves line the walls, crammed with ancient-looking tomes.

"Where am I now?" I mutter, my voice echoing in the silent space. "Kalen?"

But of course, there's no answer. My heart sinks as I remember our little spat. God, I was so stupid. Getting all worked up over his charm routine. The irony being I love how charming he is! Kinda of ... And now ...

I shake my head, pushing away the regret.

Focus, Liv. Figure out where you are first.

I scan the room, looking for any clues. It reminds me of the archives back at the university, but different somehow. Older. More forgotten.

Is this another portal? Should I try to go back?

"Meow, meow, meow!" I say tentatively.

What if I can’t get back!

But of course, it didn’t work.

Well, it was worth a shot.

“I thirst for knowledge?”

More nothing. Of course.

I make my way to a small window, peering out cautiously. My jaw drops.

"Holy cannoli," I breathe.

I'm back. Back in the human world. The familiar ivy-covered buildings of the university sprawl out before me, students milling about on the quad.

Relief washes over me, quickly followed by a crushing wave of despair. Kalen. I'll never see him again.

At the same time, it is strange, knowing that he is out there somewhere in his magically hidden little town.

Vaguely I wonder where? Is it close?

But what does it matter? It’s hidden and shielded from humans. It might as well be on the moon.

Maybe it is hopeless.

The mix of feelings is almost too much for me. It’s so confusing.

"No," I whisper fiercely. "I refuse to accept it. There has to be a way back. And then a way back again. I will figure this out."

I burst out of the room, startling a student walking by.

"Sorry!" I call over my shoulder as I race down the hallway.

The archives!

It’s the logical place to go.

As I run across campus, everything feels ... off. Like I'm seeing it all through a foreign lens now. The world I've known my whole life suddenly seems dull, colorless.

I burst into the archive building, breathless. The security guard looks up, startled.

"Ms. Reed? I um ... I think you forgot some of your things the other night.” I can tell he is taking in my harried state.

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