Page 12 of Tempest Awakening
As the vision faded, I felt myself rushing back, as if plummeting from the heights of the cosmos. I gasped, every nerve tingling with residual energy, my lungs burning as if I'd forgotten to breathe.
Moriyana's consciousness steadied me as the room rematerialized around us. The ancient dragon regarded me patiently, allowing me time to collect myself.
"What... what was that?" I finally managed, my voice hoarse with awe.
"That, my dear Tess, was the Creation,"Moriyana replied, her mental voice gentle."The birth of existence itself, as dreamed into being by the Eternals, Alaia and Sovrax—the living embodiments of Chaos and Order."
I sat in stunned silence, trying to process the enormity of what I'd just experienced. Moriyana allowed me this moment, herpresence a comforting constant in the wake of such cosmic revelations.
"How..." I swallowed, my throat dry. "How was that possible? It felt so real." I pressed a hand to my chest, my heart still racing beneath my palm.
Moriyana's mental voice carried a hint of warmth, pleased by my curiosity."Flameborn Lore is more than a simple story, Tess. It's a living memory, an experience preserved within the crystal and awakened by our flames. You didn't merely hear about creation—you witnessed it firsthand, albeit briefly."
I shook my head, still reeling from the experience. "But why me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm just... me. A human trying to make sense of all this."
Moriyana's laughter resonated in my mind, rich and deep."You sell yourself short, child. The Library chose you for a reason. It sees potential in you—a spark that could grow into something remarkable."
I looked up at the ancient dragon. "You really think so?"
"I do,"Moriyana replied, her mental voice gentle but firm."Perhaps you would consider a proposition."
I looked up, curiosity piquing through my lingering awe. "What kind of proposition?"
"Would you be willing to take up the position of Archivist of Human Magical Interactions? To serve as our bridge, our emissary to the mortal realm?"
I blinked, shocked. "Me? But I'm... I'm nobody special. Why would you choose me?"
Moriyana's laughter, rich and resonant, filled my mind."You underestimate yourself, child. The library does not extend its invitations lightly. It sees in you a potential that perhaps you yourself have yet to recognize."
Me, an archivist? An emissary? The idea seemed absurd, yet I couldn't deny the thrill of excitement that raced through me at the thought.
"The choice is yours,"Moriyana continued, her mental voice gentle."But know this—should you accept, you won't be alone. The Library, myself, and all who dwell here will guide you, teach you, and... welcome you as family."
Family. The word echoed in my mind, stirring something deep within me. How long had it been since I'd felt like I truly belonged somewhere? I looked around the chamber, at the crystal still hovering nearby, at Moriyana's patient gaze.
For the first time in years, I felt a sense of purpose, of potential. But was I ready for such a monumental change? Could I really be what they needed me to be?
Chapter 5
Tess
The spiral staircase seemed endless as I descended from the Dragon Wing, each step echoing softly against ancient stone. Moriyana's offer consumed my thoughts—a position at the Dragonne Library, a chance to immerse myself in this magical world. To belong.
It should have been an easy decision, but doubt gnawed at me. Could I handle such responsibility? Or would I crumble, proving my mother right once again?
I shook my head, banishing Kendall's scornful voice. This wasn't about her. This was my chance, my path.
Lost in thought, I barely noticed as the staircase stretched on, far longer than it should have. When I finally looked up, I found myself not in the foyer, but before an ornately carved wooden door. Intricate scenes of human history adorned its surface, with "Humanities Room" spelled out in elegant script above.
"How...?" I murmured, glancing back at the now-fading staircase. A warm presence brushed against my mind—the Library itself, I realized with a start. It had guided me here.
Intrigued, I approached. The door swung open smoothly, inviting me in.
The room stretched before me, vast and cathedral-like. Towering shelves lined the walls, filled with books both ancient and well-loved. Above, the ceiling bore paintings of human achievement and culture.
In the center, a row of tables with cushioned chairs beckoned, promising comfort for long hours of study. Further in, I spotted two figures in conversation—a staff member in a purple robe and an elderly Asian man in a traditional yukata.
Not wanting to intrude, I browsed the nearby shelves. The books spanned the breadth of human knowledge—history, science, literature. It was both humbling and inspiring.
