Page 88 of Three Scorched Kingdoms

A silence falls over the group as everyone contemplates the possibilities. I reach out and place my hands gently against the cover. The Book of Beginnings pulses beneath my touch as if waiting for us to decide what comes next.

Tentatively, I open the cover.

The first page is blank.

I turn it over and find the next page blank too. And the next. And the next.

Magic ripples, and a black pen appears on the platform next to the book. I snatch my hand away.

Blossom snorts. “Subtle.”

I look from the pen to the blank page, and I realize, unlike the others, this book isn’t telling us a story. We’re writing it. In real time, moment by moment.

I pick up the pen and press it to the page, starting from the beginning:This is the story of the Athanaeum, a magical library, a protector and keeper of worlds. Here, everyone who serves is free and does so by choice.

Once the words are formed, magic winks from every corner of the space. The lights flare and then return to normal. The bond inside me sighs as if in relief.

Mag and Blossom look up at me sharply.

“My tattoo is gone,” Blossom breathes.

“So is mine,” Mag says, his voice thick with emotion.

They share a look and then face me again. My eyes fill with tears of gratitude and relief.

“So, what happens now?” Mag asks, breaking the quiet. “Are you going to take up the mantle again, Paige?”

I hesitate, the weight of the question settling over me. The Athenaeum was a huge part of my life, but so much has changed. The thought of being its Head Librarian again feels…wrong, like I’m trying to step back into a role that no longer fits.

A role that never really fit at all, if I’m being honest.

Besides, I’ve already sworn a vow to another world.

“I’m not sure I’m meant to lead anymore,” I admit, my voice soft. “My journey took me somewhere new. And I think that’s what this book is about. We get to choose now. Like we didn’t get a choice before.” Blossom and Mag both nod. “But if not me…then who?”

The words hang in the air, heavy with uncertainty, until Blossom steps forward, her expression determined. “I’ll do it,” she says, surprising everyone. “But only if Mag will do it with me.”

Mag blinks, taken aback. “You want me to help run the library? With you?”

Blossom shrugs. “You know these stories’ tricks better than anyone. And we’ve always worked well together, haven’t we?”

He smirks, but it vanishes quickly as he studies her. “Are you sure you want to be here, though? After being trapped here for so long…”

“I want a place I belong,” she says quietly. “A home. A place I can have roots.”

“Roots, huh?” Mag asks, warming to the idea if his expression is any indication. He steps closer to her, clearly uncaring that they have a full audience. “Does this have anything to do with finally claiming me as your mate?”

Blossom’s jaw drops. “You knew?”

Mag laughs. “Of course I knew. You’re a terrible liar.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?” she demands.

“Why didn’t you?”

She looks like she might take a swing at him, so I wince as he swoops in and kisses her instead. But she surprises me by throwing her arms around him and kissing him back.

The gnomes cheer.

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