Page 179 of Librarian

Michael looks around, perhaps seeking some superior officer to make the decision for him. No such luck. Anyone who could’ve is restrained with magical cuffs on the floor.

Something in my chest fizzes. The sensation growing until it’s sucking at my insides.

I have just enough presence of mind to confirm it’s a magical drain before I shut it away, forcing my illusion to remain steady.

Where are the others? What’s happening with the dagger?

Frustration bubbles in my throat as I wait for Michael’s answer. My pain is growing by the second.

“I want your word,” he finally says. “When this is over, you’ll check every single member of enforcement and the aegis.”

“Done,” I agree, mostly to get rid of him. “But after that, no more. I am not here to pass judgement on my patrons. I am here?—”

“To protect the fecking library, yes, I heard you the first dozen times.” He lets out a frustrated breath. “What about new recruits? You can check?—”

“You can discuss it later.” The doors reopen with a wave of Dakari’s hand. “Right now, there isn’t time.”

Some of them are already leaving, and I see the moment Michael realises he’s lost this fight. He sighs. “Fine.” A pause. “Good luck, Librarian. I’ll return tomorrow.”

I gesture to Blanche, the movement jerky, but she understands. The people on the Gallery disperse as well. I can’t even see Eddy under the crush of people.

Waiting until they’re all gone almost kills me. The final door slams, and I collapse against the desk with a groan.

“What’s happening?” I gasp, turning to find the three men behind me have gone pale and tense as well.

“Magical drain,” Jasper confirms. “I think?—”

“The dagger is broken,” Dakari finishes.

“It can’t be,” I protest, dispelling the illusion of my ghost form to preserve what magic I have left. “I can’t feel the Library.”

If it’s draining all of us, does Pierce even have the energy to cast the spell needed to break the?—?

A door slams open to our left, a tumble of men falling through. Pierce’s white shirt is soaked in blood. Lambert’s arm looks burnt.

“Close it!” Leo yells.

No one needs to tell Dakari twice.

Mathias is on the other side, smirking. He doesn’t follow. He just stands there, smirking, as the door shuts between us. My heart pounds, waiting for it to open again. Waiting for him to stride through.

Nothing.

What’s he playing at?

Deep in my bones, the heavy weight of my own fear takes root.

Fifty

Kyrith

Jasper is by Pierce’s side in an instant, tearing at the bloodstained fabric to reveal…nothing.

“What the…?” He trails off when Pierce drags the cuff from his wrist.

It clatters onto the tiled floor.

“Fucking hell, Carlton.” North’s horrified exclamation draws the attention of everyone currently trying to help Leo and Lambert up.