Page 5 of Shadows and Runes

I hadn’t been a Librarian for more than five years.Too young and new to have any of those problems.

That also is the reason why I was looked down upon by the other four Librarians.

To them, I was too young, too weak of magic, of unknown origins, and, my favorite…probably part human.Always dissatisfied gazes and gripes about whyIwas chosen.

They thought very little of my old Library and me.

Fortunately, they couldn’t interfere in another Librarian's choice of successor. It was their rite to choose who would succeed them.And Isaiah chose me.

I drag myself up and shake my arms out, ridding myself of the tingling sensation still haunting my fingertips.

I make my way to the door and make note to look into any after-effects later.

CHAPTER THREE

I makemy way up the old staircase and head toward the attic floor. The highest floor in the Library, with just two rooms, one for the Autarium and one for my bedroom,I’ve always felt the most comfortable up here.

The old rooms carry on the wooden features and design of the Library.

My own room is everything a book-lover could dream of. Dark rich wooden bookshelves encompass the walls on both sides of the room from ceiling to floor, and a small rosewood desk sits near my window, holding my latest series addiction. With the most beautiful view of the city for me to read by.

I’ve collected a lot of my favorite books over the years, storing them between the wooden shelves, ordering extra copies in the Library so I can keep them. Perks of being a Librarian.

Just as I’m turning into my room, Isaac walks out of the room that holds the Autarium.

He looks around, startled by my arrival.

Isaac is like a brother. Isaiah and him the closest thing to a family I’ve ever had.

Just a year older than me and two inches taller, with his black hair and almost obsidian eyes, we didn’t look a thing like each other.

He’s also the Library's Guard, a protector of the Library if you will. He’s basically my second-in-command and keeps the Library and me protected from outside threats.

“Is everything okay with the Autarium?” I question, peering over his shoulder to the room.

He pauses.“No, it's fine. I just heard a strange noise and wanted to make sure nothing crept up here. I thought a pigeon or rat might have gotten in through the roof again.”

He looks back toward the door and then at me.“But there was nothing there.”

He shrugs, then turns and passes me, heading down the stairs.

Just as his back disappears, I remember the conversation I had with Mirin.

“Isaac. Wait.” He pauses on his way down the stairs and turns to me.

“Would you be able to watch the Library tonight for me…so I can go out with Mirin?” Isaac’s eyebrows go skyward, and a slow tilt appears on his lips.

My eyes narrow toward him, annoyance spreading through me with his widened stare.

“Don’t give me that look, Isaac,” I grouse.

“I go out. I just choose not to do it often.”

He gives me a smug look. If the glare I give him could kill, he’d be painfully gone by now.

“Who really needsrealpeople,” I gripe. “People in books are far more interesting. You're the same as me, if not worse. The most outside interaction you get is seeing people pass by the bay window while you read there all day.”

Isaac, over here, would consume books like he breathes. He was beyond brilliant. Whether it was his abilities, his IQ, or his understanding and use of magic, he was exceptional in it all.

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