Damon felt restless and decided to take a walk around the academy just to cure his boredom. However, no matter how much he walked, his restlessness didn’t go away.
“What exactly is the problem?” Damon asked himself as he stood in front of the academy’s library. As he stared at the grand building, a small smile formed on his face.
The library of the academy stood as a towering sanctuary of knowledge, its vast stone walls etched with glowing runes that shimmered faintly under the dim lantern light.
Without any reason for delay, he decided to walk inside. “Might get rid of the boredom if I read.” He said as he entered the home of knowledge. He was immediately greeted with a familiar yet breathtaking view.
Shelves stretched to impossible heights, cradling tomes of ancient spells, forgotten histories, and secrets bound in leather and enchanted chains.
Crystal chandeliers floated overhead, casting ethereal light that shifted colours as if reacting to the wisdom contained within.
As Damon walked through the snaking paths created by the hundreds of shelves, he could hear the echoes of long-past mages that drifted through the aisles.
Finally, he stopped the heart of the library where a grand, spiralling staircase wounded its way around a levitating orb of pure magical energy.
As Damon stared at the large orb that changed colours with every heartbeat, he smiled. “The Academy’s Mana Heart.”
For one, he was glad he had made it here and on the other hand, the fact that his twin didn’t even get the chance to see the place clawed at his heart.
A sigh escaped his lips as he thought of what Damien would’ve said if he was here. “I’ll just have to experience all of it for two.”
“Who’s the second person?” A familiar voice rang out beside him and Damon’s head turned almost immediately to see a familiar face. It was Anaya Stokeshorn. The peach-haired girl that continued to sit beside him in all classes.
Although he hadn’t paid much attention to her or had repeated conversations, they were somewhat acquainted. “My twin brother actually.” Damon answered. It wasn’t much of a secret to most that he had a twin.
Sensing the next question she was about to ask, Damon answered before she could speak. “He’s not here because he’s deceased…or so they say.”
Hearing that he was dead had silenced Anaya but she still found words to speak. “My deepest condolences for his death.”
Damon simply nodded without giving a response but then she asked again. “And what do you mean by ‘so they say?’ You don’t believe he’s dead?”
Damon nodded, his face breaking into a small smile. “Of course. Damien can’t be dead. I don’t believe he is. I never will.”
Anaya walked closer and stood in front of him just a few inches shorter than he was. “And how do you know he’s not dead? What’s your reason for believing he isn’t when they’ve declared him dead?”
“That…” Damon boldly opened his mouth to answer but he paused as he couldn’t think of a logical reason. “Just my twin bond with him.” He answered with a shrug. That too was a reason in a way.
Anaya didn’t argue and instead nodded. “I understand then. I will respect that belief of yours and not push further.”
Again, Damon simply nodded without a verbal response.
Hating the awkward silence they found themselves in, Anaya pushed another question to Damon, changing the topic entirely. “What brings you to the library? I don’t think I’ve seen you here more than three times since you got in.”
Damon raised a brow, his attention now fully focused on her. ‘She hasn’t seen me here more than thrice? Even if it’s true that I haven’t been here more than three times, how does she know that? Does she sleep here or something?’
“And how do you know how many times I’ve been here?” Damon asked with a slight frown, his voice betraying his interest in her. “Are you stalking me or something?”
She shrugged and with a smug grin. “Well, you could say that since my reading spot in this library is just at the entrance so I get to watch everyone that enters and leaves.” Then she took a few steps back away from Damon. “After all, you’re from the ‘Terrace’ family. It’s not everyday we get to see one of you and you all are bound to always break existing records in the academy.”
Damon was becoming interested in her as much as she was in him. “Who’s this ‘we’ you speak about and what do you mean by breaking records? Who even are you and how much do you think you know about my family?”
Damon had a hundred questions to ask this seemingly ordinary but charming girl.
“I’ll officially introduce myself then.” Anaya said with a cryptic smile.
“I’m Anaya Stokeshorn. Stokeshorn. Does that ring any bells?” She said with raised brows, emphasizing her family name.
Damon shook his head. “Should I know your family or something?”
Anaya sighed and shook her head. “They’re not as known as yours so I guess not.”
Seeing Damon was still curious, she asked. “What’s the name of this library?”
The library’s name or history wasn’t known by many but she knew Damon was smart so she believed he’d know and he didn’t disappoint.
“The Great Library of Mage Stokes…” Damon paused, his eyes slowly widening. “Isn’t that your family name.”
Anaya grinned and pushed a stray strand of hair to the side feeling accomplished. “Yup! I’m the daughter of the the current Librarian and head of the Stokeshorn family.”
The Stokeshorn Family became prominent after their ancestor decided to take a different path from others. Blessed by the God of Wisdom, he’d sought endless knowledge and in the end, he’d recorded all of his knowledge down for the future generations before his demise. His library became one of the greatest in existence and his family worked continuously to keep it that way.
“No wonder you know how many times I’ve visited the library. You definitely spend most of your time here.” Damon sighed, turning around to see if he was being monitored. “You father wouldn’t suddenly appear and punish me for talking to you, right? I heard he’s very strict.” Damon whispered with raised brows.
“Only if you’re being a bad boy. Now answer me.” Anaya smiled. “What brings you here?”
Having no choice but to answer, Damon shrugged. “Just boredom.”