“Have you read anything on focused attention meditations?” Maureen asked. “I’m afraid I’ve pushed myself beyond my instructor’s experience and need to consult the great works of the masters. I was looking for Chodak’s work on the subject.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t have any experience with focused attention meditations or books on the subject,” said Dani.

“Oh, how strange. I couldn’t get through the day without mine! Perhaps that’s why you seem so . . . overwhelmed when I see you.”

Dani’s eyes narrowed. “Miss Bardie, would you excuse the two of us? I think Maureen and I need to have a discussion on polite, professional behavior and how we’re going to define it from here.”

Maureen waved her off. “Oh, no I’m afraid I don’t have time to chat. I have to find my book and return to my work. The muse is being so demanding today!”

“Oh, what a shame that you have to leave,” said Dani.

Bardie turned to Maureen. “Well, let’s help you find that book then, shall we?”

“See you at the rift site, dear,” Maureen trilled.

Dani rolled her eyes and returned to her work. Maureen Sherman was making Dani seriously reconsider her stance on not weaponizing her talent.

Dani couldn’t relax back into her cushy library chair until she heard Maureen checking out her precious book on meditation. It took her several hours of reading to finally quiet her mind, and then several hours of writing got her to unwind enough to stop grinding her teeth.

Dani worked well beyond the dinner hour. Bardie went on a break to go to the pie shop, offering to return a take-out meal to Dani, but Dani was so focused she politely refused. She was just grateful that Bardie trusted her enough to leave her alone in the library. It was locked, which meant that Dani was technically “chained” inside. But still, it was nice to be trusted.

Dani leaned back in her chair, skimming over a book she’d found on Mystic Bayou’s founders. Zed’s “great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandaddy” was mentioned several times, as was his penchant for dropping his pants in public. It was interesting material, pants aside, but she was so tired, and the chair was so comfortable. And she felt so safe in this dragon-guarded building full of books. She propped her chin on her hand, her eyes growing heavier by the minute...

Dani startled awake. She had fallen asleep, propped against the table at the library. But something was wrong. She sniffed, wiping at her eyes. Why were the lights out? How long had she been asleep? Why hadn’t Miss Bardie come back for her?