Page 103 of Akarnae

Alex whirled around, certain she’d heard a voice this time. But there was still no one there.

“Where are you?” she asked.

“I’m here.”

Helpful. Not.

“Who are you?” Alex tried again.

“I am who I am.”

Again, not helpful in the slightest.

“Whatare you?” Alex asked, hoping for more of an idea.

“I’m everything. Everything you hear. Everything you see. Everything you touch, taste, smell. I’m all around you, Alexandra Jennings.”

Alex hesitated. “You’re the Library?”

The voice chuckled. It was a strange sound, but full of warmth. “That’s how you know me, yes.”

It wasn’t really an answer, but Alex had a feeling it was all she was going to receive. “Why did you bring me here?”

Alex was asking about the cavern, but the Library’s answer surprised her.

“Because you are Chosen.”

“I… don’t understand.”

“Take a look around you, Alexandra. What do you see?”

Alex decided to humour the voice. “I’m in a cavern split by a river that’s preventing me from getting to the other side.”

“Is it really preventing you?” the voice asked.

“Have you seen that water?” Alex replied. “I’d probably be swept under within a second and left to drown. That’s if something didn’t eat me first.”

“What else do you see?”

Alex looked around. “That’s pretty much it. Is there more?”

“I see darkness. I see segregation. There’s life here, and death too. The river ebbs and flows and the current forces the change; but in what direction? And for what purpose? What choices will be made and who will be affected by the consequences? There are many decisions and many possible outcomes. Tell me, Alexandra, if given the choice, what would you choose?”

The noise in the cavern died out as the river stilled. One moment it was a raging torrent and the next it was as peaceful as a frozen pond. Three huge boulders rose to the surface of the water, creating a steady bridge for her to cross.

Alex was astounded by the river’s sudden change, but her gaze was quickly captivated by what appeared on the other side of the water. Because now there was an open doorway resting in the middle of the cave.

And it led straight to her house at Cannon Beach.

“You have a choice to make, Alexandra,” the voice said.

The puzzle pieces snapped together as Alex thought about the Library’s impossible doorways. “It was you who brought me through to Medora, wasn’t it?” she whispered.

“I merely presented the opportunity.”

“Why?” Her question was part agonised, part desperate. She needed to know why everything had happened—and more, why it had happened toher.

“Because you are Chosen,” the voice said, repeating its earlier response. “And you are needed, for such a time as this.”

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