Page 72 of Gifted Destiny

Atanea’s intense stare releases Zosia and encompasses all of us again. “Your genetics, your birth families, your adversities … each of you has overcome obstacles and dangers to become what Destiny intends. Your determination to survive has angered your adversary. Addington might have started this endeavor for other reasons, but he’s made it into a personal endeavor. Your strength and perseverance has become a threat.” The sphinx’s gaze glows golden, her bearing regal, and I sense that it isn’t just her speaking. It might be Atanea before us, but her words belong to the sphinxes that came before.

“You may feel alone, perhaps abandoned, but the truth is far removed from this. Powerful entities are monitoring your actions and decisions. Some of these observers have your bestinterests in mind and some do not. Some may choose to interfere. If they do, you must decide whether the help is worth the cost or if there’s no other path forward.”

“You appear to possess unlimited faith in our abilities to determine the best course of action, even though I feel as if we lack crucial information.” The vampire’s voice is smooth, and I’m surprised he can form coherent words and raise important points.

Because it’s been a lifelong goal of mine, I’m eager to believe that we pose a threat to Addington. What about the rest, though? Who is watching us? Why? What help will they offer and what cost will they demand? Does it have to do with the greater universe Atanea keeps mentioning?

“I apologize for the lack of information.” The ancient sphinx’s eyes fall to the floor again. She appears to wrestle with herself regarding her words. “There are certain matters that I have not been permitted to explain. I am, however, entirely confident in your combined abilities and strength.” Atanea’s head lifts to settle on my brother. “You’ve seen what is at risk, yes?”

Bren’s lips thin, but he nods. The conversation has taken longer than we thought, but he’s been remarkably present the entire time.

“Then you understand what is at stake. If the universe is to be mended, however, I could not ask for better champions. You are all worthy.” Her gaze swings to Zosia. “Don’t fret about the library’s hours. The library has a greater duty to the supernatural world. She chooses to provide study materials to the entitled brats, and the privilege can be revoked.”

The older sphinx’s face softens. “Concentrate on one task at a time, Granddaughter, and don’t fret about Sage or the goblins. They are safe. I represent their faith in you and your guardians. Trust in yourself and each other and you shall always find the right path.” The specter is still speaking when we realize theobjects behind her growing more distinct than her form. Then …, she’s gone.

“Wait!” Zosia cries. “We still don’t know what to do.” She finishes her sentence glumly and quietly because her grandmother has already faded. Her emotions aren’t difficult to interpret. For a short time, my mate felt like she had family, one she was born into, and she mourns the loss.

“She’ll always be available,” I offer in the gentlest voice I can manage. “It’s like video-calling the dead.”

Zosia’s lips curve, but her smile doesn’t reach her eyes. She appears preoccupied, and I can’t blame her, but she’s still a sphinx and she’s still Zosia – easily distracted. When Bren retrieves Atanea’s photo and lifts the tattered hem of his t-shirt to wipe the glass, he inadvertently flashes his naked stomach. Desire replaces whatever dilemma my mate had been contemplating. The strength of her need indicates that my brother’s less impressive abs are still good enough for her.

The jealousy that would have overtaken me less than a day ago is absent. It’s not necessary now that we’re marked. The feather is branded into her thick fur above the tip of her right wing in animal form. It’s more obvious than her other marks, but this is vital to shifters. My griffin preens every time I see it. Atanea confirmed my suspicions that my griffin considers Bren family already; he kept me sane. It might be fun to meet another griffin one day, but my drift is here.

Zosia’s desire extinguishes as quickly as it sparked, and I nearly miss everyone leaving because my brain wants to focus on the questions this raises. Is it because she’s overwhelmed with other things? Is it Bren? Or are women just different from men in that way?

My body follows my mate even with my mind on other things. Somehow, I know she wants to be with Kodi, but there’s not a specific emotion indicating her intention. I realize the bonddoes more than transmit raw emotion in that moment, and the revelation is comforting rather than distressful. It seems like a useful tool in dangerous moments.

When we arrive at the location of the ghost and the book that might have killed any one of us, I’m surprised a smartass remark doesn’t immediately pop out of him.

“Let’s discuss.” Zosia’s words are blunt.

The book appears innocent and unchanged, like it’s not a deadly trap seeking the perfect opportunity to snare us. Zo gathers us at one end of the aisle – in view of the object but not huddled around it.

“Discuss how badass we are? And that we’re basically the chosen ones?”

There it is; the remark is only slightly delayed. I roll my eyes and Zo’s lips twitch into an almost smile. We’ve already grown accustomed to each other’s flaws and quirks, like the fictional families I’ve read about. Our mate seems to share his sarcastic humor, which is good because I’m rarely funny … but I might be more amusing than Avery is.

“I’ve never created mage fire,” Bren says softly.

“Addington didn’t want you to know how powerful you are because he feared you’d turn on him. I bet you can do anything a mage can, Bren, including enchantments and spells.” My voice carries the confidence my brother doesn’t show. We have to do this for each other to counteract our father’s voice in our heads.

“I’m supposed to be a mage as well, too, but I doubt my mage abilities can compare to yours.” Zo nudges my brother’s hip with her shoulder. “We can try together.” Her shy tone doesn’t match the sharp teeth she bares, but she’s perfect. Both she and my brother can appear weak, but they aren’t. He knew they were a perfect match before they met in person, but he forgets this sometimes.

“I’d like that,” Bren replies.

Kodi prepares to comment on their obvious flirting, but Avery interrupts him. I’m grateful to the vampire. Bren and Zo are under enough pressure already.

“One might think that the former librarian offered nothing of consequence, but I disagree. I’ve had many questions since I arrived, and she’s answered most of them.”

I cock an eyebrow, and Zosia’s ear twitches. Like my mate, I thought the sphinx’s advice lacked instruction.

“Like what?” Kodi demands with a hint of arrogant disbelief. He’s so full of himself – even though he’s literally empty and not full of hot air or shit like most boastful know-it-alls. Hmm … maybe I can be funny.

“Ms. Atanea confirmed that the libraries are designated superpowers, for one. I’ve heard of this, but we’ve had little evidence. Once we establish ourselves, we’ll be called upon to assist powerful dignitaries and leaders. Dighit often mentioned that access to the library used to be a sign of prestige and significance.” The vampire’s lips twitch. “Ironically, he deprived himself of his standing in the community when he insulted you.” His satisfied smile as he looks at our mate doesn’t clash with his pompous manner of speech.

The thought is surprising because I barely tolerated the vampire yesterday. My bond with Zosia has resulted in more understanding for Avery and Kodi. I’m now able to tolerate the two very different creatures.

“Gaia’s Western Hidden Library is not just an academic supplement to Apocrypha Academy. As such, we are more substantial than mere employees. No governmental body can replace the library or Zosia. She remains the only sphinx, and we have some immunity as her guardians. In addition to what Ms. Atanea said, I believe that the library might be testing us in some capacity.”

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