Instincts ✔️ [COMPLETED]

Chapter 8

I nervously hold the skull-shaped key in my hand, and feel the smooth texture of the metal. Ms. Fox's directions ring in my head, the sound of her telling me to go to the Forbidden section of the library and read a large, dusty old book.

First of all, I had no idea where the library was, and I had to consult the marked map Ms. Melody had given me.

Second of all, what if I get caught? I didn't want to risk getting in trouble on the first day of school, let alone barely after one class.

But then again, curiosity overtakes me. I feel a need to read about the past, and learn about what Ms. Fox said about my ancestors. The thought of going on an epic quest to bring peace seemed way too delicious to resist.

I am sick and tired of the life I had been living, a world of no equality and no peace. Then, Chelsie's words hit me. Everyone is equal, but others don't see it that way. I hope one day we won't be separated and live together.

I try to peel away the thought of me agreeing with her, but then I remember the true Chelsie, and how she is just like all the other snobs. Those words that came out of her mouth were lies, all of it. The true Chelsie Jalstone is rude, greedy, spoiled, and secretive.

I smugly accept that my motive is solely curiosity, and head down to the library.

The doors are huge, made of expensive wood covered in wax that makes it sparkle in the sunlight that enters through two huge stain-glass windows. I push one door, and a loud groan escapes. I step back, startled, and look through the tiny keyhole. The library seems empty, and I step in.

I gasp at what I see. This library isn't ordinary. Huge spiral bookcases reach the ceiling, with staircases beside it. The stairs wrap around the shelves, and make it seem as if icicles filled with books are in the room.

I walk towards them, and a shadow creeps up behind me.

"Hello!"

I scream, but Jax closes his hand around my mouth.

"Shhh..." he says, and releases his hand.

"Damn you scared me!" I scold him, and he chuckles.

"What are you doing in the library?" he asks.

"Something," I mutter, and he ignores it.

"I come here often to relax, or read. The loud Alkrok life doesn't suit me, and I prefer to hide in the shadows."

I nod, and try to walk around. He follows me, and I can feel his yellowish-green eyes burning into the back of my neck. The key moves around in my hands, and I begin to get nervous.

My palms are sweaty, and I feel the key slipping. It moves from my palm to my thumb, and onto the edge of my fingers before... dropping.

Ting... is what we hear in the silence, ringing throughout the library. Jax looks down, and I see him leaning over to pick it up. He wears a white shirt, covered with a black leather jacket, jeans, and some sneakers.

He holds it in his hand, and observes it. I open my mouth to ask him to give it back, but nothing comes out.

"Mmm... the cursed key. Interesting..." he whispers, and walks across the library, to a spot covered by the spiral bookcases and a set of sofas and coffee tables. I quickly follow him, the sound of my shoes hitting the tiled floor echoing with each step.

I reach him, and I see a normal bookcase, empty except for a section in the back. Jax is staring at it, and I look, too.

The section is covered by foggy glass, with a small keyhole at the bottom. There is writing on the glass: