1. The Librarian

1

THE LIbrARIAN

I lifted a piping hot mug of tea to my lips to take a sip. The liquid was hot enough to burn as I swallowed, but I cared little about that. The burning would dissipate in due course, and too hot a cup of tea was always preferable to too cold.

Before I could take another sip, the short row of bells on the library’s front door jingled, and the door swung open as a human I didn’t recognize walked inside. He took a few cautious steps forward, glancing around as though he’d never been in here before.

He had shiny black hair and a fringe that seemed prone to falling over his eyes, which were a heart-stopping, almost electrifying blue-green. Thick, dark lashes framed them, making them stand out all the more. I was certain I had never seen this man in my life because if I had, I would have remembered that face forever.

“Hello there,” I said, hastily setting my tea down and waving him over to the front desk. “May I help you with anything?”

The man, tall and lanky, smiled and pulled his hands out from his pockets, resting them on the counter. “Yeah, uh, I heard something about a dating service being run through the local library. I looked it up on your website, but I couldn’t find anything about it. Are you still doing that? I just moved into town, so I’m a little new to everything and I might have misunderstood.”

“Ah, so you are new here.” I smiled. “Don’t worry; you received the correct information. I do indeed run a matchmaking service, though it’s not technically part of the library itself, which is why you will find no mention of it on any official library material — including the website. It’s spread solely through word-of-mouth these days.”

The human nodded quickly. “I see. Can I sign up for it or is there a waiting list I can join, at least? I’m very interested in meeting some new people.”

“Yes, you’re welcome to submit an application at any time. I must warn you, however, that receiving a match can take quite some time.”

His brow furrowed as he leaned forward on the counter. “So, it’s not like a dating app, then, is it? I mean, I don’t get to pick the people I like and arrange a date with them?”

I shook my head. “No. This is a service to find your soulmate — the person you deserve to spend the rest of your life with.”

He shrugged. “That sounds even better. How do I get started with filling out an application?”

“Simply follow me, and I shall walk you through the process.” I stepped out from behind the desk and led the man to the back of the library, where one bookshelf stood out amongst all the others.

This bookshelf, dark and tall enough to reach the ceiling, covered a hidden passage to the small room where I kept my book of matchmaking. The book held every profile and every match ever made, and it was more precious to me than all the money in the world.

“Tell me, oh, I’m sorry, but I don’t think I got your name.”

“Ryan Adler,” he said quickly.

“Tell me, Mr. Adler, what exactly are you looking for in a soulmate?”

He sighed. “I haven’t really thought about it much, but I guess a woman about my age with a good job. I’m open to having kids, but it’s not a personal life goal of mine. She needs to have a good sense of humor and at least find me somewhat funny sometimes, and she doesn’t need to be particularly good at cooking. I can manage for both of us if need be.”

I nodded, writing every detail down. “And does species matter?”

“What?” Ryan blinked.

“Species, does her species matter to you?”

“Yeah, I heard you the first time. What do you mean, species ?”

“We have all manner of monsters submit applications and even more humans. Whatever you prefer, I don’t doubt that you would find a match eventually, but some species might be easier to pair up than others.”

Ryan smiled confusedly, sticking his hands into his pockets again. He looked nervous, but as he leaned against the small bookshelf in the matchmaking room, the tension released from his shoulders. “A human, of course. Do I look like a monster to you?”

If he was expecting a laugh from me, he didn’t get one. “We do not discriminate here, Mr. Adler. I myself am a fae, and I have worked with everyone from vampires to incubi to orcs and beyond, many of which have human partners now thanks to this service.”

Ryan’s smile faded, his cheeks flushing red. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize that was inappropriate. I’m new here, like I said, and the last place I lived had very few monsters. Running into them was a rarity, but I never thought it was a big deal. I guess I have some learning to do, don’t I?”

I nodded soberly. “I should say so. Moving on, how do you feel about physical appearance? Do you have any preferences there?”

“I like brown or black hair and brown or hazel eyes, although physical appearance really doesn’t matter that much. I mean, it would be nice if she’s fairly attractive, but I think there’s much more to a relationship than physical attraction.” He paused to gauge my response. “That’s all right, isn’t it?”

“Of course. Please understand, Mr. Adler: I do not judge anyone’s individual desires or fantasies. I am simply here to help you find the perfect match while maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Your application is done for the time being, but if you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to call or come in and talk to me in person. I am always happy to assuage any concerns or confusion.”

He glanced over my shoulder at the book in my hand, but I snapped it closed before he could read anything.

“Thank you so much,” he said earnestly. “I honestly have no idea what I’m doing here, but everyone I’ve met so far has been friendly and helpful. I think I’ll enjoy living here.”

“Oh, I’m certain you will, especially once you have someone in your life to share all these experiences with.”

I escorted him back out to the main section of the library, returning to my spot behind the front desk while he sauntered over to the exit looking much more confident now.

“I hope I hear from you soon,” he said, pausing at the door.

“I suspect you will,” replied, “though I’m not sure how pleased you will be with your first match.”

Ryan smiled and shook his head. “If it’s my soulmate, then how could I be dis pleased?”

I smiled back. “Perhaps you’re right. Have a pleasant day, Mr. Adler.”

As soon as he was gone, I jumped up from my chair and ran back to the matchmaking room, flipping through the pages in the big book of matchmaking until I found it, running my finger along the page underneath the name.

“Yes, this is the one.” I sighed, wishing it would have been anyone else. “This is the one, and I shall get Mr. Adler’s information sent over right away. I do hope this isn’t the first match that I come to regret.”