Supernatural Tales: The Masquerade

Chapter 3: The Library

Julian's POV-

Upon my arrival back in Rome I was for the most part merely glancing at the ring on my finger that I haven't removed as of recent. It had almost slipped my mind that I had left it on in regards to the whole assignment at the temple, then again with what had just happened compared to my experiences back home it did not hold up much within my main thoughts.

As I departed from the airport and ventured along into Rome to report to Vatican City I would still be staring around and watching the numerous people moving about as they would any normal day. Though I was aware of the several supernatural individuals hiding amongst the humans simply to live their personal lives as any human would and under protection of The Order to keep their true identities secret from the public eyes.

Although I suppose to head to Vatican City first, I decided to make a quick detour to a small library in town which happened to be a place I would visit often primarily for some needed reading to keep myself in a sense relaxed from the many missions I had been sent on. As I entered inside I noticed that the expression of the librarian's face would change from a plain look to that of a small smile growing on their lips.

Rylie was her name, I had met her from my first years starting with The Order and after being given permission to roam freely in the town her library was one of the first places I had went to visit. It started off with simple greetings which eventually grew into small conversations and further on after that. I soon knew that she herself was a sorceress which made her supernatural and that allowed for me to tell her my whole backstory with her making small remarks about it. As of now we are new friends as she lets me check out some books to read in my personal time while I would tell her about the missions I would go on and things I would see.

"Finally a customer, and a favorite one at that." Rylie would speak upon my entrance.

"Please, I'm too flattered. Everyone knows you have the best library in  town." I answered in response.

"If by everyone you just mean yourself, then I gladly accept the compliment." She replied. "So where did they send you this time?"

"An abandoned temple out far in the desert, turned out to be infested with a swarm of bloodsuckers." I would answer.

"Bloodsuckers? In a temple in the desert? Well that's new, probably came out in the night time." She said.

"Well that's a definite, though I came across them on accident. I was actually there for some item retrievals." I would add on.

"Really, what kind of items if I can ask?" She spoke with interest.

"Mainly just some things for the church, found some oils and very ancient wine and.... another thing." I replied though muttering the last bit.

"Is it that ring on your finger?" She asked again now bringing attention to the ring now.

"I see you've noticed already, but yes this was one of the things I've found. Though not just any ordinary ring I can say for sure..." I stated.

"No kidding, I can practically feel the presence of something from that ring. Something.... divine." She spoke.

"Yeah, which brings me to here. The sigil on this ring has some importance to it, so I was wondering where I can find the books on this." I responded.

"Is The Order cool with this? It feels very important for them." She asked.

"I might have not gone to them about this yet, I decided to come here first." I would answer again.

"Seriously? Look at you breaking the rules." She added in a chuckle.

"Not technically a rule, just more of breaking from the obligations. Plus they are already onto me for the way I handle my missions." I remarked.