She nodded, leaning forward, rubbing her temples while she thought. He did, in fact, walk over to the shelves.

Mythos of Hestgartia was the first title he noticed, a newer edition. One he didn’t particularly care for. His eyes darted to another title, a random book for hexes that had no reason to be there. He would think that the bookshelves would be sorted correctly for such an esteemed family.

‘Whoever organised this library is atrocious at their job.’ He huffed.

‘That would be Elnora. She said it was one of her many tasks being her father’s assistant.’

His brows raised.

‘Where would Elnora hide something?’

‘I doubt she would be trusted with the grimoire.’

‘Humour me,’ he said.

‘In plain sight, the only time she ever bought books was for home décor. It’s not in here.’

The door squeaked open.

And in came Elnora, holding what looked like a tray of tea. It took everything in Kellan to not slap it out of her hand. But fortunately, he doubted it would be a good idea.

She smiled warmly at them both. But Bethan didn’t turn from the Antiphonus. In an attempt to defuse the slow-building tension Kellan inquired over the sorting of the books.

‘Disorganisation makes my father tick; I like to rebel through incompetence. It embarrasses them.’

Kellan cringed; he and Elnora weren’t all that different.

‘Bethan, I really think you should drink this tea,’ she said sweetly. ‘You look pale.’

‘She’s looking more than healthy to me,’ he growled.

Elnora sent Kellan a scowl. A true face of evil, one she only decided to reveal because of this opposition.

‘Trust me.’ She set the tea tray down. ‘You’re going to want it.’

‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘I will have some.’

Bethan reached for the teapot and poured it for herself. Kellan stepped forward to stop her, but her eyes silently told him she knew what she was doing and did not interfere.

Bethan brought the cup to her lips and took her sip. She gulped continuously.

Elnora’s eyes widened, and he watched as her shoulders slumped in relief. Her eyes moved away from Bethan. And to the closed windows.

‘It’s so dark in here.’

She walked over to them and opened the curtains. More light streamed in, and it was then that he saw a glimpse of mist that was Bethan’s magic. She fanned it away, smirking at him. The magic faded away like a disappearing night while Elnora’s back was turned.

Elnora walked back, and the teacup Bethan held was empty.

A smirk also danced on Kellan’s lips at Bethan’s deception.

‘Have you found anything of note?’

They shook their heads in unison. And Bethan appeared rather sad; her smile quickly faded to a frown.

‘I don’t know what to do. We’re disappointing so many people,’ she said.