Page 40 of Tempest Awakening

The line went dead before I could respond. I stared at my phone, guilt and frustration washing over me. The mysterious pendant and the Library's insistence had momentarily made me forget about the complications in my personal life.

As I set the phone down, my gaze drifted back to the box. The pendant inside represented more than just magic—it symbolized the new world I was discovering, a world where I felt valued and understood.

It struck me how different my experiences here at the Library were compared to my life back home. Here, I'd found people who appreciated my curiosity, who encouraged my pursuits. Sure, not everyone welcomed me with open arms—I thought briefly of Aurelia’s continued coldness—but enough did to make me feel truly accepted. The fact that they were Supes was almost secondary to the sense of belonging I felt.

The relationships with my mother and sister had never been perfect, but they'd been consistent. Only, right now, the rift between us felt wider than ever. The more I embraced this new life where I felt truly seen, the further I seemed to drift from my family.

And for the first time, I wasn't sure I wanted to mend it.

I was still staring at my phone when a soft knock on my office door startled me. Before I could respond, the door swung open, revealing Pippa's petite frame and vibrant smile.

"Tess! There you are!" Pippa bounced into the room, her wings shimmering in the soft light. "I've been looking everywhere for you."

I quickly pocketed my phone, forcing a smile. "Hey, Pippa. Welcome back. How was your project?"

Pippa's excitement dimmed as she studied my face. "It was fascinating, but... are you okay? You look like you've just had a run-in with a grumpy griffin."

I hesitated, unsure how much to share. Pippa had quickly become a friend, but I was still adjusting to having people actually care about my well-being. "I'm fine, just... family stuff."

Pippa's eyes widened with understanding. "Say no more. You know what? We need to get out of here. How about lunch? I know this great little diner in Drakehaven. It's perfect for catching up, and they make these blueberry pancakes that are to die for."

"I don't know, Pippa. I have a lot of work to do on this oral history project and—"

"Nope!" Pippa cut me off, her tone playful but firm. "No excuses. You need a break, and I need to tell you all about the crazy mishap I had with a sentient spellbook last week. Come on, it'll be fun!"

I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. It was so different from the calculated interactions I was used to with my family. "Alright, alright. Let me just grab my bag."

As we made our way through the library's winding corridors, Pippa chattered about her recent adventure. Her energy was infectious, and I found my mood lifting despite myself.

"So there I was, covered in sparkly ink that kept changing colors, and the book was flying around the room, cackling like a mad witch!" Pippa's animated gestures nearly knocked over a passing goblin, who grumbled good-naturedly.

We stepped out of the library's grand entrance, and I took a deep breath. The sprawling grounds of The Dragonne Library stretched before us, a lush carpet of grass dotted with ancient oaks.

As we approached the ornate iron gates that marked the library's boundary, I saw the familiar figure of Leo standing guard.

"Afternoon, Leo!" Pippa called out cheerfully.

Leo nodded at us, a smile softening his rugged features. "Off to Drakehaven, ladies?"

"You know it!" Pippa replied. "Gotta show Tess the best pancakes in town."

His amber eyes twinkled as he looked at me. "Enjoy your lunch, Miss Tess. It's good to see you settling in."

I waved goodbye as we passed through the gates. "Thanks, Leo. See you later!"

We made our way to the staff parking lot, and I spotted Pippa's cherry-red Fiat immediately. It brought back memories of my first day here, following behind her as she led me to my new life at the library.

"Cherry's waiting for us," Pippa said with a grin, gesturing to her car. "Still think she's adorable?"

I chuckled. "Absolutely. It suits you perfectly." As we pulled out of the parking lot, the library grounds shrank in the rearview mirror.

"So," Pippa said, glancing at me as she navigated a turn, "want to tell me what's really bothering you? I promise I'm a good listener, even if I do talk a lot."

I hesitated, then decided to take a chance. "It's my sister. She called, and I just... I don't know how to bridge the gap between my old life and this new one."

Pippa nodded sympathetically. She was quiet for a moment, her usual chatter giving way to thoughtful silence. When she spoke again, her voice was soft but firm.

"That's tough. But you know what? Sometimes the family we choose is just as important as the one we're born into. And you're building a whole new family here at the library."

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