Page 32 of Darkened Wings
Behind the stacks of nonfiction, thick books on raven history, a chair sat below another stained glass window. This one a vision of the sunset and one tiny raven sitting on a branch from a tree. The chair was worn but still fluffy, boasting navy-blue velvet upholstery and a small table to the side with one of those lamps with the green glass shade. This was my spot.
I tucked myself into the corner and cracked open my book from Raven Lore. This class wasn’t just something I had to pass to get to the next level of this academy, but was life learning that I had missed out on—or my parents refused to share with me.
One day, maybe I would know why they did the things they did. But for now, I had to make up for lost time.
With a notebook on the arm of the chair, I took notes while I read. We were forbidden to make any marks in the textbooks, but clearly the previous owner of my book wasn’t good at obeying the rules. I was glad for it. They had marked the important parts and in the space at the side of the text were little notes and stars.
*Will be on test
Whether or not the notes were outdated, I didn’t know. Still, I took the hints to heart and wrote down every one. This was the volume for the class I was actually in, of course, and not the one for the more advanced session, which I planned to read as well.
A great whooshing made me jump, nearly out of my seat. I clutched my book close but a gust of warm air hit me. It was simply the heat cranking on. This library had just inched up a notch in my estimation. The heat was broken in Astra’s and my room, and not shivering or having chilled noses and ears all the time was a relief.
I had to tell Astra about this place. At the very least, we could pop in at night and defrost for a bit.
Wouldn’t it be a treat if we could sneak Gloomy in?
I expected more students here but in no way was I disappointed. I had my pick of all the study tables and, by luck, was able to find this cozy spot to claim as my own.
Only thing that was missing was a cup of hot chocolate and maybe a tiny plate of cookies.
I stopped taking notes when Callum popped up in my mind. It would be easy and almost lazy to mimic what his main objective was, to do the bare minimum as not to garner attention from anyone.
It sounded the safest, to be honest.
No one snickering or making fun of my questions.
Well, no one except Callum.
No one looming over me as I tried to get out of class, trying to prove some point of hierarchy or power.
And my shoulders didn’t ache every night from the weight of heavy syllabi and books the width of my hips.
But then again, these R classes were a chance for me to catch up, to get a stronger base of knowledge so I could not only survive the harder classes but thrive in them.
The R classes were my shot at having a fighting chance in this place. Beyond that, my studies would be my own.
My mind was made up. I wouldn’t adopt Callum’s attitude or his reputation for being a shadow.
I had to study, probably harder than anyone else even in the R classes, but I would do it. I would graduate from this academy, not by the skin of my teeth but with a knowledge that would help me through life…hopefully.
Either way, this place was giving me free food and a decent place to sleep. I would do my best to earn them.
“Miss, we close the library for lunch.” The woman in a 50s style, rust-colored dress had approached me, but I had been so engrossed in Raven Lore and plans for moving forward successfully that I hadn’t even noticed. My gaze dipped down to her stylish flats with a tiny bow near the toes. No wonder I didn’t hear her. No heels. Smart woman.
I checked my watch and realized both of my study hours had come and gone. “Yes, ma’am. I was so comfortable and focused, I didn’t realize the time.”
She smiled at me. Maybe she didn’t know who I was. I wasn’t going to tell her so she could join my anti-fans. “I understand, but we close for a half hour.”
I hadn’t read that on any sign, but I needed to get myself to lunch anyway. “Of course. I’ll be out in a second.”
She nodded and walked away while I packed my stuff back into my bag. I’d spent more time reeling over my life than my studies but had gotten some things done. As I walked away, I looked back at the comfy chair and promised it I would be back the next week and the week after so it wouldn’t be lonely.
The same woman, the librarian, I assumed, gave me another sweet smile as I passed. She walked over to the end of the desk right by the front door and beckoned me with one finger. I sighed. Was this where she told me she found out who I was and was banning me from here?
“Gwendoline, your father spent a lot of time in this same library. Remember that we are open until midnight. Hardly anyone comes in here at all. You are welcome to study here or even take a breather from the…chaos if you like. We also have private study rooms that are soundproof. You know, in case you ever need one.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.”
