I’m pulled from my thoughts as magic surges around the room, a static energy almost white in color. It moves like a wave in the ocean, stretching itself to every part of the Library, creeping from the ground to the roof and down again. A hum in the air as the magic moves on its own accord, old and strong in its reach.

I relax my body and accept the magic as it floods the room around me.

Pure power.

A buzz rings out in the air as the magic becomes more potent, static, joining the flowing power as it moves. One large surge of power pours down the walls before slowly fading. It’s followed by a loud rumble drumming throughout the room.

I turn to the direction of the noise…the Vault!

I rush toward the back door and head for the basement staircase.

Were we already being attacked from the inside?

No, that's not possible.

I crash into Isaac as I reach the stairs, stumbling before he catches my arm, stopping me from falling forward and down the steps. Before we can even speak, another boom bellows out from the floor below us. Flashing lights pour from the usually dimly lit floor, voices and movement suddenly ringing out from the large basement.

Dark smoke starts to pour from Isaac’s arms, coiling and encircling his body, preparing for the oncoming threat.

I prepare myself, the runes on my skin gleaming as power surges through me, fortifying my flesh and strengthening my body.

Before we can go on the attack, voices bickering, wailing, and shouting make their way to us. Sounds you don't normally hear from people going to attack you.

Isaac looks at me, eyebrows furrowed in question.

I move to take a step down the stairs, and when Isaac grabs my arm from behind, a fierce glare sets on his face. “Impenetrable, remember. I’ll be fine.”

I shake his hand off as he scowls.

Before he opens his mouth, I head down the stairs. Isaac is close behind me as the voices and noise become louder the nearer to the bottom we get.

More magic flashes from the lower basement as we reach the bottom step, streaks of static energy pour out from the large indentation on the far corner of the Vault.

Magic pours from the spelled circle like vines climbing the walls of the lower basement, and there in the center of it all are people.

People with injuries, some unconscious, some crying, some arguing with each other, and some looking completely baffled. Join the club.

Why and how are these people here?

CHAPTER FIVE

The raised voices become louder and more heated between two men in the group. Their appearance caught my eye immediately.

Both striking and breath-taking. The first with an almost ethereal look, tall with long white hair down past his shoulders, a swimmer's physique, and almost pale pearlescent skin, he must be a Fae. He bickers with the other man, similar in height and figure but completely opposite in appearance.