Page 101 of Gifted Destiny

Sage pauses again, assessing each of us as if sifting through our thoughts. “Guardian Garrett, you have a question.”

“How can we not know that we aren’t alone in the universe?”

Sage nods with satisfaction. “Your suspicions serve you well, Guardian, and this is a question I can – and will – answer. Like power, knowledge can be hoarded. It can be controlled to such a point that it becomes insignificant. It can be hidden and twisted and only released to a certain group of people. The masses are not that group of people. The OSC will speak of it, however, and I will not let you into that discussion ignorant. I will offer you more knowledge and advice before you approach the delegation body. Those in power control this information so zealously that they won’t expect you to have it. This will offer our library an advantage – an opportunity to root out corruption and the restriction of knowledge.”

“Thank you,” Garrett murmurs. I can feel his reverence and respect for Sage grow. She is on our side; this knowledge lends undeniable strength.

“Librarian, you have a question as well.”

I startle out of my thoughts regarding future OSC board meetings, but the question I had remains at the forefront of my mind. “Why isn’t Pangaea’s library on Pangaea?”

Sage nods again, pleased with my question. The longer we’re here, the more it feels like a professor lecturing their class. “Why indeed?” Her sigh carries sadness, pain, and grief. “I mentioned that in the beginning, the triad of Zhi worked side by side. As we know, though, power corrupts. The ruler of most of Pangaea subverted the will of the Librarian and used her knowledge to subvert the will of the people.”

“Cronos,” Bren breathes.

Sage acknowledges his single word with another heavy sigh. “That is the name they carry today, yes. Their actions caused a reset to your solar system, and the three planets were essentially reseeded. When evolution began again, Pangaea was uninhabitable. The libraries decided to keep the planets mostly separate to avoid further destruction. We didn’t realize the entity that is now Cronos survived the reset.”

My head whirls for the first time since Sage started her explanations. “Are you a god?” I whisper.

Sage’s laugh is similar to a growling huff. “What is a god, child?”

“A god is defined as the creator and ruler of a universe, the supreme being, a spirit worshiped as having power over nature or human fortunes,” Bren recites the words like a quote, but he doesn’t credit the Oxford dictionary.

“Hmmm,” Sage rumbles as she rustles her feathers and twitches her ears. “Let me consider. We – meaning my fellow Libraries and I – did not create the universe, although we did influence its creation and recreation. We do not desire to rule or to be worshiped, and we have no power over nature, nor do we crave it. Our power over human fortunes is purely through education, information, and the role we play as the keepers of knowledge.”

“There is no word in our language that defines your role,” Avery remarks.

Sage nods again, her feline head bouncing up and down with the human gesture. “This is accurate,” she replies. “Time is growing short, so I will impart that which is necessary to your current situation. At this moment in time, Cronos will turn their attention away from you. They have a plan for the Eastern Library, which I have already surmised and … what is the current colloquial saying?” she muses aloud. “Ah yes, I have thrown a wrench into their plans and alerted the proper players without alerting Cronos. I promise that Cronos cannot see or hear anything within my walls. You are all safe now, and I shall endeavor to ensure this remains the case. Over time, you shall learn more about Cronos and the history of Zhi so that you might prepare.”

“Prepare?” I repeat in a hollow voice. My men on either side of me both grasp my hand reassuringly. Although I can feel them in this strange, liminal place, their touch is less solid.

“Do not fear, child. You are not alone. I know this has been difficult for you to accept in regard to your guardians, but I need you to extend the idea further. The other librarians, once they are ready, can be as trustworthy and dear to you as your mates have become. The other libraries and library assistants, creatures like me and the goblins, will lend their assistance as well. You are all my children now. Although none of you have experienced the wrath of a truly dedicated mother, I will be that for you in the years to come.”

A mischievous twinkle shines in her eyes, presaging her next words. “I’ve taken the liberty of closing the library for the rest of the week. The five of you should spend time with each other, strengthen your bonds, and become more comfortable with the jobs you are performing. The goblins will return, but your reliance on them will diminish. Finatan shall also take over instructing you regarding Zhi and all that we learn whileresearching Cronos. It is difficult, and sometimes dangerous, for me to materialize like this.”

I still have so many questions, but I know our time together is at an end. “I am proud of you all, my children, and I know you shall continue to make me proud.”

Praise from a god-like being feels amazing and a little unearned, but I allow Sage’s words to seep into me as we drift back to sleep – or wake up – I’m uncertain.

All I know is that I am back in my bed with the others. The night is silent and dark around us, but we’re all awake. Garrett curls into me on my right while Avery performs a similar motion on my other. Bren’s arm curls around the vampire to rest on my stomach, and Kodi hovers over us. I can’t tell if his body is glowing or if the room is dimly lit.

“Well, that was weird,” I say as I touch them, moving from one to the other. I even trail my fingers through the static bite of Kodi’s form.

“It sounds like the battle against Cronos won’t happen for a while – maybe even years. I can handle that.”

Garrett snorts. “You can’t die in said battle, ghost. Of course, you’re not worried.”

Kodi’s face screws up. “I hadn’t actually considered that, to be honest. I forget sometimes …, but I’m not wrong. Losing Zosia would be like dying again. My afterlife will end when her life ends.” He says this with such certainty that I believe it’s the truth.

“Fair enough,” Garrett concedes with a grunt.

“I’m not going to die, boo,” I tell my best friend. “I am an all-powerful sphinx.” It’s meant to sound like boastful teasing, but no one argues.

“Yes, you are,” Avery whispers against my temple.

Garrett holds me tighter. “Never forget it,” he commands in his alpha voice.

“Bren?” I speak the mage’s name because he’s been quiet.

“I’m here,” he replies quietly. “I’m enjoying this moment of peace and togetherness and not thinking about the future, to be honest.” He pauses as we soak in his calm. “I love you, little lioness.”

More warmth climbs onto my cheeks, but I don’t dismiss his words or diminish them. “I love you too, Bren. I love all of you. I know it’s weird saying it like this, but it’s true. I want you all to know.”

“You already know I love you, princess,” Kodi quips. “I’d turn solid and kiss you, but I’d just squish you once gravity takes over.”

“I’d appreciate not having you fall on me,” Garrett drawls before turning to me. “You, however, can fall on me anytime. I love you, kitten.” The alpha shifter’s words are gruff but honest.

“You are my sun, my moon, and my reason for living,” Avery murmurs. While Kodi and Garrett tease the vampire about his poetic confession, I lay silent and enjoy their presence.

I’ve been alone most of my life, but I never have to feel that way again. We might not be guaranteed an easy existence, but it doesn’t matter. I have them, I have Sage, and I have a million books to read. I couldn’t ask for more. No matter what happens, we will face it and emerge stronger. This is our destiny – the chance to love honestly and openly – and I will be grateful for every second.

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