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“What is it?” I asked.
He led me to the third room on the right. “You’ll see.”
*****
The door opened and I was even more awestruck than before. We were in a library—an incredibly impressive library. Mahogany, crescent-shaped shelves filled with countless books took up most of the space. A small, curved staircase was off to the right leading to a circular balcony. A rolling ladder on each floor allowed you the opportunity to grab the volumes stacked towards the ceiling with little effort. A small sitting area was off to the left with a chaise lounge, a round table, and a Tiffany lamp. I could instantly picture Leo stretched out in that chair looking every bit the sophisticated scholar.
“Omigod!” I exclaimed as I turned in circles looking at both stories. “There must be thousands of books in here! Where did you get them?”
He gave me a sexy grin. “I’ve had a lot of free time on my hands over the years during daylight hours. Books kept me occupied before technology afforded me other opportunities.
I’ve been a constant student of any subject I could get my hands on, always looking to gain an advantage over others.”
I rolled my eyes. “Why doesn’t that surprise me?” My eyes focused on the spine of an especially weathered book. I walked over to pluck it off the shelf. It was a Holy Bible, Old Testament. Like, really old. I was almost afraid that it would disintegrate in my hands. “How did you get this?” I asked. “This is way older than you are.”
“It is,” he confirmed as his expression saddened. “I inherited most of the older ones from my maker when she…ceased to exist. She left explicit instructions for them to be delivered to me upon her death.”
I recalled his story about his maker…Renata, I think was her name. They were together exclusively for over four hundred years, eliminating any doubts I may have had about Leo’s ability to commit to a relationship. He told me that he hadn’t seen her since he moved to the United States in the early 1900’s. I assumed they’d had a nasty break up since he never talked about it. Maybe I was wrong.
“Leo, I’m sorry; I didn’t know she was gone. When did she…die?” I asked carefully.
He took a moment before answering. “A while ago. Perhaps that is a story for another time, my dear.” He walked up the staircase and climbed the rolling ladder. While selecting a thick book from the tenth shelf he added, “I have a gift for you.”
I met him at the bottom stair and held out my hands. “What is it?”
His lips curved up slightly at the corners. “A book.”
I rolled my eyes as I accepted the daunting manuscript. “I can see that. I meant, why are you giving me a book?”
He nodded towards the front cover. “See for yourself.”
I brushed some dust away from the leather binding so I could read the golden text. The History of the Fae.
I looked up in astonishment. “Are you serious?” I asked. “Where did you get this?”
He took a step closer and kissed me on the forehead. “It was from my maker’s collection. I’ve had it for a while but never noticed it until recently. I’ve only looked through it briefly but it seems quite comprehensive. I’m hoping it will answer any questions you may have about your race.”
I began flipping through the pages, being careful not to tear the delicate parchment. “Leo, I don’t know what to say.”
He smiled as he walked towards the door. Stepping into the hallway he said, “Take all the time you need, my love. When you’re ready, go to the room at the end of the hall and I will answer any questions you may have about Maria.”
Ten
After Leo closed the door, I reclined on the rich burgundy chaise and immediately began looking for answers. There was an inscription on the inside cover written in a delicate penmanship.
My dearest Leonidas,
This book is the most sacred gift I have to give. It will explain all of your unanswered questions about my sire and our people. You are my greatest love, sweet Leo. I will treasure you for my entire existence, even after the true death.
Love always, Renata
I exhaled. “Omigod.” This was his gift to me? The most sacred thing his maker had to give him? Why would he want me to have this? And what could it possibly say about her sire? I was about to stand to return it to him, but I noticed something sticking out of one of the pages. It was a dried piece of lavender marking a page about half way through the book. I turned to the marked spot and began skimming the page.
Immortality
All creatures of the Fae become immortal on the twenty-fifth human year following their creation. During the year prior to this cellular change, you will suffer several symptoms. While bothersome, their effect is only temporary so you needn’t fret. Each Fae responds differently as their molecular structure becomes more advanced. You should expect to experience one or more of the following during this time:
Insatiable need for sustenance
