Me and the Devil: Sebastian Sallow

Chapter ELEVEN - Master Detective

Sebastian and I crept back around the wrong turn we had made and then further into the restricted section. I had no idea the area was so large and a lump of nerves weighted my chest. The room was stacked high with bookshelves and books of every kind. A few of them were chained up and at first I assumed it was to keep them from being stolen, but then I watched as a particularly thick and tattered one jumped right off its spot on the shelf and snapped at us wildly. The only thing that kept it from devouring our finger was the thick metal chain. I silently prayed the book I needed wouldn't require a beating first.

"Soooo." Sebastian spoke softly as we peered from shelf to shelf, book to book. He had already collected two thick brown ones wrapped and bound in leather and tucked them into his robe before I could read the titles. "What book are you looking for exactly?"

I shrugged, not bothering to turn to him. "I- don't- I'm not sure exactly. I'll know it when I see it though."

He breathed quickly out his nose and I could feel his brows furrowing and lips tightening in amusement. "OK Mr. Holmes..." I peaked over my shoulder at him and found him mocking me silently. "I'll know it when I see it."

I glared but kept searching.

As we made our way further and further under the main library, I was surprised at the sheer lack of books. Instead of the browning pages, shelves and chains, we were surrounded by cloth covered sculptures and boxes. I was beginning to loose faith that we would find anything useful in here.

We turned a final corner and a short arched door came into view. Its handle was well worn and the wood was splintering in the center. A warm chill crept along my collarbone and up my neck.

"This way!" My heart pounded and my excitement shot a thrill through my veins.

This is definitely it.

I hesitated before grasping the handle firmly and pushing inward. I could feel the tingle of magic nipping at my ears as I pressed it open and I held my breath.

Stark grey stone walls hung closely just past the door

to a COMPLETELY

empty

broom closet.

"Wowwwww." Sebastian's tone was monotonous. "Sherlock Holmes strikes again."

I chucked the nearest object at his head- a wood orb that had been balanced on a box near the door.

"Hey!" He protested, only narrowly dodging the ball, but I turned my attention back to the room in front of me.

This can't be right...

I closed the door quickly and closed my eyes, letting the shiver run down my neck and over my arms as I felt the ancient magic. I took a few deep breaths and the darkness behind my eyelids slowly flitted to a white, pulsing smoke. It twirled effortlessly in front of my eyes and I felt my palms heat in anticipation. Opening my eyes, I reached for the handle once more and flung the door open.

Instead of the cold and empty broom closet, a grand, white, marble stairway dripped down behind the door, a thousand little firefly-like creatures danced overhead.

I turned with a wide smile back to Sebastian. He was standing with his jaw wide open and a sparkle of excitement (and perhaps a pinch of terror) dancing in his eyes. His eyebrows rose high on his forehead and when he was finally able to pull his gaze away from the door and over to my face, I spoke smugly.

"Don't ever doubt me again Dr. Watson."

____

The air was charged and burning at our ears as we took the stairs two at a time.