Metamorphosis || Karl Heisenberg

Chapter 9

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Circe had slipped into a semi dissociative state while Bela took her around the castle. Cassandra and Daniela trailed behind them, generally only talking to each other.

Her mind was running in circles. Heisenberg had told her that Mother Miranda intended to add her to the family, but he never said anything about a Cadou. Even the name of whatever it was sounded horrifying. And she was to be given one?

Circe didn't want to sound like an actual idiot in front of her apparent nieces, so she didn't ask Bela what it was. She was just nodding and giving small smiles as she was being toured around, just waiting for a moment to collect herself before dinner. It was difficult. Mostly because she could sometimes hear Cassandra and Daniela laughing at what she assumed was her in the background.

It was apparently her lucky day because, by the time they got to the library, even Bela had sensed that she was overwhelmed.

"I keep forgetting about your memory problems. This place is probably a lot to take in so fast," Bela said, taking Circe by the arm and gently setting her down in a lush-looking chair.

"She's probably just hollow up here," Daniela knocking her knuckles to her temple, leaving Cassandra giggling while covering her mouth.

Circe didn't comment.

Bela gave her sisters a sharp look, then waved them away with her hands. They swarmed away with a chorus of laughter. Now that they were out of the way, she spoke to Circe. "I'll leave you here and send the Head Maid." Then she was gone in a wave of flies.

Circe was alone then, and she let herself take a gulp of air. Tears were threatening to show themselves, but she bit them back. At least, if she did end up crying, she could blame it on simply being overwhelmed, but she wasn't ready to let it happen yet.

In an attempt to calm herself, Circe got up and walked over to a case of books. This library was massive and held many books. She wondered if she would be allowed to read them. If not all, then perhaps some.

There were books of all kinds. Books on history, skills, art, and fictional stories. With all of these, you could occupy your time for months, maybe even years. She would love to just curl up with a massive stack and read all day long. The thought beckoned her.

This made Circe wonder how long it took to cultivate a collection such as this. To be fair, they did seem to be wealthy, but did they buy them in bulk, or where they purchased one by one? Perhaps it was just because of generational cultivation.

A few of her questions were answered by context clues. The deeper she went into the library the older the books got. Some were even original prints. This must have taken years...decades...

Centuries.

"Lady Zero."

The apathetic voice of Head Maid Cynthia startled Circe from her ponderings. "Oh! You frightened me," she said, hand in her chest to calm her heart.

"My apologies; that was not my intention," her bow was low. "I only came at the request of Lady Bela."

Circe let out a breath and composed herself. "Oh, yeah, she did say that, didn't she," she said, managing to smile a little.