“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 and Medeis 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 “Even for such an outdated dialect.”

And there it was.

“Is that jealousy I 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.