Chapter 34

As morning sunlight filtered through the vibrant stained-glass window, a kaleidoscope of colors danced across the shelves and walls of the library. Time stood still for Ysabel within this sanctuary, where the world outside receded, and all that remained was the musty scent of old books, the whisper of pages turning, and the infinite possibilities hidden within each volume.

Ysabel's eyes widened with wonder as she stood before the shelves, drinking in the sight of the books that stretched out before her like a treasure trove of knowledge. Her fingers trailed over the spines, feeling the raised letters and embossed covers, as if connecting with the stories they told. With quiet reverence, Ysabel wandered the aisles, her footsteps barely audible. She paused before each shelf, scanning the titles, her eyes lighting up with delight whenever she discovered an intriguing book, especially those with beautiful covers.

When Ysabel first entered Tyverah's library, she felt like a child bursting with excitement. She initially searched for children's books, hoping to find the one her stepmother used to read to her. Although it wasn't there, Ysabel gave herself permission to explore new titles, even though reading proved challenging for her at first.

Lost in the pages of an old book, Ysabel didn't notice Lilah's approach until she heard her voice.

"Ysabel, there you are. Somebody told me that they've seen you here." Lilah's eyes sparkled with amusement as she made her way to Ysabel.

Ysabel smiled apologetically, closing the book.

"I'm sorry about that. I just made a quick visit here."

Lilah's gaze landed on the book in Ysabel's hand. "Have you been reading something?" She asked, her curiosity piqued.

Ysabel held up the book, and Lilah's eyes widened as she read the title.

"Book of Herbal Fusion? Have you taken an interest in medicinal herbs?"

Ysabel nodded thoughtfully.

"Well, I can't do healing magic like you do, so I thought I should learn a thing or two, even without infusing magic."

Lilah's smile was warm and encouraging. "Curious, are you?" She teased, her eyes shining with pride. "I can always teach you something that doesn't require magic. You just need to ask, my dear."

Ysabel's face lit up with excitement. "Really? Thank you so much, Lilah."

Lilah chuckled, holding out a hand to forestall Ysabel's enthusiastic hug.

"We have to leave, Ysabel."

As they turned to depart, Ysabel hesitated, "A moment, Lilah-"

Fishing out a small canister from her pouch. "I made this last night," She said, offering the canister to Lilah.

"It's a protection charm."

Lilah's eyes narrowed as she took the canister, her palm making contact with the woven string wrapped around it.

Suddenly, a surge of heat seeped through her skin, and the crystal dust and herbs inside the canister swirled like a whirlwind, as if the liquified wax was reacting to her touch. Lilah's face paled, her heart hammering in her chest.

"A-are you alright, Lilah?"

Ysabel asked, concern etched on her face.

Lilah forced a nervous laugh, trying to brush off the strange sensation.

"I-I'm fine, Ysabel. I must have eaten something weird."

She explained, careful not to reveal the true nature of her reaction.

As she tucked the canister into her pouch, Lilah's thoughts were filled with Ysabel and her gift. She couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something more to the charm, something that Ysabel didn't know about. A hunch had been nagging at Lilah since she first met Ysabel, and this strange occurrence only strengthened her suspicions.

As they left the library, Lilah's eyes lingered on Ysabel, her mind racing with questions and concerns. She knew that she couldn't discuss her misgivings with Aleric, not yet, until she had uncovered the truth behind Ysabel's mysterious gift.