The Shimmering Magi

Part 13

Minerva's heart raced with anticipation as she delved into the captivating world of Draconious. The Winds of Knowledge library seemed like a sanctuary of ancient secrets, an ethereal haven that beckoned her to explore its depths. With every step guided by Mirk, she marveled at the towering bookshelves, their wooden frames stretching towards the heavens, laden with tomes that whispered of forgotten wisdom.

As she brushed her fingers across the spines of the books within her reach, Minerva's eyes danced with excitement. Titles such as "Whispers of the Zephyr: Mastering the Winds" and "Aeromancy 101" enticed her imagination, promising arcane knowledge and glimpses into the realms of elemental magic. Each title unveiled a new facet of the mystical arts, evoking images of boundless skies and unseen currents.

With great reluctance, Mirk interrupted her reverie and led her to a private room. Within those hallowed walls, secrets of Lord Kersk awaited them. Mirk's hands caressed the pages of the book as he recited an incantation, and a shiver crept through the air, casting a pall over the room. Even the torchlight seemed to dim in reverence. Then, with an outstretched hand, Mirk unleashed a dazzling display of power—a radiant light emanating from his palms.

Minerva watched, both awestruck and apprehensive, as Mirk placed his hand upon her head. Surprisingly, the touch was warm, soothing her fears and instilling a sense of calm. But then came the unexpected—light wires sprouted from his fingers, delicately connecting with Minerva. She felt a sudden tug at her chest, and as Willow and Mirk observed, her aura shimmered with a single, solitary light. The revelation was clear—she was not a dual affinity mage.

As Mirk closed his eyes, the room returned to its former state, and weariness washed over Minerva like a relentless tide. The energy within her seemed to ebb away, leaving her feeling drained and fragile. Concerned, Willow drew closer, offering comfort in her embrace.

"It's best for Minerva to stay here," Mirk stated, his voice filled with determination. "I'll care for her until she regains her strength."

A sense of longing lingered in Willow's eyes as she contemplated her departure. "You will be fine," she reassured Minerva, her voice tender yet resolute. "I'll return after tending to some business in Neptulius."

With those parting words, Willow departed, leaving Minerva alone in the embrace of the Winds of Knowledge library. Surrounded by towering bookshelves that stood like ancient sentinels, as time went on Minerva found herself seated in solitude, her eyes wandering amidst the labyrinth of knowledge before her. She knew she should rest, but the allure of the books was too potent to resist. A whisper in her mind urged her to explore further.

Rising slowly from the comfort of a sofa, Minerva moved with cautious steps towards the nearest bookcase. The air seemed heavy with anticipation, as if the library itself understood her yearning for discovery. She glanced over her shoulder, as if seeking permission from the unseen guardians of the books, and then her fingers grazed the spines. The titles remained a mystery, concealed until the moment of contact.

In that tantalizing instant, Minerva's hand closed around a book, and she withdrew it from the shelf with reverence. The weight of knowledge nestled in her arms, she hastened back to the familiar refuge of the sofa. Settling into its embrace, she opened the book titled "Windswept Realms," ready to immerse herself in its pages and uncover the wonders that awaited her in the windswept tapestry of Draconious.