Page 15

A loud, frustrated honk sounded behind me, pulling me out of my musings. Through the creaking windshield wipers, I watched the traffic clear, and without having a second thought, I pushed on the gas, switching lanes.

It was well over an hour when I parked my wailing Honda by the curb. A blast of chill air and a slap of harsh water hit my face when I opened the car door, heavier than usual from the northern winds.

The pelting rain drenched me in seconds as I maneuvered the crates out of the trunk, laid plastic sheets over them, and ran to the side door. The wind wheezed as I shut the door behind me. Beads of water dripped down my face as I set aside the supply crates and draped my soaked coat on the stand.

“You’re late,” said a familiar voice, laced with accusation.

I shrugged, not saying a word as I carried on with my task. I wasn’t much for unnecessary conversations, the kind that led nowhere. I found it pointless.

But Mrs. Dolores, the head librarian, didn’t think that way. Her footsteps shadowed me to make sure I did a good job as I carried the crates down the long, winding corridors, studded with rows upon rows of religious texts.

I was a part-time librarian in the quantum physics and astronomy section of the Codex Twins, the world’s largest library. It was marveled at for its long, church-like columns, its serene Roman architecture, and its enormous collection dating back several centuries.

As someone with no qualifications, I only got this job because of my Valerian connections. But it was a job I loved simply because I loved everything about books.

As usual, there was no one in sight at my section.

“Just make sure you don’t repeat this,” Mrs. Dolores huffed out.

I gave her a small nod, and she let out another huff before finally leaving. I had no clue what her problem was with me.

Sighing, I took my seat, ready to jump into my next book to keep my mind away from the thoughts of a certain man who invaded my mind far too much than I liked.

Later that evening, I drove down to a quiet residential area in the Uppers, stopping in front of a familiar home. Knowing the way, I rounded the corner and walked straight to the backyard, and the serene Japanese-style garden came into view.

“Sensi,” I said, bowing low to greet my master before my eyes landed on him.

“Bellerose, join me for tea.” Master Akiyama was someone I respected above anyone. No one knew his real age, but he was possibly in his early fifties, which I could only tell from the few gray strands peppering his sideburns and the faint crinkles in the corner of his eyes. He was the reason I’m who I am today. I would’ve never seen the shadow of the Valerian Mountain if it weren’t for him.

He was now retired and settled in a quiet home in the Twins, overlooking the prefecture for the organization.

I nodded, easing myself into the empty seat next to him at the circular table.

Only the sound of the leaves rustling and the steady stream of tea filling the yunomi cup hung in the air. “Sencha Hojicha, your favorite,” he said, smiling as he gestured to the tea.

“Arigato gozaimasu, Sensi.” I thanked him as I took it with both my hands.

Japanese was the only other spoken language I was fluent in because the Valerian Mountain was on a tiny island north of mainland Japan. No outsiders knew of its location. It was where the Valerian trained their soldiers, and I spent most of my teenage life there.

“How have you been, Bellerose? It’s been a while.”

“Good, Sensi. Work is well.”

His wise brown eyes fixed on me as he set his cup aside. “Word told me that you have involved yourself in the city’s matters.”

I froze before I drew in a small sip of the tea. I was trained to school my expression, but Sensi knew everything about me. Nothing slipped past him.

“Yes, I have,” I said, even-toned.

“I hope you know what you’re doing, child, and I hope you aren’t doing it for the wrong reasons.”

“I do, Sensi, and no, I learned from you after all.”

“I never wanted this for you.”

I gave him a small smile. “I know, but I can handle this.”

He regarded me for a long moment before saying, “Be careful, Bellerose. The city isn’t as honorable as you think.”