Page 26 of Shadows and Runes


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“I believe they called it the Prismaloct,” answers Ilyric.“I’d also like an explanation.” The Fae’s eyes flitter between Isaac and me, his brows pinched together, an eagerness gleaming in them with the mention of a working relic in whatever form.

Lucien is the first to answer, seeming more interested than the others in the artifact itself.“It's an old communication device. Maybe six hundred or seven hundred years old?” he muses.

“So, like an old smartphone or something?” queries Jace, to the appalled looks of everyone else.

I smile.

“More like the humans' Morse code contraptions, except with magic.” Lucien looks to Jace, a playful smirk lacing his lips. He stares at him as if looking at a young pet.

“Yes, it's a communication artifact. But it's old," explains Isaac. "It only sends written messages and works using Medeis script.”

All the men around me grimace, the ancient script too old and difficult for most to speak, let alone decipher. Only used for the oldest of rituals or historic teachings, the ancient dialog now too archaic, becoming obsolete in this time.

“And that's where Rhys comes in.” Isaac turns to me, all of the men around me joining him with questioning stares.

“Master of Runes, Sigils andMedeis script. Our Fifth Sector Librarian can write, speak and translate them all.”

Cole and Jace's eyes widen in surprise, and a slow grin spreads across Lucien’s lips as Ilyric raises a brow. Each of their gazes holding some sense of awe.

“That is quite the talent,” adds Ilyric. My eyes widen at the compliment from the haughty Fae. “Even for such anoutdateddialect.”

And there it was.

“Is thatjealousyI smell?” prods Lucien, his voice slow and languid as he looks to the Fae, a dark glint in his eyes.

“Why would I be jealo—” starts Ilyric before Jace cuts him off.

“That’s pretty amazing, Rhys.” Jace beams from ear to ear, his eyes glued to me as if completely smitten.

“It’s nothing.” I turn my head, a blush creeping up my neck from all the attention over such a small thing.

Cole shakes his head. “Not nothing.” A slight softness in the deep blue eyes gazing toward me.

I clear my throat, trying to stop the heat from reaching my cheeks, I wasn’t used to such compliments, and it really wasn't that big of a deal.

I enjoyed reading and learning just followed from that. I loved literature about the past, about what came before. And in historic documents,you don't get much better than ancient scripts.

So, of course, I taught myself how to read them, and writing them just followed after that.

Pulling their attention back to the topic at hand, I turn to Isaac, ignoring their gazes.

“Okay, so we get the Prismaloct and these pieces together, you fix it, and then we contact the Council to see how far out they are.”Isaac turns to me, giving me a small nod. “Also, let’s make sure to ask if they have any news about the other Libraries.”

With this, I turn toward Ilyric, his eyes briefly widening, a softer look in them as he stares at me.

“I’ll get the first piece from Isaiah's old storeroom. You get the one sent by Barius in the private Library on the second floor,” calls Isaac.

He looks at Lucien and Jace.“Stay here and keep an eye on everyone.”

Lucien’s grin grows. “And why should I help?” His gaze tilts toward me. “What do I get in return for the favor?”

Jace steps in front of me, blocking my view of Lucien and his of me, a growl rumbling from his chest. He takes a step toward him just as I place my hand on his back, instantly calming his wolf.

Stepping from behind him, I look to Lucien, “It’s basically what you’ve already been doing.”

Did he think I’d beg or that he could barter for something he wants? It’s not the day for testing me. “But you don’t have to help us. You can just crawl back into your dark corner and continue your imaginary staring contest with the group.” My eyes narrow toward him, his grin growing and eyes glinting with my challenge.

“Fine. I’ll lend my services this one time.” His eyes trail down my front as a growl falls from behind me. “But I’ll take my fee infullnext time,little doe.” With that, he turns away, heading back over to the group.

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