Chapter 19: Shadows of the Past
The air in the library felt thick with secrets as Joy, Ash, and Zephyr quietly made their way through the dim, sprawling aisles. Each flickering torch cast a glow on the ancient spines, illuminating the weight of centuries-old knowledge stored within. Tonight, they had a single purpose: to understand why, even after Barbara Moon had almost become the queen to Lion Charm, the worlds of humans and magic beings remained as divided as ever.
They had stayed up all night, piecing together bits of history from Barbara’s journal. But the more they read, the more questions arose. Why would the Council – the very institution meant to uphold the legacy of Lion Charm – hide the story of his love for a human?
Joy’s fingers trailed over a dusty volume labeled The War of Realms, pulling it from the shelf with care. Ash and Zephyr hovered close by as she opened the book, revealing pages of harrowing accounts from the war between humans and mages. The pages spoke of brutal battles, entire towns scorched to ashes, and the near-annihilation of magic itself. Joy’s stomach churned as she read passages describing how the Council of that era had decided to cut ties with humans entirely to protect their people.
“But Lion wanted unity,” she whispered, tracing a line in the book. “If he was supposed to be with Barbara, this doesn’t make sense. It’s like his own vision was erased.”
Ash flipped through another volume, his brow furrowed. “Maybe he didn’t succeed. Maybe something – or someone – stopped him before he could fully unite the realms.”
Zephyr’s gaze shifted around the room, alert to every shadow. “If that’s true, then Barbara’s journal isn’t just a personal record; it’s evidence of a story the Council wants forgotten.”
Joy’s grip on the journal tightened. She could feel the weight of Barbara’s words, the love and hope she had felt for a future where magic and humanity could coexist. And yet, here they were, all these years later, still divided.
Footsteps echoed through the quiet library, and the trio froze, their hearts pounding as the figure drew closer. A familiar voice broke the silence.
“Oh, I didn’t expect to see anyone here at this hour,” Willard said softly, stepping into view. He was holding a stack of books, a slight frown on his face as his light green eyes met Joy’s.
“Willard!” Joy whispered, trying to calm the pounding in her chest. “We were just… doing some research.”
Willard nodded, his gaze falling to the book in Joy’s hands. But when he saw the journal, his eyes widened. He took a step back, his expression shifting from surprise to alarm. “That journal… that’s… Barbara’s journal. Where did you get that?”
The trio exchanged glances, and Joy stepped forward cautiously. “I found it in the archives,” she admitted, watching Willard’s reaction carefully. “It has… a lot of things in it. But I didn’t know it was banned.”
Willard’s face grew paler. “It’s not just banned,” he whispered, his voice tight. “For anyone in my family, that book is forbidden. It’s… dangerous. My father, Pyros, he once said it holds truths that could undo everything we know.”
Joy’s heart raced, a thousand questions forming in her mind. “Why would it be forbidden to your family specifically?”
Willard looked at her, conflicted. “Because Barbara was meant to be our queen,” he said quietly, glancing around to make sure no one else was listening. “Lion was my ancestor. My family doesn’t want anyone knowing that Barbara Moon was… human. It challenges everything they’ve stood for since the war ended.”
