Page 73 of Bound By the Sleeper’s Harp

The first glass case was medium sized, empty except for the artifact stand, and a plaque with a black and white image depicting the location it had been found along with information about the item. The Cauldron of Illoch, was written in calligraphic letters. Beneath it, a description of what it had been used for, to prepare meals, and the types of people that would have used it. I knew it as Hayden’s Cauldron, which had been found amid the ruins of Illoch, the temple of rejuvenation. But it was certainly not used for eating, if the rumors of its magic were to be believed.

We moved on to several more displays, all of which were items believed to be simple artifacts, of nothing more than historical value, but I knew better. With each empty display, my belly sank lower. Ayla’s Bag, Pybalt’s Horn, Meera’s Comb. The list went on. My limbs turned cold at the last, though. Gideon’s Harp. I bit my lip, regarding the empty case, reading the description.

Professor Miller had acquired the harp on one of her archeological adventures long before I’d arrived at the university. I knew she had extensive records about it, had even mentioned it in a class or two, remaining within the limits of human belief.

Alone, she and I had discussed it more deeply.

This was it. It had to be. I didn’t believe in coincidences this perfect. I caught Bastian eye. He must have noticed my expression. His gaze darted to the empty display, then back to me. I lifted my brows.

“Well, that’s all of them,” Sarj said, a nervous pitch to his voice. “Is… Was there anything else you’d like to see, sir? Anything else we can help with?”

Christian shook his head. “I think that’s good for now. You guys can head back to the front desk. We might hang around a bit, if that’s fine with you.” It wasn’t a question.

“Of course,” Sarj said, nodding vigorously. Alex elbowed him. They both turned and fled.

“Interesting development, don’t you think?” Christian asked, giving Bastian a look.

“I suppose. Not sure how it all ties together.”

“Me either.” Christian rubbed the stubble along his jaw. Then his eyes darted my way, like perhaps he was too reluctant to be forthcoming in my presence.

I cleared my throat. “Actually, I wouldn’t mind perusing the books while we’re here. I’ll leave you two to…talk.”

It wasn’t a lie, exactly. I did want to look through the books, for one in particular. I wasn’t sure if it would still be here. Bastian nodded, said he’d come find me in a bit.

So I left them to it.

The stacks were long and deep. While the entire Mueller Library had been built in a modern style, with floor to ceiling windows, the stacks didn’t get a whole lot of light, and a section of the third floor had study rooms that hogged the windows, making the area I prowled dimly lit, as it should be in any proper library. But that was just my own personal opinion.

I ran my fingers along the spines, inhaling. The smell was nostalgic—old paper, binding glue, wood. My grin was wide.

I found the section I wanted, then ran my fingers down the titles. I knew exactly what I was looking for—had studied from it often enough. High on the top shelf, I spotted the textbook with its black spine and gold lettering. Music: The Art of Sound Through the Ages. Musical instruments were notoriously favored for magic throughout history.

I reached up, standing on my tip toes⁠—

“Here, allow me.”

I gasped and jumped backward as long, pale fingers snatched the book. My hand went straight to my chest. “Sorry, you… You caught me by surprise.”

“Ah, forgive me.” The stranger turned to face me. I immediately recognized the dark shag of hair, so black it had hints of blue. My muscles tightened and I glanced toward the end of the stacks. The male held the book forward, waiting for me to take it.

“You… I saw you on the news. You’re⁠—”

“Oh, right! Forgive me. Marsh Thadur.” He shifted the book and reached out a hand, smiling. I stared at his hand, then blinked. The transparent overlay revealing his glamor shifted his ears to points, sharpening his features into fae. Handsome fae. Swallowing, I reached out and shook his hand. His grip was firm, and he held on a moment longer than I was comfortable with.

When our hands dropped, he lifted the book and regarded the title. “Ah, interesting. A fan of music? What do you study?”

“I—”

Marsh Thadur’s eyes lifted and his expression suddenly changed. There was a presence at my back. My shoulders immediately relaxed.

“Marsh.”

“Bastian.”

“I see you’ve met Rose.”

“Ah, Rose. She failed to give me her name.”