I’d almost forgotten this was a job interview. “Why do wings matter for a job?”
The creature returns to his position in front of me, far enough away that he doesn’t have to tilt his head too much. He waves his hand, and I almost fall forward when something bumps into the back of my legs. Instead, I lose my balance and stumble into the chair that suddenly materializes behind me. I position the crutches to either side of me, pretending like I didn’t just fall on my ass.
“The wings aren’t really the important part, but they’re handy when you’re trying to get books off the top shelf or when you need to get to the top floor in a hurry.” His own wings flutter a little, and I wonder what mine look like. If the pictures of sphinxes are accurate, I’ll have actual feathers. “My name is Duggar, and I am one of the library’s goblins.” I nod, deciding my mental response to that bit of information isn’t really necessary to speak aloud. “You are a sphinx, child. The monster who broke your body did not take your power. Your ancestors guarded this library before their line was believed to be extinct. The last two librarians were sufficient, but the supernatural world grows more volatile, and the library is pleased to have a proper Abram again.”
I shake my head. “I don’t really think… As much as I’d love to be the librarian here, I don’t think I’d be much help. I can’t move around well, and I can’t guard anything. I can’t even shift.”
“You should stop thinking if those are your thoughts. You have potential you’re not even aware of. It won’t be easy for you, especially in this political climate. The supernatural community faces threats from within and without, but you’re the best candidate for the job.”
“Until someone else comes along?” I ask hesitantly. His words are ominous, but I’m a little more concerned about my immediate future at the moment.
“Unless you betray the library, the position of librarian is for life.” He looks at me sharply, his dark eyes flashing. A spark of fear prods me.
“I don’t intend on betraying the library,” I respond quickly as terror slides down my spine. Just the thought makes me want to bludgeon myself with my crutch, and I’m no longer a suicidal pre-teen. I don’t know what prompts the fierce loyalty, but I’d rather die than betray the library, whatever that entails.
Duggar smiles. “I know. It’s in your blood. It’s why we want you.”
“You want me?” I squeak. “Wait. This seems too easy. I thought there was a trial or something?”
The goblin’s face doesn’t change expressions as he motions around the chamber. “The trial started the moment you entered the building. The library knows who walks upon its floors. Here, in her heart, nothing can hide from her.”
I look around the unassuming room. I’m sure he meansheartin a very metaphorical sense, but I sense warmth in the small space, like it might be more than that. But I still can’t believe they want me. I can’t even shift and can’t imagine being able to. I’ve been told for years that no one will ever want me like I am. Although I try really hard to maintain some confidence, it gets stomped on again and again. It’s become second nature to speak of myself as others speak of me. “Really? That’s it?”
“Well, if you insist, the physical obstacle is next. You’ll have to balance on a tightrope over a lake of fire.” My heart skips a beat in fear. The goblin’s strange face doesn’t change, but up until this moment, he’s had mostly human expressions. Is he capable of sarcasm? Is there really a physical test?
“Really?” I repeat.
The little creature rolls his eyes. “For an intelligent woman, you can’t seem to accept a simple answer. It’s done. The library has chosen you. There are, of course, a couple of conditions.”
Ah, there it is: the catch, the trap. I swallow my excitement and nod as I wait for a more detailed explanation. “Conditions?”
“Yes. You must work to better yourself, to increase your self-worth, to control your shift, and to combat your memories before they drag you under. The library needs you to be strong, in mind and body, and don’t say a thing about your crutches. Just because you don’t walk like others doesn’t mean you aren’t strong. There will be other requirements, but I think those will be the most difficult. Do you agree?”
I honestly consider the offer. Do I want to be a part of this magical place, a building that fills me with peace and wonder? Do I want to learn how to shift to my beast form? Can I fight my insecurities and memories? Is it worth it?
Finally, I nod. “Yes. I would like to be needed here.” And that’s the crux of it, the truth pulled from me by either the library’s or the goblin’s magic. I want to be needed. I want to be useful. I don’t want to be considered useless just because of my body. Whether I ever shift or not, I’d like to know that I’m worthy in this form as well.
Duggar nods in satisfaction. A slight pop assaults my ears and a book abruptly appears, sitting heavy on my lap. It’s open to a page that resembles a contract, but the print is so tiny, my eyes blur. I squint, but every time I try to read it, my eyes cross and I lose my place.
“This is your contract. Sign, please.”
I frown at the book. “Is my signature a promise for the exchange of my firstborn, or does it require that I take no lands or husbands? I mean, what’s the catch?”
Duggar sighs, but I think I sense a hint of amusement. “You belong to the library. This will be your home until you die. If you choose to have a family, they may stay here with you and your quarters will shift to provide for you and them. Your kids may be asked to carry on in your stead, but that is a very long time away. Your responsibility and loyalty will be towards the library always: before politics, before supernaturals, before humans, before lovers, before any other obligations. The rest is all legal jargon.”
I arch an eyebrow at him but decide it doesn’t really matter. This is where I want to be. He produces a pen, but it doesn’t look like any pen I’ve ever seen. “Ew. Do I have to sign in blood?” I examine the sharp point.
The goblin huffs a small laugh. “You’ve lived in the human world too long, Sphinx. Yes, you have to sign in blood. Just poke your finger and sign on the line.”
I shrug and do as he says. The sharp pain is nothing compared to the deep ache I struggle with daily. I sign my full name, Zosia Aviram Abram, with a flourish, and my red blood sinks into the paper. The moment I finish the last m, the book and pen both disappear. Duggar bows, his hat managing to stay firmly attached to his head.
“Welcome to your destiny, Zosia Abram.”
Chapter Six
Zosia
While I’m trying not to laugh at the corny statement, the room slowly fades around me. I’m back in the towering foyer, but it’s changed. There’s now a door on each end of the room. Not only that, but the entire building seems to breathe around me. Why would a building need to breathe? Even Kodi doesn’t need to breathe. I’m silent as I study the sensation more closely. It’s not breathing, per se, more like the pulse of magic.
