“This is undoubtedly the largest library in the world. It holds over two hundred million books, give or take, distributed over fourteen floors, maybe more.”
The shock robbed me of words.
He wiped dust from his mouth. “The former duke couldn’t care less about it. When I arrived, the sections were a nightmare. Magic was mixed with mathematics, and literature was scatteredaround without order or reason. Different languages were lumped together. A revision was needed. I initiated a spell to organise the books into proper sections, but it was slow. I sped it up, and…” He waved towards the doors. “That’s the result.”
“Can’t you stop it?”
He tilted his head right and left. “It’s not easy.”
“How long has this spell been going on?”
“Two years.”
I gasped. “You’re destroying two hundred million books.”
“No, no, no. Everything will be fine when the spell stops. I promise.”
For the first time, I doubted him.
22
BLURRED
Alex
Irene had trained with Darius for a week, and while I didn’t know all the details of how her power was developing, her mood had improved. Her heartbeat thumped calmly and steadily. The scent of her blood had lost the pungent quality of fear, and the pull in my chest was less tense.
I was heading to the drawing room to meet my agent when I stopped in front of one of the windows opening to the garden. Darius and Irene were talking, surrounded by bushes of crimson roses and snowy daisies.
He demonstrated one of his spells, drawing complicated symbols in the air, and she watched fascinated as roses grew and blossomed in a matter of seconds. She clapped her hands, and he bowed at her praise.
As they talked, she started crying.
I unleashed my power to sharpen my hearing. Yes, the Duke of the Dark Court wanted to eavesdrop on them.
He asked her if he could hug her. She nodded, and he pulled her into a gentle hug while she rested her golden head on his shoulder.
A pang hit me in the chest. I wouldn’t be able to hold her and comfort her when she needed it. Darius stroked her head, and I wished it were me giving her safety. Our bond strained with my envy.
She must have sensed it because she tilted her head up. Our gazes met. She lifted a tentative hand in greeting, and I returned the gesture before leaving.
She didn’t need me, and it was better that way. Once her power grew, she would find her life as a wili to be safe and rewarding, and I would watch over her from the shadows where I belonged.
That evening, I found her in my private dining room, having a quiet dinner. I turned around to let her enjoy her meal in solitude when she called me.
“Don’t leave on my account.”
“I suppose you’d rather be alone.”
“Please stay.” She didn’t sound confident.
I took a seat, and the butler served soup, roasted meat, cheese, and grapes. “How is your training going?”
“Not well. Darius is very patient, but I’m not making any progress.” She stretched out her fingers. “I’m more tired every day.”
Fear seized me by the throat. I wouldn’t let her fade.
“You’ll have to use a weapon to kill your first one.”
