Before, I couldn’t have imagined why Maeve would want to steal Connor’s research, nor why he would ever suspect that. But after hearing his conversation with Devynne and knowing what I do about Maeve’s plans for the soul summoner, I have no doubt his suspicions are well founded.

“Did you want to look at her things?” Rachel asks me, bringing me back to the task at hand. I’d gotten sidetracked staring after Connor this time.

“Yes, please.”

I begin to sort through them, recognizing some of the books as ones Maeve pored over quite thoroughly. I set those aside, and Rachel begins to scan through them for any mention of a soul summoner. As I shuffle books around, something slips out and falls on the chair—a map. Curious, I unfold the sheet of parchment and spread it out on the desk. Shock ripples through me.

This is my map. Or rather, the map of Parilla Rachel used to determine that the village of Wren is now underwater. She even updated it using her book binding talent with a notation of where Wren was once located.

A heady mix of emotions tumbles through me. Did Maeve save this because she thought I’d want it? Did she do it to help me, because she really cared for me? Or is there some other reason? Something I can’t see yet that would help her find the soul summoner? I wish terribly for it to be the first, but I suspect it’s really the latter.

“Strange that she would hold on to that.” Rachel says over my shoulder.

“I thought so too,” I say.

“Why don’t you keep it safe. Just in case there’s more there than we realize.” Rachel folds it up and tucks it into my bag. “And you know, I think you should probably hold on to those obsidian artifacts too.” I’d intended to return them while we were here in the library. “If Maeve decides she wants you too, they ought to keep you safe from her talent.”

My eyes widen. “Are you sure it’s all right? I feel terrible that we took them and had to break that glass case, but we didn’t see any other way at the time.”

“You did what you thought was best and right. And you brought them back. You’re more valuable to Maeve than any of the others here. If anyone needs the protection, it’s you.”

My heart sinks. No, the one who really needed it was Sebastian.

“I’ll bring them back again once this is all over.”

Rachel squeezes my shoulder. “I know you will.” Her hand drops back to her side. “Well, I think we’ve exhausted this avenue. Let’s go upstairs to the older documents, shall we?”

I agree. The journal doesn’t appear to be in Maeve’s desk. She must’ve taken it with her.

As we head up the stairs, I can’t help but feel as though eyes follow me. I brush the feeling off, and it isn’t long before we’re settled in the oldest part of the library. The dust makes me sneeze, but I pore over everything Rachel sets in front of me, trying hard to remain focused on the task at hand.