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After the initial shock of seeing so many new creatures in one place, the next glaring thing in the palace is the abundance of ghosts. Unlike in the human world, as Leon mentioned, these ghosts can move things in the physical realm, bringing people their drinks, serving food, and down the hall, I can see others cleaning. As Leon leads us through the throng of people, I can’t stop myself from asking. “Leon, why are all the ghosts servants?”
Leon keeps his eyes ahead as he answers. “Like I said earlier, they have nowhere else to go. The council puts them to work, serving the physical realm.”
We exit the busy hall without drawing any attention. Evidently, this is a busy place, used to lots of people coming and going. Two more ghosts are working in the halls here, dusting the curtains, and I swear I see the ghosts of children scrubbing at a floor as we pass a room. “How are they compensated?”
Leon scoffs at my question. “They’re servants, Vivian. They aren’t compensated. They aren’t even people anymore.”
Bile rises in my throat at his words. I want to argue that this is abhorrent, but Leon must sense my discomfort. He stops walking and cups my face with his hands. His tone is soothing. “Vivian, you mustn’t judge an entire realm after only being here for such a short time. I’m positive there are parts of your realm that are even worse than what you are seeing here.”
Thinking of all the horrors that are committed by humans and the depths of depravity that some hold, I slowly nod, gulping down my disgust. “I’ll try to be less judgemental,” I add softly.
Smiling at my agreement, Leon kisses my forehead before letting go of my cheeks and continuing down the labyrinth within the castle walls. Every now and again, we pass other people, and I can’t help but notice the looks of disdain some throw at Leon. I can practically feel Leon’s mounting fury with each passing sneer. “Where are we going?” I ask, hoping to take his mind off the passerby’s.
Leon answers, not looking at me. “I know of a few people that were close to Morgana. Some worked here. I will speak to the head of the guard to inquire about their whereabouts.”
I don’t bother nodding as I continue to follow him. He wouldn’t see me anyway. Leon is walking at a fast clip, and I keep getting distracted by new sights. There’s a room with what looks like thousands of rows of glowing jars and another with small, fluffy creatures that bounce about as a woman chases them, yelling at them to get back into their cage. The little creatures look like fluffy snowballs, and I can’t see any legs on them. I want to see more, but Leon is getting further and further ahead.
Running again to catch up to Leon, I see a room that makes me skid to a stop and do a double-take. It’s a library. I can’t just pass this room by. The large double doors are a turquoise blue, carved with leaves and woodland scenes. They’re propped open, and as I step inside, I can see bookshelves running all the way down the massive room. You could have fit an entire football stadium into here; it’s so grand.
Stepping further inside, I see that there are multiple floors to the library, with spiral staircases that lead up to them scattered about the room. Overhead, the cathedral-like ceiling is lined with carved arches, and each arch is separated by stained glass, showing more beautiful nature scenes. The light that flows into the room is dappled along the surfaces as if I’m walking under the canopy of a forest on a sunlit afternoon.
This is it. I’ve found my paradise.
As I walk further into the library, the bond gives a slight tug. For some reason, it’s less annoying thisafternoon. Ignoring the tug, I continue to explore the library.
If I’m on what is likely a sure-death mission, then seeing this library is my final wish. To experience this room and smell the pages as I get lost in their magic is worth the trouble I’ll likely be in for venturing off.
Walking along one of the shelves, I let my hands trail along the books. Some of them shudder beneath my fingers as if they’re alive. My eyes widen, and I move to open one when I hear voices from further inside of the library.
“How is the mission going? Have you imbued her yet?” It’s a man’s voice. I turn to leave but pause when I hear the voice that answers him.
“Yes, of course I have. And it’s going exactly to plan. The mortal has no idea.” I know that voice. It’s Need. Are they talking about me? How many mortals do they know?
“And you’re sure she won’t find out until it’s too late? This is a risky plan; I don’t like it. Too much can go wrong.” The male’s voice sounds concerned. The voices are starting to make their way towards the exit. They’re coming my way.
As silently as possible, I inch down the shelf and spot a staircase ahead. It’s made of a solid white stone that looks like quartz. I hope my sneakers will be quiet as I quickly climb the steps. Not making a sound, I’m grateful I went without the pointed shoes Leon gave me. We’re on a mission. Sneakers are much more suited to missions.
I hear Need’s voice again just as I reach the next floor, throwing myself against it and pulling my skirts down so they lay flat.
“She’s distracted, Rydon. We’ve ensured she is not able to piece it together. The prophecy will come to light, and she will work for us.”
Peeking over the edge, I watch them make their way to the doors. Need is speaking to a guard. I can only see the back of his head, but he has long black hair tied in a low ponytail. They’re just leaving now, but I can still hear their voices echoing through the hallway as I slowly descend the steps.
“And if you fail?” The man – Need called him Rydon, asks.
“We cannot.” Need’s voice is harsh. I press myself against the wall next to the door, straining to hear the last echoes.
“Everythinghinges on this. We cannot let her loose from our control. It would…” Need’s voice finally tapers off.
My chest sinks at not hearing the rest. I wait a few more moments, ensuring there’s no one around to see me emerge from the library after Need, and then hurry out, headed in the direction that Leon was walking. Arriving at a split in the hall, I pause, wondering which way to go.
Leon saves me from making the wrong choice by turning a corner on my right and heading towards me. He looks irritated.
“Vivian.” He breathes when he reaches me. “Have you not heard me each time I’ve told you to stay close? I’ve been searching every room I passed, looking foryou.” He eyes me up and down as if to reassure himself that I’m safe.
Guilt blossoms within me for worrying him. I give him a small smile and answer with my best half-truth. “I’m so sorry.” I try to sound contrite. “I got distracted by the rooms. There were fluffy creatures bouncing about and other rooms, too, all containing things I’ve never seen before. I got distracted, and when I went to keep up with you, I couldn’t see you anymore. So, I walked until I found this break in the hallway. I didn’t know which way to go, so I waited for you.”
