Temere Mortis

Chapter Eleven

Acting like an awkward one-night stand had taken place the night before Isla snuck out of her own apartment at roughly 7am. She got dressed silently, where she would have normally blasted music around the flat. Tip-toing her way through the hall she quietly grabbed some toast that she threw into her mouth on her way out.

An outside observer would have assumed she was trying to be considerate to her new housemate; they'd think that maybe she wanted to solidify the budding friendship they were beginning to share by showing some curtesy. This however, was not the case. In fact, Isla couldn't risk her new housemate seeing her, because she was a terrible liar and she knew that Emma wouldn't approve of where she was going.

She was going to the library.

It sounds silly, to think that Emma would be angered by Isla going to the library. But it was more about what Isla would be doing at the library when she got there. After all, it was not recommended for people to research the Temere Mortis, especially, people who are currently grieving. They say it encourages people to become obsessive about the sickness, hindering their recovery. But something that Isla's half-crazy mother had said to her had struck a chord. Isla had never actually tried to learn anything about the plague that had formed her society, and now she found herself wondering how she had never thought to. It was a key part of life that she new very little about except of its existence.

Unsurprisingly, there is very little knowledge at the University Library on the topic of the virus. Therefore, Isla had to trek all the way into the ridiculously large and ancient library in the city centre. She was optimistic that it would have what she needed; researching the virus was not advised but due to public information laws had to be provided.

Upon arriving at the grand building, she paused. Did she really want to do this? It probably wasn't too late to turn back and go home before Emma woke up.

She shook her head, eradicating the negative thoughts. With a new determination she entered the library and immediately realised she had no idea where to start her search. Surely there wouldn't be a dedicated section, considering how little the world knew about it.

"Hello stranger," a deep voice said from way above Isla's head. She blinked in surprise before looking up. Henry's upside-down face greeted her with a smile. "You look a little lost." he commented and a rosy blush enveloped Isla's face.

"Is it that obvious?" she replied, a little defensively. Henry grinned in response.

"Maybe I can help, I'm a bit of an expert," he boasted. Isla looked at him questioningly.

"Are you a big reader?" she asked, doubtfully. He cast her a mock-offended look before responding.

"You wound me," he joked. "But no, I'm not. My mantra is that if a book is worth reading they'll make a film about it. Isaac is a big reader though."

As if on queue Isaac popped his head around Henry's towering form. His lips curved gently in greeting.

"Hi again, Isla," he acknowledged her. "Don't let him fool you into thinking he reads." He smirked at his friend, cheekily. "What are you here for? The romance novels are upstairs," he informed her sarcastically.

"Funny," Isla retorted dryly. "I'm here for...," she paused, looking between the two boys thoughtfully before continuing. Her voice was just above a whisper when she did. "You can't tell Emma, okay?" she told them secretively and the two boys nodded, looking at Isla curiously. "I'm here to look into the TM, just a little bit," she admitted, not looking either boy in the eye. Isaac let out a low, appreciative whistle.

"Ballsy," he commended, then turned to his partner in crime. "What do you think, Henry? Should we help our new friend?" Henry pretended to ponder this for a moment before nodding enthusiastically.