Page 23 of Tempest Awakening

I nodded, understanding the weight of responsibility he carried. We both knew the stakes of our training—becoming Dragon Riders wasn't just about prestige. For Mason, it was a chance at true autonomy, a way to protect and provide for Kali when he hadn't been able to do so for so long.

As the dining hall emptied, my thoughts drifted unbidden to Tempest, the human librarian. Her presence, her quiet dignity in the face of my father's disdain—it all captivated me more than I cared to admit.

We made our way back to my father's manor, both of us lost in our thoughts. As I prepared for bed, I couldn't shake the image of Tempest from my mind. The scent of vanilla and spice that clung to her seemed to linger in my senses, taunting me.

Lying in the darkness, I found myself replaying our brief interaction, analyzing every word, every gesture. The pull I felt towards her was unlike anything I'd experienced before. It wasn't just physical attraction—though that was undeniably intense. My body seemed to hum with a primal need whenever I thought of her, a reaction as unwelcome as it was powerful.

No, this felt deeper, more significant somehow.

The realization unsettled me deeply. I'd spent years building walls, maintaining control over every aspect of my life. Yet in thespan of a single day, this human woman had managed to slip past my defenses.

I shifted restlessly in bed, frustrated by my body's betrayal and my mind's fixation on Tempest. This attraction was dangerous, a distraction I couldn't afford.

And yet, try as I might, I couldn't banish her from my thoughts.

Chapter 9

Tess

"Welcome to your office, Tess," Wesley said, pushing open the door with a grin.

I stepped inside, taking in the cozy yet functional space. A sturdy desk sat before a large window overlooking the mystical trees outside. Shelves lined the walls, already stocked with books and scrolls. A plush armchair in the corner beckoned invitingly.

"Wow," I breathed, my fingers trailing along the polished desktop. "It's perfect."

Wesley beamed, clearly pleased by my reaction. "I figured we could start by showing you the ropes for your role as a Librarian. You'll have plenty to keep you busy, being the only human on staff and all."

I nodded, my heart fluttering. "It's incredible. I still can't believe I'm actually here as the first human working in this place."

"You're making history," Wesley said. "Now, are you ready for the grand tour? I know it can be a bit intimidating at first, but I promise I'll show you the ropes."

"Lead the way," I replied, squaring my shoulders. "I'm ready to learn."

We left my office and ventured down a narrow corridor, passing walls adorned with tapestries depicting scenes from ancient legends. The hallway opened into a grand foyer, where intricate mosaics decorated the floor and magical chandeliers cast a warm glow over the space.

Ahead of us, the check-out desk resembled an ornate altar, crafted from polished dark wood and inlaid with shimmering runes. To the side, an info desk was attended by a gnome wearing tiny spectacles, meticulously organizing a stack of parchments.

Wesley gestured towards the nearest bookshelf. "So, the library has a pretty amazing system for accessing our vast collection. It's all done through a semi-conscious, magical cataloging system."

I listened intently as he explained how patrons could simply state the topic, author, or title they were seeking, and the library would respond by shifting the appropriate bookshelf to make the requested material easily accessible.

"Wow, that's... incredible," I murmured, running my fingers along the spine of a leather-bound volume. "So the library is essentially alive, in a way?"

Wesley nodded, his eyes sparkling. "In a sense, yes. It's attuned to the needs of its patrons and staff. Here, let me show you how it works."

He led us to a shimmering doorway in a rune-inscribed archway. Wesley traced an intricate symbol with his finger. "To access any book or resource, just trace this rune and state what you're looking for. The library will open a portal to the desired location."

I mimicked his motion, my finger following the complex pattern. "The history of dragons," I said.

The archway rippled and we walked through the doorway. In an instant, we stood in a cavernous chamber. Stained glass windows lined the walls, depicting majestic dragons in flight.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Wesley said, his voice filled with pride. "The library's got a section for just about every topic imaginable. And the best part is, the portals make it super easy to get exactly where you need to go."

I ran my fingers along the spines of nearby books, drinking in the sight of endless shelves stretching into the distance. "This is incredible."

"That's just the start." Wesley leaned in, a conspiratorial gleam in his eyes. "Wait until you try the Library Lottery."

My brows furrowed. "The what now?"

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