I flinch from the pain but continue on, placing my hand on the glass, channeling my thoughts and feelings into the connection.

We both share the same mind of protecting our home and the Records in it. I send those thoughts and feelings through the connection, the Autarium instantly calming its hostility toward me.

Soft transparent wisps flow from the artifact, caressing the wound on my hand, soothing the burn as if apologetic for its outburst.

I smile at the small wisps, a tender feeling spreading throughout me as I watch them brush against my skin.

And then I feel it…the worry and anger from the connection as it forms and flows inside me.

I feel overwhelmed by the strength of the feelings flowing into me. It's primal, a pure feeling, an instinct to protect. It feels the threat, anger bubbling from it with each blast and attack thrown at its domain. At its home.

The word echoes in my mind over and over, the artifact emphasizing it as a warm feeling envelops me.

A loud blast from outside rings out, the magic in the room shakes, then fluctuates, flowing and crashing like waves around me, sending more power to the barrier surrounding the building.

The magic seeps from the Autarium, and that's when I notice it…a small crack in the glass from the overflowing power.

How long can it hold out like this?

The Autarium was pushing itself more and more, trying to protect the Library. I can feel its resilience, its resolve to protect, but it might not last long with these constant blasts and attacks.

A light wisp stretches toward me and brushes past my cheek, the bond sending two words to my head…Always Protect. It would continue to fight, to protect, and so would I.

I nod and straighten myself, heading to the door. I would need to do all I could on my end to protect the Library too.

I could feel it through our connection, the Autarium would fight to its last drop of magic, and it would fight to protect our home. We both would.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

I head down the top-floor stairs in the direction of the basement. I needed to check on everyone and make sure the Vault and Records were secure. I wouldn’t let the Interitus get their hands on the Records and the Library.

I reach the second-floor stairs, heading further down to the lower floor when suddenly I smack into someone and stumble back.

A hand reaches out and steadies me, and I notice a small faded scar on its forearm.

Isaac.

I gave him that scar the very first year we met. An outburst I had during one of our very first sparring sessions. A moment gone wrong…but in the end, one that drew us closer together, beginning our bond as a family.

We weren’t as close back then, and I was still finding my feet here and getting used to the new company. I had my doubts at first about why Isaiah took me in. Thinking it was probably more sweet words and promises that would soon be broken.