Awakening (Book One of the Eklektos Series)

Chapter Nineteen

The library was almost empty, Kali found with relief. Pale sunlight peeked through the heavy curtains, dancing on the polished wooden floors. It was easy to find deep shadows to escape the sun, and she wasted no time in doing just that. She breathed deeply, savouring the musky scent of the dusty tomes around her. The last bit of tension fell from her shoulders; this place felt like home. Not the house she had lived in with her mother, or any memory she could pick out. It was a deep-rooted sense of security and belonging.

In the month since she had arrived, Kali hadn't stepped foot back inside this place. She had been so focused on her training that she couldn't find it in herself to make time for such luxuries. Looking around, she knew there would never be enough time to explore this place fully. That didn't mean she wasn't going to try. With what time she had until the next class, Kali knew she wouldn't have long enough to get lost among the aisles just yet. Promising herself she would return, she focused on following the list she had crammed in her bag.

Bookshelves towered over her, blocking out the light and beckoning her deeper along the twisting pathways. The rustling pages and creaking shelves distracted her, but eventually she managed to find most of the books she had come to find. The last one was a compendium Demeter had insisted would help. Kali wasn't sure when a compendium of plants from other realms would be of use, but she was learning not to question the gods.

Eventually, Kali asked one of the waif-like creatures that were the librarians for directions. Skin like paper crackled as a bony finger pointed the way. Kali gratefully followed the golden trail that had appeared, but hesitated at the conveniently placed ladder. The compendium was nearer the top of the bookcase.

Kali put her other books down and looked up. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she muttered some words of encouragement to herself and stepped tentatively onto the first rung. It held. She tested her weight. It held.

As she climbed slowly, Kali felt more than saw her vision distort. A wave of nausea washed over her and she stopped, gripping the ladder. This was not the time for a panic attack. Clenching her teeth, she managed to climb a little further, determined not to give in. Her head swam, and her foot missed the next rung.

Instinctively tightening her grip, Kali managed to hold on as she slid down until the jagged splinters forced her to let go. Then she was falling. She had the strangest feeling of being weightless before arms closed around her.

Embarrassed, Kali shifted slightly but Hades only held her closer. "You are making a habit of this, my love."

She trembled as he whispered into her hair. When he put her feet back on the ground, she mourned the loss of his arms around her. Hades steadied her as her trembling legs refused to respond, catching her against his chest with a quiet chuckle.

He slipped his hand into hers, entwining their fingers. "Join me for a drink?"

Kali's eyes widened slightly but she cast her gaze down to hide her expression. That was answer enough for him. he chuckled again and led her through the shelves. Kali hadn't realised there was a café, hidden in a shadowy nook. The library really was a labyrinth of secrets.

Kali could feel Hades' smile as she looked around and savoured the warmth of his hand in hers. She didn't know why it meant so much to her, just his hand around hers. It was suddenly more important than anything else in the world. His thumb feathered across her knuckles and her heart raced.

The only light in the alcove came from lanterns on the tables. There were already two drinks on the table, and Kali sat with a grin. Surrounded by books and dim flickering lights, no distractions or interruptions. It seemed so easy to melt into the background, unnoticed and undisturbed, in that place.