Hunter Academy

Chapter 24

Zeldris turned down one of the many aisles of bookshelves and walked to the end of it before turning to the left to head to one of the back tables. He came to an abrupt stop when he seen the librarian setting a pile of blankets down on the table. She picked one up and walked over to Zander's sleeping figure, who was sprawled out on the floor with an open book on his chest.

Zeldris couldn't help but chuckle as he walked over to the table and grabbed a blanket. He unfolded it and said, "Let me help." She nodded at him and he turned his gaze on the sleeping Sophia. Her head was laid on one arm while her other one was on top of a book. There was another book under her arm that was beneath her head. He positioned the blanket around her and made sure it wouldn't fall off by tightly wrapping it around her shoulders. He grabbed another blanket and walked over to Iris who was leaning against the wall, her back in the corner and her head was leaned against a book that was positioned between her head and the wall. Her arms laid by her side. He unfolded the blanket and lightly laid it on her, so he wouldn't wake her.

"They were working hard," said the librarian, pushing her round glasses back up her nose. Her lime green eyes seemed to enlarge when they were covered by glasses. Her chestnut hair was pulled up into a bun only leaving out her bangs that framed her face and reached her chin. She had a flower in her bun and she wore a simple baby blue dress with a jacket on. She had a name tag around her neck which read Nixie Sebille.

"Really?" he asked.

"Yeah. They were so concentrated, I was surprised. I've never seen people so concentrated on something before. They've been through a bunch of books, but I guess they haven't found what they were looking for yet."

"I overheard them talking about some amazing history. I bet it's nice going to Hunter Academy and being taught stuff about every race out there," Nixie said, fascinated. "I would love to be able to go there."

"How old are you?" Zeldris asked.

"Hmm? Oh, I'm seventeen. My dad is the actual librarian. I just help out. I love reading and I love learning about the history of the magical races." Her eyes shined with admiration.

"Have you applied?" Her smile fell and she sighed.

"Dad told me it would just be a waste," she replied, sadly.

"It's not up to your dad whether you go or not. Well, I mean it is, but you can go without his consent, too. Desiree told me they will accept even those without permission, but only if they're willing to give it their all."

"Really? I might just do it." Her smile returned and she stayed silent for a minute. She looked back when she heard the sound of the library's door open. "Hmm... I gotta go. You might wanna get some sleep, too. I heard the party planners are gonna be super busy and they'll need all the help they can get."

Zeldris laughed and said, "I am well aware. I just came to check on Sophia and her team."

"Awe. That's sweet." With that Nixie walked off, leaving Zeldris with the unconscious group.

***

"Come on, Sophia! We can't be late. Ms. Sindri is supposed to go over the ceremony with me and you're supposed to be practicing giving me the scepter," Kaydence said pulling Sophia along with her.

"I'm coming," she replied a bit groggily. "Do I have to do anything with Cyrene?"

"Not that I know of."

They walked into a building and Sophia glanced around at the huge room. The ceiling was at least ten meters above them and there were fairies flying around setting up decorations, the party colors being blue because Kaydence's talent was water. The stage was against the far wall straight across from the entrance. A banner reading "Happy Birthday Kaydence" hung over the stage and fountains were set up on both sides of the stage. The fountains had dolphins arched, like they were diving and water poured out of their mouths. Tables and chairs were being set up towards the back wall swinging around like a circle, so between the tables would be the dance floor. Long tables were lined on each side wall for the food and drinks.