Twisted

IV

EDIT: This was probably my least favourite chapter but I like it so much more now and I hope you do too!

-S

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It was nearly time. As Aidan made last minute modifications, and strapped all of their necessities to the two horses, Helenia wanted to walk around the familiar hallways once more to say goodbye. Being careful not to walk in the light, she stuck against the castle walls, blending into the shade. She decided to use the tunnel they came through. With a heave, she forced open the wooden doors and lowered herself into the darkness below, her clothes instantly blending in. Trying to find the steps, Helenia made sure to look around to see if she had company- her surroundings were deserted. She shot into the hole, closing the doors with her. There was no source of light, so she stretched her hands out to the walls, dragging her palms along them, feeling the curves of the stone. The tunnel walls were damp, which made the stones smooth and easy to trace. Helenia stuck her hand out in front of her as she neared the exit. Finally feeling the sensation of cold stone beneath her hand, she used her other one to touch her pendant, hoping for strength to pull the door open. Breathe in, breathe out. Her hands found the grips Aidan used, and mustering all her might, she pulled, clenching her teeth. There was a slight response in the stone as a slit of light made her sight return. More ready than before, she repeated her actions, pulling with a grunt. It opened just enough for her to slip through. Helenia pushed the door back into place with ease. The instantly recognisable scent of rosemary intertwined with wood, shot up and tickled her nose. Engraved wooden pillars greeted her on her way to Helenia's favourite getaway place- the library.

Helenia didn't know much of the network of secret hallways around the castle but she knew every path to the library. She could get there with her eyes closed. Pulling up an image of the castle in her mind, she located her best path and continued her journey. Every so often she would look around to make sure she was alone. The library was opposite to the grand ballroom she spent last night in. Its grandiose doors were decorated with gold and the handles were made of chrysocolla, the blue stone of wisdom and teaching; the library-keeper's stone. She pushed one open and slid through the slit. A familiar sight filled her eyes and Helenia never felt more at home. Walls and walls of books held her in tight, promising to not let go. The scent of thousands of books, from all corners of the kingdom, all in one place made her smile.

As she approached her favourite section that beheld the beloved tales, myths and legends that once dwelt in the world she was living in, she searched her favourite book. It wasn't there. Usually myths were frowned upon in the castle, so why was the book missing. Removing the thought from her head, she searched for the book of complete gemstones. She wished to know each one, recognise their colours and properties. Since she was able to read, Helenia had began to memorise each of them until she only had a few left. Sodalite- stone of intelligence, endurance and courage. From her peripheral vision she saw a shadow appear down the furthest isle, only to disappear a millisecond later. Helenia convinced herself that it was just a figure of her wild imagination, especially since she was to embark on something foreign and dangerous. Nonetheless, her heartbeat sped up and adrenaline pumped through her body. All of Helenia's senses buzzed. She immediately rose and gripped the book tightly, ready to use it as a weapon. She didn't want to use her daggers yet. On the back of her neck she felt a warm wave of air brush her and in a split second she flung the book behind her with profound strength.

"Nice aim." Aidan grunted as the book hit his chest and broke the silence as Helenia turned to face him. The book was in his arms and seemed to have no significant effect on him. She would never get used to his near immunity.

"I admire the compliment, but don't sneak up on me again." She huffed, grabbing hold of her stone out of habit. The book was remarkably heavy, so she was proud at her precise aim and strength. Aidan was correct, her stone held more power than she initially expected.