23. Paige

23

PAIGE

T he air is thick with smoke and silence as I stand in the center of what was once a grand library and—more than that, a home. Now, nothing more than a cavern of ashes and debris remains. The Athanaeum's cryptic parting words press down on me. This is not the end but a new beginning .

The way she'd looked right at me made my magic tingle.

As if she'd been speaking more to it than me.

Maybe she had been. Maybe…

My heart races, a mix of hope and fear swirling in my chest as I look around. I know what I have to do, but I have no idea if I can actually pull it off.

"What are you thinking, Paige?" Aries asks, his voice soft but laced with concern. His hand rests on my shoulder, grounding me as I stare at the ashen ruins.

"I'm thinking…" I begin then hesitate, swallowing hard as I try to gather my thoughts. "I'm thinking I have to try something. But I don't know if it'll work."

Blossom steps closer, her gaze steady. "You heard what the Athenaeum said. Your magic is the key. If anyone can do this, it's you."

"I know, but…" I trail off, my eyes scanning the destruction around us. "What if I can't? What if I try and nothing happens? What if I make things worse?"

Mag chimes in, his usual cheerfulness subdued. "If she's telling the truth, the end of the world is coming. It can't get worse than that."

Blossom shoves him lightly and rolls her eyes. "Not helpful."

"I think the last few months have shown us it can always get worse," I say dryly.

"You can't think like that," Aries adds, his voice firm. "You've done the impossible before. You can do it again."

I look into his eyes, seeing the belief there, the trust he has in me. It's enough to make me take a deep breath, even though doubt still lingers in the back of my mind.

"Okay," I say, more to myself than to anyone else. "Here we go."

The others step back, giving me space as I close my eyes and reach deep inside myself, searching for the well of magic that's always there, pulsing just beneath the surface. I can feel it, a warm, vibrant energy that thrums in time with my heartbeat.

Wrapping my hands around the magic, I imagine the Athenaeum as it was—the rows and rows of books, the tall, towering shelves, the quiet hum of ancient knowledge that filled the air.

I take a deep breath, and as I exhale, I let the magic flow out of me. It starts as a gentle pulse, but I push harder, feeling the energy surge through me, gathering in my fingertips. My eyes open as the air around me begins to shimmer, the ground beneath my feet vibrating with the power I'm channeling.

It's not enough yet.

"Come on," I whisper, focusing on the image in my mind. "Come on, work."

The ashes on the ground stir, lifting into the air in swirling tendrils of dust. The debris shifts, drawn together as the magic takes hold, the ruins around me beginning to reform. I can feel the strain, the effort it takes to hold the image steady in my mind, to keep the magic flowing without faltering.

I hear a gasp behind me, but I don't turn. Not yet. The magic is building, the pressure inside me mounting as I pour everything I have into this one act of creation.

This is so much more than anything I've done before.

I draw on a deeper well—of magic and memory and emotion. I draw on everything I am. Every experience this place ever gave me.

Late-night patrols and early morning cataloging. Reshelving with Hoc. Laughing with Blossom. Flirting with Mag. Chasing the gnomes and bribing them with candy. Bingo's unfaltering loyalty. Kitty's mischievous purr.

I don't just think about restoring the static, lifeless items this time. I remember the essence that made this place what it was. What it could be again. Besides, nothing here was ever static. Even the books had heartbeats.

I concentrate on the way they pulsed. The way they breathed.

Energy cannot be destroyed, only remade. Transmuted.

Unlike the times before this, today I don't try to recreate a dead thing. I transmute what's still here. What's always been here.

Pulsing. Beating. Breathing.

I open my eyes and see the dust and ash swirl faster, coalescing into solid forms—shelves, walls, stacks of books. I can feel the library taking shape around me, piece by piece, but it's like holding a delicate thread that could snap at any moment.

"Paige…" Aries's voice is tight, filled with worry.

"Not yet," I murmur, my voice trembling with the effort. "Almost there…"

Sweat coats my brow, but I don't stop.

The shelves rise, row upon row, just as I remember them. The Sea Creatures section to the left with the tall, glass-fronted cases. The Winged Creatures section to the right, the shelves filled with volumes on dragons, gryphons, and other creatures of the sky.

The central staircase begins to form, spiraling upward to the upper levels where the restricted section lies. Behind me, I picture Hoc's office, the cluttered desk, the shelves overflowing with scrolls and ancient manuscripts. Grief pangs inside me, and I pour it—along with my love for him—into the stream of creation.

I can feel my strength waning, the magic starting to slip through my grasp.

"Almost there," I whisper, gritting my teeth as I push harder, forcing the last remnants of my magic into the spell.

The elevator appears, and as it slides into place, I feel the library solidify around me, the magic settling, the tension in the air dissipating.

Exhaustion slams into me, and my eyes slide shut as my knees give out.

Aries catches me before I can hit the floor.

"Whoa, easy," he says against my ear.

"Is she okay?" Blossom asks.

I suck in a deep, steadying breath. "I'm fine. Just tired."

"Paige, look," Ned exclaims.

Slowly, I open my eyes, and what I see takes my breath away. The Athenaeum stands before me, just as it was, every detail perfect, down to the soft glow of the magical lamps that light the space.

I inhale, and the familiar scent of crisp pages and printed paper greets me.

It's a time capsule restored to perfection.

"You did it," Blossom breathes, her voice filled with awe.

I turn to them, tears welling in my eyes, and for a moment, I can't speak. The relief, the joy, the sheer disbelief that I actually managed to do it overwhelms me.

Finally, I find my voice, though it's choked with emotion. "Welcome home," I whisper, my tears spilling over as I smile at them. "Welcome home."

The others look around, taking in the sight of the restored library, their faces lit with wonder. Aries pulls me into his arms, holding me close as I finally let the tears fall. It's done. The Atheneum lives again.

"Um, guys." Blossom's voice is barely louder than a whisper, but there's a note of urgency that blares like an alarm.

She holds up her arm, and all of my joy turns to dread as I spot the familiar tattoo inking itself onto her skin. My stomach twists as I look over and see the same design etching itself into Mag's arm.

"Does this mean we're prisoners again?" Blossom asks quietly.

"I…" I nearly choke on the words, horror spreading slowly through me as I realize my big save might have just cost them their freedom—again.

I force myself to look down at my own arm, and sure enough, my head librarian tattoo is back. A familiar bond follows quickly after—my connection to the library's soul. Returned to me once again.

"Paige's magic recreated things to exactly how they were before," Mag says, his words twisting with pain. "So, I guess that means the tattoos and the prison sentence."

Fuck.

What have I done?

"Uh, guys. Not exactly how they were," Ned pipes up. "Look."

We all turn to where Ned is pointing, and my breath catches. In the far corner of the library, a faint, pulsating glow catches our attention. It's not a threatening light—at least, it doesn't feel that way—but it's definitely something new. Something that wasn't here before.

"What is that?" Mag asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

Aries keeps a protective arm around my waist as we cautiously move closer to the light. The others follow, their steps tentative, as if they're all as wary as I am about what we'll find.

As we approach, the glow becomes more defined, revealing a small, ornate pedestal that wasn't part of the original library. Atop it rests a single pristine book, its cover made of something that looks almost like glass, with light swirling just beneath the surface. The title is etched in shimmering letters: The Book of Beginnings.

"What the hell…?" Aries murmurs, his brow furrowing as he studies the book.

"I don't remember this," I say, my voice trembling. "This wasn't here before."

Blossom inches closer, her eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and fear. "It's…beautiful," she whispers, reaching out but hesitating just before her fingers nearly touch the cover. "But what does it mean?"

My mind races, trying to piece together what this could signify. The Athenaeum's spirit had said this was a new beginning. Could this book be part of that? Is it something I created without realizing it, or was it something the library itself—alive with stories and magic—brought into existence?

"I'm not sure," I admit, my voice barely audible. "But I think this might be part of what the Athenaeum meant. A new beginning…a way forward, maybe?"

"But what does it do?" Mag asks, his gaze locked on the book as if it might suddenly spring to life.

I can't blame him. After everything Constantine did—using these books against us—I think it'll be a long while before any of us open a book without first considering the consequences.

But… this one feels different.

It feels like the opposite of the threats we've come to fear.

With its shining crystal cover, translucent and inviting as if it has nothing to hide, this book feels like hope.

"Maybe it's meant to be our fresh start," I say slowly, the realization dawning on me. "To rewrite how the library works. To make the future whatever we want."

A silence falls over the group as everyone contemplates the possibilities. I reach out and place my hands gently against the cover. The Book of Beginnings pulses beneath my touch as if waiting for us to decide what comes next.

Tentatively, I open the cover.

The first page is blank.

I turn it over and find the next page blank too. And the next. And the next.

Magic ripples, and a black pen appears on the platform next to the book. I snatch my hand away.

Blossom snorts. "Subtle."

I look from the pen to the blank page, and I realize, unlike the others, this book isn't telling us a story. We're writing it. In real time, moment by moment.

I pick up the pen and press it to the page, starting from the beginning: This is the story of the Athanaeum, a magical library, a protector and keeper of worlds. Here, everyone who serves is free and does so by choice.

Once the words are formed, magic winks from every corner of the space. The lights flare and then return to normal. The bond inside me sighs as if in relief.

Mag and Blossom look up at me sharply.

"My tattoo is gone," Blossom breathes.

"So is mine," Mag says, his voice thick with emotion.

They share a look and then face me again. My eyes fill with tears of gratitude and relief.

"So, what happens now?" Mag asks, breaking the quiet. "Are you going to take up the mantle again, Paige?"

I hesitate, the weight of the question settling over me. The Athenaeum was a huge part of my life, but so much has changed. The thought of being its Head Librarian again feels…wrong, like I'm trying to step back into a role that no longer fits.

A role that never really fit at all, if I'm being honest.

Besides, I've already sworn a vow to another world.

"I'm not sure I'm meant to lead anymore," I admit, my voice soft. "My journey took me somewhere new. And I think that's what this book is about. We get to choose now. Like we didn't get a choice before." Blossom and Mag both nod. "But if not me…then who?"

The words hang in the air, heavy with uncertainty, until Blossom steps forward, her expression determined. "I'll do it," she says, surprising everyone. "But only if Mag will do it with me."

Mag blinks, taken aback. "You want me to help run the library? With you?"

Blossom shrugs. "You know these stories' tricks better than anyone. And we've always worked well together, haven't we?"

He smirks, but it vanishes quickly as he studies her. "Are you sure you want to be here, though? After being trapped here for so long…"

"I want a place I belong," she says quietly. "A home. A place I can have roots."

"Roots, huh?" Mag asks, warming to the idea if his expression is any indication. He steps closer to her, clearly uncaring that they have a full audience. "Does this have anything to do with finally claiming me as your mate?"

Blossom's jaw drops. "You knew?"

Mag laughs. "Of course I knew. You're a terrible liar."

"Why didn't you say anything?" she demands.

"Why didn't you?"

She looks like she might take a swing at him, so I wince as he swoops in and kisses her instead. But she surprises me by throwing her arms around him and kissing him back.

The gnomes cheer.

Bingo growls, and Kitty hisses.

I laugh, silenced only when Aries takes the opportunity to lean in and kiss me too. There's joy reflected in his gaze, but there's also relief. I know exactly how he feels.

Walking away from the library, leaving it in such capable hands, feels right.

But I pull away just as Mag does the same.

"Is that a yes?" he asks Blossom.

"I'm the one that asked you," she fires back.

"In that case, hell yeah," Mag says. "I'll run the library with you. Mate."

Blossom softens, her eyes shining bright. She looks over at me and says, "I guess you're out of a job."

I laugh. "I'm only transferring to another kind of public service."

Aries winks, and I quickly scrawl Blossom and Mag's names into the book as Head Librarians—together. Magic ripples, and then fresh words appear on the page. "It says to place your palms on the page," I tell them.

Blossom and Mag step forward, each of them pressing their palms to where I scrawled their names as head librarians. The moment their skin touches the parchment, light flares, and a surge of magic sweeps through the room, swirling around them like a gust of wind.

Like water being emptied from a cup, I feel my bond with the library drain away. Blossom and Mag both gasp, and I know that bond has transferred to them, the magic forming a connection that's as strong as the one I once had. As the light fades, Blossom and Mag pull their hands back, their eyes wide with awe.

New markings line their arms.

"I can feel it," Blossom breathes, her voice filled with wonder. "It's like the library is a part of me now."

"Same here," Mag adds, flexing his fingers as if testing the new power coursing through him. "Incredible."

I glance down at my arm, noticing that the familiar tattoo—the mark of my bond with the library—has vanished, leaving my skin clear. The Athenaeum has chosen its new guardians, and it's time for me to let go.

My heart pangs as I think of Hoc, but I also know he would want this for me—and for them. Before I can dwell on that thought, the gnomes shuffle forward, looking nervous.

"Uh, Paige?" Ned begins, his voice hesitant. "Do we have to stay here? Or…can we choose where we want to go?"

I smile down at them, affection swelling in my chest. "You can choose, of course. You've all earned that right."

The gnomes exchange glances, and then Zed steps forward, clearing his throat. "We choose Astronia. We like it there. The queen fusses over us, and we get lots of treats except?—"

"Except," I prompt.

They exchange another glance, and I swear they have a silent conversation with one another. Then, Ned turns back to me and says, "Well, maybe we could visit here once in a while for candy… and, you know, to visit Blossom and Mag."

I grin. "Of course."

"Don't forget pizza," Blossom adds.

Kitty meows in agreement, swiping a paw playfully at Mag's leg. The gnomes cheer, their excitement palpable.

Everyone laughs at that.

Then Leo speaks up. He's been quiet, taking it all in, but now he looks at Bingo, who's been quietly watching the exchange. "What about you, Bingo? Where do you want to go?" he asks.

Bingo opens his mouth, but the only sound that comes out is a whine. I frown, noting that the hellhound looks even more grumpy and out of sorts than usual.

"Bingo, are you okay?" I ask.

Bingo snarls, but the sound is abruptly cut off as a sudden swirl of magic envelops the hound. The light grows brighter, spinning faster until it's almost blinding. When it finally fades, we all gasp in shock.

Standing where Bingo had been moments before is a beautiful woman. She's young, probably not any older than me, but her sparkling blue eyes contain depths of pain and a past that suggest she's far older than her appearance conveys. Her blonde hair falls in waves down her back, swishing as she angles her body to glance down at herself in awe.

"What…?" I stammer, trying to process what I'm seeing.

She looks up and meets my eyes. "Paige."

There's a trace of an accent in her tone and her voice, though rich and sultry, sounds a bit scratchy and out of use.

"You're human?" I ask.

She bites her lip, clearly self-conscious under all our scrutiny. "Air Elemental, actually."

"How?" I manage. "How did you become a hellhound, I mean?"

And a male one at that.

"I was cursed a long time ago," she explains falteringly. She shoots glances at the others but then focuses again on me. "An evil sorceress married my father and, in her thirst to rule my kingdom after he died, doomed me to live as a hellhound bound to the library—to the confines of the ground and walls—for as long as it existed. But now…thanks to you, I'm free." Her eyes glimmer with unshed tears of gratitude.

"That's… incredible," I say.

"That's insane," Blossom adds. "She changed your species and your gender?" The unicorn shifter shudders. "I hope that bitch suffers."

"She will," Bingo says, eyes glittering with that promise.

Mag can only stare—until Blossom elbows him violently.

I glance at Leo, who's staring at the blonde with wide eyes, a mixture of recognition and awe dawning on his face. "Bingo?" he whispers, stepping closer.

She nods, her eyes locking onto his. "My true name is Elyra."

Some realization seems to hit Leo as his eyes widen. "That's why you followed me around all this time," he says, his voice choked with emotion. "You were my mate…even then."

Mate?

Elyra smiles, tears glistening in her eyes as she steps into his arms. "Yes," she whispers. "And now, I'm finally me again."

A quick glance reveals the others are just as shocked as I am.

Leo pulls Elyra close and kisses her, both completely lost to anything but each other.

I can't help but look over at Kitty with suspicion. "Are you cursed too?" I demand.

She meows up at me then sniffs and looks away.

"Apparently, a raccoon is just a raccoon," Blossom says.

I feel Aries's hand tighten around mine, and I turn to him, my heart swelling with love and gratitude.

"And where do you want to go, Paige Nemos?" he asks softly, his voice filled with all the promises of our future.

I smile, the answer coming to me as naturally as breathing. "Home," I say, the word warm and full of hope.

Once, I dreamt of going out in search of my place in the world. And as I stand here, surrounded by the restored Athenaeum and the people we love, I know that, no matter where we go, no matter what comes next, I've already found it.