Spellbound: A Beast's Path To Redemption

By Zoe D Targett

Magic solves everything…right?
After the events of Unbound: A Siren's Quest for Freedom, the adventures continue with Stefan and Kesia’s daughter, Lesley.
Lesley was an average girl who had just started her travels around the world with her best friend, Alex. Everything was perfectly normal for teenagers around their age, that is until a deranged man tried to kidnap Lesley, only to be saved by a strange looking beast, named Evan.
Evan wanted nothing more than to be left alone, but when his moment of peace was rudely interrupted by an attempted kidnapping, he suddenly found himself saddled with both Lesley and Alex. Things don’t get any better when they run into a mysterious boy, who insists tagging along as well.
But when someone from Evan’s past is literally hunting him down, Lesley and others prove themselves to be quite useful to him. Maybe they aren’t such a burden after all.
On the run from a hunter and a relentless kidnapper, Evan and Lesley must overcome many obstacles…even the ones that they themselves put up.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Aug 31, 2021
• ISBN: 9781528983952

Zoe D Targett

Zoe was born and raised in Devon; she is now living in Kent, having moved there in 2004. She was raised with a love and respect for reading and writing. Zoe has travelled widely in the UK and abroad, including Washington DC; six weeks travelling across Australia, taking in Western Australia, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra; and two visits to Japan, visiting most of the major cities there. She worked for over ten years as a nursery nurse but is now concentrating on her writing and other artistic pursuits, as well as volunteering at a local charity bookshop.

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Chapter 1

Lesley: Aged Seven

Mum and Dad once told me, that I was special, and for seven years, I believed them. I had no choice but to believe them, they made me feel special. After all, they loved me and I loved them back. But growing up was a strange thing, even though I was only seven, I already had doubts in my mind.

Don’t get me wrong, I knew my parents still loved me and I them, but when you realise that you are just a normal, boring human, it gets harder and harder to believe that I was still special.

When did I figure this out? I don’t really know, maybe it was when I accepted that I would never grow tendrils like my siren dad, or maybe it was when I figured my ears would never be pointy like my part-brematis mum.

But when my parents told me I was going to be a big sister, I was excited and all doubts of not being special, as a selfish part of me thought that maybe my little brother or sister was going to be human just like me, then I wouldn’t feel so plain. However, my hopes were dashed when Mum told me that the baby was going to be both siren and brematis.

I knew it wasn’t the baby’s fault and I would still love it him/her regardless, but with my whole family being special in their own right, how could a boring human like myself ever shine?

Was there anything that only I could do, or was I doomed to be a grey smudge in the rainbow painting that is my family?

***

Hey, sunshine, you awake?

I blinked in the bright light, this wasn’t my room or my house at all, I looked around to find Granddad holding me in his arms, he looked a lot like mum, from the deep blue eyes (which I also have), to the chocolate coloured skin, which I didn’t.

Where am I? I asked, as I peered through the sudden brightness.

We’re in Grandma’s surgery, honey. Answered Granddad, gently.

Suddenly, I was wide awake Surgery! Where’s Mum and Dad? I said, when I realised that they weren’t with us.

They’re all right, they are with Grandma, the baby’s coming.

I smiled The baby’s coming? I jumped out of Granddad’s arms and started to jump on the spot with excitement.

Granddad chuckled Okay, okay, take it easy! We don’t want you worn out when it’s time to see the baby.

I stopped straight away, then sat down next to Granddad How long do we have to wait? I asked, barely able to sit still as I allowed my feet to swing.

I don’t know, it’s up to the baby. He saw me fidgeting Why don’t we talk about something to pass the time; I’ve been told you are in charge of naming him or her.

I nodded, smiling Mum and Dad told me they already had the middle names decided, but they said I could give the baby their first name. I had already decided on names, but I wasn’t going say anything yet, I wanted it to be a surprise.

Granddad grinned as he understood what my silences meant All right, I get that you don’t want to tell me. So how about we take about something else?

My smile faded as I looked at the floor Granddad?

Yes? His voice had softened at my tone.

I took a few moments before I spoke again Do you think I’ll be a good big sister? I asked timidly.

Without warning, Granddad pulled me onto his lap and gave me one of his famous bear hugs "I don’t think you will, I know you will."

But…I’m only a human, I’m sure that they will find me boring before long. I mumbled, feeling sorry for myself as I snuggled into his chest.

Hey… Granddad gently lifted my head so that I could see his soft but serious face …you’re going to be great. He smiled I know you love the baby, right? I nodded Then there’s nothing to worry, I know your brother or sister will love you to bits as well, regardless of what you are.

Before I could say anymore, Grandma came out of a room and the end of the brightly lit hallway and made her way towards us. All at once, my doubts and worries were replaced with excitement and nerves.

I stood up and ran over to her, practically bouncing up and down with excitement Is the baby here yet? Is it a boy or girl?

She laughed Yes, the baby’s here but I’ll leave it up to your parents to tell you. I understand you have a naming duty to attend to. She held out her hand I’ll take you to them.

I waved to Granddad who was going to wait until I had visited the baby myself. My heart was racing as I approached the door, Grandma allowed me to knock on the door myself.

It was Mum that answered Come in, honey. It sounded a little weaker than usual, I was a little unnerved as Mum was a really strong person to me, like nothing could exhaust her.

Looking worried, I glanced at Grandma, but she gave me a reassuring smile Your mum’s all right, sweetheart, she’s just exhausted, having a baby is hard work.

Still a little nervous, I attentively opened the door. I was immediately greeted with the sight of Mum, propped up with some pillows as she lied down, on the bed. Grandma wasn’t kidding when she said Mum was exhausted, her long, normally unruly, dark hair was sticking to her clammy forehead and she looked like she was moments from falling asleep.

When she heard me enter the room, she gave me a warm smile Hey, honey, do you want to meet your new baby brother?

I gasped It’s a boy!

She chuckled, softly Yes, but keep your voice down, we don’t want to scare him. She turned to Dad, who was sitting in the chair next to Mum, he was holding a small bundle of cloth in his pale arms.

Dad looked up at me, his face spilt into a warm smile, he always reminded me of the sun when he smiled like that, his golden yellow hair and goatee only helped to support that. Come and see your brother. He whispered. I gingerly walked up to him and moving as slow as possible so I didn’t scare the baby.

He move the baby so I could see him, he had Mum’s dark skin, pointed ears and already had a full head of jet black hair, but he also had tendrils just like Dad, though a bit darker then Dad’s golden tendrils. I was a little disappointed that I couldn’t see what his eyes looked like as he was keeping them shut, but it didn’t matter, I already loved my baby brother.

I reached out touch his tiny hand, he in turn clasped his hand around one of my fingers, I giggled I think he likes me.

Dad chuckled Of course he does, he loves his big sister.

Mum leaned down beside me and whispered, You know, we still need a name for him, did you decide on one?

Of course I did. I paused dramatically for effect. His name is Felix. I declared, grinning all the while. It means ‘happy’, right? I want my baby brother to be happy.

Mum and Dad looked at each other Felix…Felix Arthur Kister…it’s perfect. Dad said, smiling as he peered down at the baby I think that suits you well, what do you think? he cooed.

Felix briefly opened his eyes, yellow like Dad’s and gurgled before closing them again.

I couldn’t help but giggle at Felix’s response Can I hold him? Pretty please?

I was worried they would say no because I was too little but Dad smiled as he addressed Mum Kesia, can you hold him a sec? Dad passed Felix to Mum then patted his lap as he turned to me Come and sit here, I’ll help you hold him.

I hoisted myself onto Dad’s lap and he put his arms underneath my own as Mum passed Felix back to us. He stirred for a moment then he settled again, snuggling into my chest.

As I looked at him, I suddenly thought how different he was from me already and I didn’t just mean that he was a boy. Even before he had even said his first word, he was everything I’m not, he’ll probably have a power too, like Mum’s shield.

Another thought crossed my mind as I studied his tendrils, Will Felix be able to fly when he’s older? I had never seen Dad fly but I had seen my aunties fly around sometimes.

Yeah probably, I’ll see if one of your aunties will teach him. Dad’s own tendrils weaved its way to Felix’s head, stroking it. What caught me of guard was Felix’s tendril was moving to meet Dad’s own, entwining with each other.

Mum seemed surprised too Is he aware he’s doing that?

I felt Dad nod Sirens are lonely creatures, there need for connection starts from birth, they search for that connection even before they get their first need for food.

I freed one of my hands and placed it on the entwined tendrils There, he’s got my connection too. I said, grinning.

I felt Dad kiss the top of my head He’s very lucky to have a big sister like you.

***

It had only been a few months since Felix came home with us and he’s already living up to his name sake, always happy and smiling. He was a bit of a glutton too, drinking loads of milk and even trying out some food…eating everything he was given, this made Mum and Dad really happy for some reason.

It’s because sirens had an…unusual diet, shall we say.

I had told my best friend Alex all about Felix’s feeding habit and I had asked her why Mum and Dad were happy about it since no one else would tell me, saying that ‘I was too young to know’, guess at seven, a lot of things are still unknown to me.

Unusual how? I asked her.

Alex bit her bottom lip as if she knew she said too much, of course, she’s going to tell me I was too young as well. But to my surprise, she said something else. I can’t tell you exactly what their diet was, that’s up to your dad to tell when the time is right. But let’s just say that their diet was very…bad I guess is the safest word I can use with you, they used to take something from humans in order to sate their hunger.

I leaned in closer What did they take?

But Alex shook her head I’m sorry, I can’t tell you right now. When she saw me pout, she added But when your dad does tell you, remember that they don’t feed that way anymore and your dad was the man that gave the other sirens a better way to live. So don’t judge him for his past all right?

I nodded, I already knew that Dad was a good person and nothing I learnt about his past, good or bad, will change my mind. I always knew that Dad had a different diet to us, in that he could only eat food that was made by Mum (no matter how gross it was, cooking wasn’t her forte.)

But despite all this, I still wanted to know more, I sighed heavily "When am I not too young to know?" I asked, Alex was nearly four years older than me, she was practically a grown up…well compared to me anyway.

She smiled It won’t be long, I’m sure your dad will tell you himself, Mum told me when I was nine, she knew I could handle it and I did. I don’t think you have to wait too long so don’t worry.

Just then we heard gurgling from behind us, Felix had decided to join us, dragging his favourite teddy bear behind him as he crawled. When he got to us, he sat back on his bottom and stared at us while cuddling his teddy.

Hiya, short stuff, how’s my favourite little siren? cooed Alex, Felix happily gurgled back, sending drool down his top.

I laughed I thought your mum would be your favourite siren.

She stuck out her tongue at me, playfully I said little.

We played with Felix for a while, trying to get him to say our names despite the fact we knew he was probably too young. But to our surprise, Felix was able to call Alex ‘Lec’ and I was ‘sis’ (Lesley was going to be hard for him so I tried out ‘Big Sis’).

Mum and Dad were watching from the kitchen, for some reason when Felix said our names, Dad had a pained look on his face…

***

Lesley: Aged Eight

It’s very hard to throw a party for Felix when he doesn’t know any other kids his age and for some reason my parents didn’t really try (in my opinion anyway).

Felix didn’t seem to mind though; he was perfectly happy having just the family around for his first birthday party. It seemed he’d made some good friends anyway with two of my other cousins, Innes and Levi. Innes was Aunt Kimberly’s little boy who looked a lot like his father, Uncle Ian, but he’d definitely got his Mother’s brains, in fact he was a genius. Levi was Aunt Amy’s son and like his father he had wings, though he was different from a siren as he couldn’t hide his wings…but that was really all he took from his father as he was very quiet, unlike his hyperactive father.

I guess in the end it was more like a family gathering than a birthday party, but it was fun all the same, Felix had the type of personality that everyone loved in yours truly, his consent grin had a lot to do with that as seeing it made others happy too, I don’t think I’d ever seen him upset.

I was taking a break from the party by resting in the kitchen because while my grades at school were high, it didn’t mean I wanted Innes to test my knowledge on long division, then again, he did consider tests as a game.

Hey, Big Sis.

Felix came bounding into the kitchen, helping himself to some food from the fridge despite the party having food as well.

I smiled You’re going to spoil your cake.

But he only laughed I can eat both. With anyone else, I would argue, but Felix probably could eat everything in the kitchen and more, I secretly thought this was his brematis power, eating tons of food without exploding. He tilted his head inquiringly Are you not enjoying the party?

Oh no, I’m making him worry I am, I just needed a break is all. I turned the question on him How about you?

He grinned once again I love it, everyone’s here and having fun, that’s all I want.

It’s strange, I can’t put my finger on it but he seemed very grown up but at the same time, he still acted like a small child…ok he was a small child.

Felix, come on, we’re cutting the cake. Came a voice from the party, sounded like Alex.

Ok. Felix called out and headed back out the kitchen, but not before turning back to me Are you coming?

I’ll be there in a bit; you go on ahead. I smiled wearily. Felix grinned before running out to head for his cake, leaving me alone in the kitchen.

I wasn’t alone for very long though as Dad poked his head around the door frame You all right, honey? he asked me, worried laced his tone.

I’m all right, I just doing some thinking that’s all.

What about? Maybe I could help. He took a seat next to me.

I think a lot like Dad, or at least that’s what Mum tells me anyway. I know Dad will understand whatever I’m saying Dad, is it me or is Felix growing up quickly? I know I haven’t seen many little children but I thought that when you were one year old, you were still considered a baby, right?

There was that expression again, pained No, you’re right, most one year olds are still considered a baby and you yourself were still one at that age. You had just learnt to walk and to call us ‘Ma Ma’ and Da Da’. He chuckled at the memory of my youth before going serious again. But then again, you are human and as humans go, you are physically on track, though you are still advanced in the way you think. He looked out towards where the party was Unlike you and your mum, both me and Felix aren’t human, we’re sirens, and sirens have a much shorter childhood.

Shorter childhood?

He nodded I would say that even though Felix is only a year old, he’s more like a three-year-old and by the time he’s seven, he’ll be a fully grown man.

What! This shocked me But that means, in less than… I took a moment to work it out …less than three years, Felix would overtake me.

Dad winced I know, I’m sorry.

I shook my head It’s not your fault and neither is it Felix’s, I still love my little brother, even if he turns into a big brother one day. I chuckled weakly Guess I will be the little sister one day too, huh?

I wasn’t fooling anyone, including Dad No matter what happens, I love both of you, remember that. He pulled me into a hug, shaking slightly I just wish there was a way for Felix to have a human length childhood and not to be burdened with the worries of adulthood before he should. He was really upset about this; he must have felt really helpless.

I hugged him back He’ll be fine, I’m sorry, Dad, I was caught with my own selfish thought, I promise that as I will do my best to be the best big sister to Felix I can, not matter how old he gets.

Just then we hear a noise coming from the doorway, did someone overhear us? But by the time we got there ourselves, they had already gone, we never did find out who it was…

***

Lesley: Aged Eleven

Big Sis!

As I arrived from school to Alex’s house, I felt strong arms embrace into a hug…a tight hug Felix…you’re crushing…me. I struggled to get out.

He released me quickly and bowed his head in shame I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you.

I know you didn’t mean to, it’s not your fault. I hurriedly said. I could never get angry at Felix, he had no idea how strong he actually was.

Felix was now four years old, but he was physically around twelve years old, making him taller than me and a little chunkier too. But despite his physical appearance, he grinned widely, like the child he still was inside.

So how was school? he asked, curiously.

I proceeded to tell him about school in as much detail as I could as Felix was never able attend school thanks to his rapid growth, there would be no way to hide his secret. So Mum and Dad both took turns in home-schooling him, Dad in Maths, Literature, Language and Art, Mum in Geography, Survival and Physical Education. He also got lessons from Aunt Kimberly for Science, Granddad for Cooking (Felix’s favourite lesson) and Aunt Sophie for Music.

I’d been told that Felix was a lot like Mum, meaning he was not good at the non-physical part of his learning like Literature but he excelled at Survival and strangely enough Cooking, he even surpassed Dad, sorry Dad, you’re good but Felix pars with Granddad.

He was getting one extra lesson that I could not relate to however, and that was learning how to fly, Dad couldn’t teach him because his hair was too short to fly himself. To everyone’s surprise, Aunt Imogen took the helm to teach him, for some reason Felix seemed to be the only male that Imogen actually liked. (Though Dad suspected it was because Felix strongly looked like Mum). Levi occasionally joined Felix on those lessons with Innes watching from the side-lines as if he was studying them, Levi was a natural at flying, both faster and more agile than Felix who was rather clumsy and could not fly for more than thirty minutes at a time as he exhausted quickly, never the less, Felix loved to fly.

After I had finished retelling my day, Felix gave me another hug, though very wary this time Glad you’re here, Big Sis, I’m sure that Alex is already inside, I baked the yummiest cake I could. He grinned.

I gave a half smile, that’s right, it was Alex’s graduation party. And although I was happy for her, that also meant that Alex would leave for her journey soon whilst I was still stuck in school for another three years. But as we entered the party at her house, I took a deep breath and plastered on a huge grin. I would not let my sadness ruin Alex’s party, I wanted to send her off with a smile after all.

But I would miss her, she was my best friend after all, despite the age gap.

The party was already in full swing, as soon as Alex spotted us, she ran over to give us a hug Hi guys, glad you could come. She said, leading us into her home.

Being a grown-up suited Alex well. When she was younger, her limbs were so long, that they seemed unsure of where they were meant to go (she used to trip over her feet a lot). But now she was older, her new height seemed to finally be in sync with the rest of her body. She did have blonde hair when she was younger, as she got older, her hair turned ginger, just like her father. She also had freckles that made her look awkward as a child, but thanks to her mother’s genes, those features only made her look beautiful as a teenager. But no matter how old she got, her bright blue eyes would never change, which was fine by me, I needed something familiar to hold on to.

Once again, I painted on my best smile Wouldn’t miss it for the world. I said, trying hard to sound happy, I didn’t think I fooled her as when Felix went to set down the cake, Alex turned to me.

What’s wrong?

I don’t know what you mean. I lied, not meeting her eyes.

She sighed, heavily Lesley Arieya Kister, how long have I known you for?

I looked at the ground, my face red with shame Since I was born.

That’s right, I know you well enough to know when you’re hiding something from me.

I decided that it was best that I confessed now I’m sorry, it’s just that…I’m going to miss you, Alex, you’re my best friend and like a big sister to me, I don’t want you to go. Just then, I heard her laugh, I looked up, confused What?

She took a moment to stop laughing Oh honey, who on earth said I was leaving?

But you’ve graduated.

And that means what?

You’re leaving for your journey, aren’t you? I asked, suddenly depressed.

To my amazement, she shook her head, still smiling Nope, first I’m going to be taking classes to learn more about architecture and that will take...hmmm, about three years…

Three years? But that’s when I—

When you graduate, I know, I planned it like that.

I was really shocked But why?

Because I wanted to wait for you. She gave me another hug You’re my best friend too, you know.

I wanted to cry with happiness, but I fought the tears back, I didn’t want to be a cry-baby as Felix did enough for the both of us.

So you want to travel with me?

Of course, no one likes to travel alone, besides, if you’re with me, I can show you some really cool buildings. She winked, she loved old and new buildings alike, she wanted to design them herself one day.

I laughed You and your buildings, if you’re not careful, you’ll marry one.

She pulled a face Blimey that’s a thought. Then we both laughed.

Just then we heard Felix call us Come on, girls, I’ll be forced to eat all this cake if you don’t cut it soon.

Smiling, we both made our way to Felix, both of us knowing full well that Felix never needed to be forced to eat a cake whole…

***

Lesley: Aged Fourteen

It’s my last day at home today, my graduation party’s over, my bag is packed and the tears are waiting to be shed tomorrow (mostly from Felix and Dad). However, I couldn’t get any sleep so I went outside and sat down on the garden bench, watching the stars.

Looking at the stars made me feel so small, I was just a tiny human on a tiny planet, one of many, many planets and you can trust me on that as our family a few generations ago, started to explore that great, glittering space themselves, we are definitely not alone.

Maybe this is not the best thing to think about, I already thought of myself as a mere human, I didn’t need to compare myself to the many, more interesting lifeforms out there.

Just then I heard some rustling as a man appeared from around the corner of the house, but as soon the moon bounced of his tall, pale form I saw that it was only Dad.

Hey, honey, can’t sleep?

I nodded as I continued to look up at the stars Just wondering if I can do this.

Do what? Dad asked as he sat down on the bench next to me.

Go on this journey. There’s going to be so many amazing things to see, places to go and yet…I still don’t know what my purpose is.

There were a few moments of silence, I could almost feel Dad thinking of an answer. You don’t need to start with a purpose for your journey, sometimes you go on the journey to find that purpose.

I looked at my hands that were resting on my lap What sort of purpose can a boring human like me have?

Dad put his arm over my shoulders You are not a boring human—

Dad, please, I’m just a regular human, no powers, no talent, I don’t excel at anything. I protested, feeling annoyed with myself for being so plain.

Now that’s not true, you have a really beautiful singing voice. Dad said in an attempt to cheer me.

But that didn’t work That’s not exactly something that will help me in life, not to mention that there are plenty of people that can sing just as well as I can. I couldn’t stop myself from continuing. Everyone in my family has something special and unique about them, even Alex and Innes, my only human cousins! Alex is beautiful, great at drawing and eccentric in a charming way. Even Innes is a genius, he beats me in every test despite him being two years younger than me. How am I supposed to compete with them? How can I compete with anyone? I felt myself tremble after my outburst, I didn’t want to get myself upset like that, but I didn’t know how to calm myself down.

Seeing me get so upset, Dad pulled me in closer to give me a cuddle, stroking my hair to help calm me down, I must say it did work Honey, I know it’s hard, you’re only fourteen but these are what journeys are for, self-discovery and, like I said, finding your purpose. See, it’s not about the destination, but the journey, both you and Alex will find your place in the world.

Dad… I started to say but Dad shushed me, gently.

Just so that you know, you may not know your place in the world, but I know your place in mine. You’re the best daughter in the world and I am already so proud of you. He gave me a swift kiss on the top of my head.

But I’m still only a human, nothing magical about me at all. I mumbled.

Dad pulled me upright and looked at me in the eyes Lesley, sweetheart, the best things in life are ones that you create with your own two hands, making friends, finding love, having kids…none of those are made with magic, but they are miraculous all the same. Being human is not a crutch, its freedom, freedom to do anything without being hindered by magic or powers of any kind.

Why would magic or anything like it be a hinderance? I asked, I was always under the impression that magic solved a lot of problems.

But Dad only smiled Maybe one day, you’ll learn that for yourself. He gave me a pat Come on, we better get some sleep, big day tomorrow.

I sighed All right. I went to follow him indoors but not before one final question Dad?

Yes, honey?

Do you really believe I can do this?

Dad smiled I have every faith in you, I know you can do it. But if you ever need me… he grabbed one of his tendrils and untied a piece of long, blue cloth, he folded it up tenderly then held it out to me Here.

I took the cloth from Dad, he always had that cloth, he told me once that he used to use it to tie his hair up when it used to be long, thing is my own hair isn’t that long either Why are you giving me this?

He looked nostalgic Because this cloth is a lucky charm of sorts, it was given to me many years ago by a siren I considered to be my mum and it has followed me since. He smiled But I have no need of a lucky charm anymore now I have you, your mother and Felix. So I want you to have it in the hope that it keeps you safe on your journey.

I was flabbergasted Dad, I don’t know what to say…except… I hugged him once again Thank you.

Dad hugged me back tightly Just promise me that you will try to believe in yourself, because you humans are wonderful creatures…you’ll see that one day.

After a while, we parted and made our way back to our respective rooms, I lay in my bed, weaving my new lucky charm through my fingers, thinking about the days yet to come. What would happen? Did I have a destiny to follow? And most importantly, was there anyone out there for me?

***

So, the time has come. Soon my plans will be put into action and those fools will rue the day they messed with me.

For years I have waited…waited for my time to strike and rise again. I have been silent for far too long.

But soon they will all know despair, soon they will all know anguish.

Soon…it will all become clear soon.

Stefan, it is time to have some fun, you will be the first to learn despair. Your daughter will be mine…

—?????

Chapter 2

Lesley

It’s further away than Mum and Dad said it was. I huffed as we ascended a steep hill.

Alex was also having difficulties, more than me I’d wager since she was weighed down with sketchbooks, pencils and other artist tools that she insisted on taking with her, everything she needed to be a budding architect.

Well…be fair, your parents…are a lot fitter than us, even now. She puffed, sweat pouring down her face, she was struggling all right, but she was stubborn, just like her own mother. She paused for breath Just…over this…hill, right? Please…let it…be over…this hill.

Yeah, not too far now, hang in there. I answered, giving her some encouragement with a smile Did you want me to carry something?

She shook her head vigorously No…I’ve got to get used to this…thanks for the offer though. She smiled weakly. Let’s move…the sooner we get there…the sooner we can get to that library…and I can’t wait to take in its design.

Of course, only she would go to the biggest public library in the world, not for the books, but for the building itself. I grinned as we were on the move once again.

Slowly but surely the hill disappeared behind us and Pagefall City rose into view, it looked just like Dad had described it, beautiful wooden buildings with sculptures carved into them. Alex instantly snapped out of her exhaustion and danced around excitedly as she studied the various buildings.

The designs of these buildings! Are they all really made of wood? How do they not catch fire all the time? Maybe they’re varnished with some sort of fireproof substance…

It’s amazing how a building can snap someone out exhaustion, then again, this was Alex we were talking about. I was starting to wonder if she would really marry a building, I had only ever joked about it before.

I laughed Let’s get to the library before it closes, we have all day tomorrow to look at buildings and I would like some reading material while you pay your respects to the architect gods.

***

The main reason we came here was to find out about the best places to go and the library was the best place for that. Since I didn’t have a set purpose for traveling, I was quite happy to tag along with Alex’s wishes and who knew, maybe like Dad said, I would find my purpose on the way.

Alex took one last look at one of the buildings she was admiring then we both made our way toward a huge building which we could only assume was the library (well it was meant to be the biggest library in the world after all).

As we approached the building Alex showed off her really weird side, after gasping with delight, she ran over to one of the columns surrounding the library and promptly hugged it.

You are magnificent, yes you are. She cooed, causing a few people to give her a look as if to say, ‘what a weird girl’.

Yes, she’s a weird one, but I was used to it as I dragged her away C’mon, you can confess your love later. I said, walking through the huge doorway.

Okay, now I was the one in love! There were so many books, and I could just spend the rest of my life like there, so would Alex if she hadn’t spotted a giant book that had famous buildings from around the world.

Let’s go to this one, and this one, that one too. She kept saying, her eyes shining with excitement at each new picture. When she found a huge cathedral, she grinned at me This one would be a good place for you to do a sound test in.

I smiled, our ‘sound test’ was where I would sing a song to test how well the sound carries around a room, or a huge hall in this case. As Dad had said, I could sing, though I didn’t consider myself to be really good, not when I had a lot of siren aunties to compete with.

I promise I will do a sound test, if they will let us. I’m sure you’d hate to be chucked out of a building.

Then we’d choose a religious song, they can’t say no to that right? she retorted, then she sighed Shame we can’t do it here though, I bet this library could carry the sound.

I shook my head Even if I was allowed to sing here, which I’m not, the books on the shelves would either absorb the sound or distort it depending on the books themselves. Despite her knowledge in building structure, her scientific knowledge was rather lacking.

Alex, unfazed, looked up towards the high ceiling which was not unlike a church itself Maybe without the books though.

I rolled my eyes Yeah, sure, you go ahead and ask them, I’m sure that they would be happy to do that for you. I said sarcastically, but I forgot that sarcasm sometimes went over Alex’s head as she started to make her way to a librarian. I grabbed her arm I was kidding, Alex, no way would they really do that.

She looked genuinely upset, but she quickly recovered when she spotted another book "Oooo, ‘Buildings of the Future’ by Brad Mossy, I’ve heard about this book…"

Not wanting to get into any building debates with her, I wandered off by myself, but not too far as I was too nervous on my own. I was scanning the history books and was about to peel away a particularly huge book from its shelf when I was suddenly knocked off my feet as someone pushed passed me.

Ow! I cried out as the push had caused me to slam face first into the shelf before falling back onto my back,