Page 48 of Tempest Awakening

"I can't believe it," I whispered to myself, tracing the circled date with my finger. Things were finally falling into place.

Kane needed to hear about this. Sure, he might not always seem enthusiastic about the Oral History project, but he'd been showing up consistently to our Tuesday and Thursday meetings. And it was his contacts that had helped me secure this meeting with the Councilor. I couldn't wait to see the look on his face when I told him.

I hadn't mentioned my upcoming meeting with Garanth Kreel to Kane yet. That was going to be a surprise. I smiled to myself, thinking about how impressed he'd be when he found out I'd managed to arrange both meetings in such a short span.

I couldn't help but feel a wave of gratitude wash over me. In the months since I'd started working here, this job had become so much more than just a position. It was like all my childhood dreams had suddenly sprung to life around me. Every day, Iwalked through halls steeped in dragon lore, breathed in the history of the Library, and felt like I was part of something truly magical.

Sure, there were challenges—Valen and Selena made sure of that—but they couldn't dim the joy I felt when I helped one of the applicants find just the right book for their research project. Especially when that applicant was Mason. Reconnecting with him had been unexpected and wonderful, a bright spot in my days here.

His quiet determination to learn, to become a Dragon Rider, was inspiring. I loved watching him pore over ancient texts, his large hands carefully turning delicate pages, his deep voice softly asking questions.

Every time Mason left the library, I'd find myself standing there, caught between pride in his progress and admiration for his resilience. There was also this warmth that spread through my chest, something I couldn't quite define. His presence not only brought back fond memories of our childhood friendship but also stirred something new, something that made my heart beat a little faster.

This project, this job, it was everything to me. And I was determined to do my absolute best, not just for myself, but for people like Mason—to prove that we belonged here.

Without wasting another moment, I sprang from my chair and hurried out of my office. As I rounded the corner, I nearly collided with Wesley, who was carrying a stack of papers.

"Whoa there, Tess!" Wesley chuckled, steadying himself. "Where's the fire?"

"Sorry, Wesley!" I said, catching my breath. "I'm looking for Kane. Have you seen him? Or any of the dragon rider applicants?"

Wesley's expression shifted, a hint of concern crossing his features. "It’s Friday, so they're at the Outdoor Training Area for Applicants. But Tess, I don't think you should—"

"Thanks, Wesley!" I called out, already halfway down the corridor. I missed the worried look on his face as I disappeared around the corner.

I burst out of the library, my feet carrying me swiftly down the familiar path towards the training grounds. The sun warmed my face as I rushed past the carefully tended gardens, their sweet scent barely registering in my excited state.

Kane's going to be so impressed, I thought, picturing his surprised face. I was so caught up in my own little bubble of triumph that I failed to notice how the air grew strangely still, or how the usual chatter of birds fell silent.

By the time that prickle of unease crept up my spine, it was already too late.

"Well, if it isn't the human pretending to be important," a cold voice cut through my thoughts.

I froze, my heart sinking as I looked up to see Valen and Selena blocking my path. Valen's red eyes gleamed with malice, while Selena's perfect features were twisted into a sneer.

Of all the applicants I'd encountered since starting this job, most had simply ignored me, treating me as part of the furniture in the library. But these two—they were different. They were the worst, by far. Ever since that first encounter in the dining hall, they'd made it their personal mission to torment me. Itwas as if my very existence offended them, and they took every opportunity to remind me of my "place" in their world.

"I... I'm just passing through," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Excuse me."

Valen stepped closer, his imposing frame towering over me. "Passing through to where, little librarian?"

I felt a flicker of fear in my chest. My hand instinctively went to my throat, fingers brushing against the pendant necklace hidden beneath my shirt. For a moment, I wished desperately that I knew how to use it, that I understood what powers it held. But it remained cool and inert against my skin, offering no help.

Selena laughed, the sound like shattered glass. "Oh, Valen, maybe she thinks she's special enough to be a dragon rider now. Is that it, human? You think you belong with us?"

I straightened my spine, trying to summon some courage. "I have every right to be here. Now, please let me pass."

"Every right?" Valen's voice dropped dangerously low. "You seem to have forgotten our last encounter. I don't like being made a fool of, especially by a pathetic human."

The memory of crawling on the library floors flashed through my mind, and I instinctively took a step back. But Selena was suddenly behind me, her cold hand gripping my arm. My heart raced, and I silently cursed my fear.

I was a grown woman, for heaven's sake! A fully-fledged adult with a respectable job and responsibilities. It was ridiculous to feel like this, to be reduced to a trembling mess by these two.

And yet... they had magic, and I didn't. That simple fact made me feel small and powerless.

Selena's eyes lit up with a malicious gleam. "You know, Valen, I have an idea. Why don't we give our little librarian a chance to prove herself? After all, she claims she has 'every right' to be here."

Valen raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What did you have in mind?"

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