Page 9 of Tempest Awakening
"It's beyond anything you could imagine," Pippa said, her eyes taking on a dreamy quality. "Picture a vast, castle-like structure with sunset-kissed stone walls and towering spires. Inside, there are endless shelves of ancient tomes, stained glass windows that bathe everything in crimson and gold light, and different wings for each magical species."
I listened, enthralled, as Pippa described the library's mystical forest setting, its labyrinthine floors connected by winding staircases and secret passages, and how the library itself seemed to have a consciousness of its own.
"It sounds like something out of a fantasy novel," I breathed, my mind reeling with the possibilities.
Pippa grinned. "Trust me, it's even better than fiction." She paused, studying me for a moment, then her eyes lit up with an idea. "You know what? Why don't you come see it for yourself?"
I blinked, startled. "What? Really? But I thought it was... well, restricted or something."
"Oh, it is," Pippa said with a mischievous wink. "But I have my ways. Plus, I have a feeling about you, Tess. The library has a way of calling to certain people, and I think it might be calling to you."
My heart raced at the prospect. To actually see the Dragonne Library, to walk through its magical halls... it was beyond my wildest dreams. "Are you sure? I wouldn't want to get you in trouble."
Pippa waved her hand dismissively. "Don't worry about that. I'm not saying we'll go traipsing through the restricted sections oranything, but I can definitely give you a tour of the public areas. What do you say? Want to see some real magic?"
I couldn't help the grin that spread across my face. This was exactly the kind of adventure I'd been yearning for.
"Yes," I said, my voice filled with excitement. "Yes, I'd love to. Lead the way."
Chapter 4
Tess
As I followed Pippa's bright red, electric Fiat along the narrow, unmarked road, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement. We'd been driving for about ten minutes, winding our way through the outskirts of Drakehaven.
Pippa steered her tiny car up a road flanked by towering pines. Their leafy branches created a canopy overhead, dappling the pavement with sunlight. I found myself holding my breath, anticipation building with each turn.
"It's beautiful here," I murmured, my gaze sweeping over the natural beauty surrounding us.
Suddenly, the scenery shimmered and changed in an instant, leaving me gasping. My car passed through some invisible barrier, and we were driving toward a breathtaking sight.
Before me stretched a magnificent castle, its stone façade kissed by the golden hues of the setting sun. Grand spires soared towards the sky, crowned with dark slate roofs. Solid walls, large windows, and sculpted stonework spoke of a fortress meant to last through the ages.
Almost as striking was the towering wrought iron fence encircling the grounds. Intricate metal vines were adorned withlife-like iron roses in full bloom. Their petals glinted as if touched by morning dew.
"Wow," I whispered, enraptured by the sight. The child in me who had loved fairytales wanted to pinch herself to prove this was real. After years of dreaming about magic and wondering if I'd ever experience it firsthand, here I was, driving towards a castle straight out of a fantasy novel.
My heart raced as we approached the gates. Was this really happening? Was I, Tess Whittaker, about to step into the legendary Dragonne Library?
We parked outside the grand iron gates. Up close, the metalwork was even more stunning, the "vines" seeming to creep and curl before my eyes. Strange, considering it was iron.
As I stepped out of my car, a sudden realization hit me. "Oh no, Pippa! What about Whiskey? I can't leave him in the car."
Pippa's eyes widened for a moment before she broke into a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Tess. I've got the perfect solution. Leo, our guard, he's actually a lion shifter. He loves animals and would be more than happy to look after Whiskey while we're inside."
I blinked, surprised. "A lion shifter? Is that... safe for Whiskey?"
Pippa laughed. "Absolutely! Leo's a big softie when it comes to animals. He has a special area set up for pets of visitors. Whiskey will be pampered like royalty, I promise."
Relief washed over me. "That's... actually amazing. Thank you."
We retrieved Whiskey from the car, and I hugged his carrier close as Pippa led me to a discreet guard booth tucked amidst the trees. The guard greeted her warmly before his shrewd gaze settled on me. The way he carried himself—confident, self-assured, subtly intimidating—made me certain he was no mere human guard.
"Tess, this is Leo. He's one of the guards here," Pippa's voice broke through my musings. "And he'll be taking care of Whiskey for us."
Leo nodded in greeting, his gaze raking over me in swift assessment before softening as he looked at Whiskey. I suppressed a shiver, feeling suddenly exposed under that penetrating stare. His eyes narrowed slightly, as if he could see right through me.
"She's with me," Pippa added, giving Leo a pointed look. "And this handsome fellow is Whiskey. Think you can keep him company for a bit?"
