Chapter Twenty-Six: Lauren's Magic Awakens

Bodleian Library, 2009

When Lauren touched Ashmole 785, a rush of great and powerful magic surged through her. It was as if the very essence of the ancient manuscript flowed into her veins, awakening something deep within. The air crackled with energy, and the once-quiet library seemed to hum with life.

She felt the weight of centuries of knowledge and power pressing against her, and for a moment, she was overwhelmed. Visions flashed before her eyes—images of wizards and witches, spells being cast, and the rich tapestry of history woven into the pages of the book.

Lauren's heart raced as she realized that this was not merely a book but a conduit of magic, a bridge to a world she had only begun to understand.

"What the heck?" Lauren muttered to herself, her mind racing to comprehend the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. She had only begun to understand the depth of this experience.

As she closed her eyes, the magic enveloped her like a warm embrace, filling her with a sense of purpose and possibility. She felt the energy coursing through her veins, igniting a spark of adventure that called to her soul, urging her to step beyond the confines of her mundane life and explore the extraordinary realms waiting just out of sight.

Awakening the magic that lived inside of her felt surreal and thrilling, but still, she couldn't shake the confusion. What had just happened? How had she tapped into something so profound? The questions buzzed in her mind, but the thrill of discovery pushed her forward.

Then, with a wave of her hand, her magic caused the light bulb to break, startling her. The shards scattered across the floor, glinting in the fading light, and for a moment, she was frozen in place, grappling with the unexpected consequences of her newfound abilities.

She closed Ashmole 785 abruptly and dropped it off at the desk, the weight of her actions settling in. The book had stirred something deep within her, and now, as she surveyed the mess, she realized that her journey into the unknown had only just begun.

Then she left the library, the echoes of her footsteps mingling with the silence that followed her departure.

Unbeknownst to her, the moment she closed Ashmole 785, a ripple of awareness surged through the supernatural community. Vampires, witches, and demons, each attuned to the delicate balance of power, sensed the disruption she had caused.

Vampires Matthew and Miriam sensed the flow of magic as it surged through the air, a palpable energy ignited by the opening of Ashmole 785 and Lauren's magic awakening. They exchanged glances, their instincts honed over centuries alert to the subtle shifts in their world.

Cemre, a witch attuned to the ebb and flow of magic, stood frozen in place, her senses heightened. "What was that?" she whispered to herself, her brow furrowing in confusion. She could feel the disturbance thrumming within her, a signal that something significant had occurred.

Erendiz, a demon, sensed the flow of magic like a current running through the air. The palpable energy ignited by the opening of Ashmole 785 and Lauren's magic awakening reverberated around her. "So it has begun."

In the quiet small town of Ohio, Raymond stood still, his breath caught in his throat as he sensed the ebb and flow of magic surrounding him. He felt an electric tension in the air, a subtle pulse that sent shivers down his spine. There, just beyond the veil of the ordinary, was something extraordinary. That's when he realized his granddaughter's magic had reawakened. "Oh no."

Back at Oxford, Peter Knox sensed Lauren's magic awakening as it reverberated around her. "So it has begun."

On the other side of Oxford, the mysterious woman sensed Lauren's magic awakening as it reverberated around her. Then, the mysterious woman said out loud, "So your magic has awakened, my dear sister."

Then Diana Bushar entered the room. Diana asked the mysterious woman what the next step was. The air felt charged with anticipation, and she could sense the weight of the moment.

The mysterious woman turned to Diana, her eyes glinting with purpose. "The next step is to reunite Matthew and Lauren together," she declared, her voice steady and filled with conviction. "Their bond is crucial to harnessing the full potential of her awakened powers."

Diana nodded, understanding the gravity of the task ahead. The air around them crackled with energy, as if the very essence of magic was urging them forward. "How do we bring them together?" she inquired, her brow furrowed in thought.

The woman leaned closer, her expression serious. "We must create a situation that draws them to one another, something that reignites their connection. It won't be easy, but I have my ways. However, I will need your help to make it happen."

Diana felt a surge of determination; she was ready to assist in any way possible. "What do you need me to do?" she asked, eager to take action.

The woman smiled, her eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and intrigue. "First, we need to gather information about their current lives and interests. Once we understand what truly drives them, we can orchestrate events that will naturally bring them together."

Diana nodded, her mind racing with ideas. "I can start by reaching out to their friends and family to get a better sense of their passions and hobbies," she suggested, feeling a sense of purpose.

"That sounds like a great plan," Maya replied, her enthusiasm matching Diana's. "We should also consider creating a shared experience that aligns with their interests—something that will allow them to connect on a deeper level."

Diana suggested, "Why don't I take my class to Matthew's lab?"

The mysterious woman nodded thoughtfully, excited by the possibilities. "That could be a fantastic way to spark their curiosity."

"I'll get it done right away," Diana added, her determination evident.

The mysterious woman turned to Diana and said, "Thank you." Diana smiled, feeling a sense of validation by the mystery woman's comment.

Then, Diana left the room, and the mystery woman disappeared, leaving behind an air of intrigue and anticipation for what was to come.