“Of course you’d be able to read Mhenbic,” Lina tutted to Neelo. “Reading is like your first language.”

Neelo’s gaze dropped to the stack of books in their hands and their cheeks dimpled.

“Are those more books of interest?” Bri asked, nodding to the stack in their hands.

“No,” they replied. “Just ones I want to read tonight.”

Bri noted the paw print on the cover of the top book. “One about wolves?”

“Lions,” Neelo said. “Eastern mountain lions.”

Carys chortled, sweeping her braid off her shoulder. “The libraries at Saxbridge getting boring for you?”

“I’ve read every book in Saxbridge.” Neelo gave her a sideways glance. “Most of them twice.”

“Of course you have.” Carys rolled her eyes. “Right, let’s keep looking.” She snagged Bri by the elbow before she could turn to follow Lina. “Why don’t you help me look over here?”

Bri scowled at her friend.

Bern clapped Cole on the shoulder before heading off in the other direction. “I’m glad you found this part of your family’s legacy.”

Bri frowned as Carys dragged her into the stacks. “Legacy” was a word she’d heard far too often in her childhood. It seemed to be the only thing that mattered to her parents. She watched as Lina climbed back up the stairs. The Princess didn’t turn in her direction, but she did gather the fabric at her hip and tug it up with the next step, flashing a peek of thigh. It was such a subtle movement, but Lina knew exactly what she was doing, judging by the cheeky smirk that played on her lips.

Those lips.

Gods, what Bri would give to freeze this moment in time with Lina, this fleeting togetherness seeming to slip from Bri’s fingers like catching raindrops in a tempest. Maybe that’s what made it so thrilling—knowing how soon it would end.

*   *   *

The shadows deepened until they could no longer read the spines of the books. Relenting for the night, they arrived to a veritable feast upon returning to the house below the library.

Rish had outdone herself again. Relishes, spiced crackers, and vinegar cucumbers sat waiting on the table with more delicious smells wafting from the kitchens. Tapered candles lit the table but the full moon was so bright, it highlighted the entire bay.

They collapsed into their chairs, exhausted from the day of hunting through the stacks. Carys had kept Bri to task for the rest of the day, and when Bri closed her eyes, all she saw were stacks and stacks of books.

“What does it say?” Bern asked, nodding to Cole as he sat.

The brown witch still hunched over his grandmother’s journal. He lifted his eyes, a glazed expression on his face from too many hours focused on the words. “She was insane.” The group chuckled but he shook his head, his eyes hollow. “She was doing experiments for her High Priestess.”