Spirits

Chapter 21

We gathered in Intutum, no one ready to leave the beach. The moment we stepped out of the water was the moment we could no longer admit one of us was gone.

"Jax," I knew he was behind me. He hadn't moved since we arrived, "I want to talk to Perkha and Atoya, admit everything."

"I'll gather them then, and Siren."

I nodded, still looking at the village, ripping in the water lapping at my knees. I had felt it the moment I left the burial behind, I would tell them. No other time would do.

"Would you like anyone else to be there?"

"Not yet," I muttered. "I need to tell them first."

"We should hurry. They'll retire to their quarters and it'll be suspicious if we're disturbing three of the council members."

"I suppose you're right. I'll ask Perkha if you handle Siren and Atoya. We can use the library. No one will be there."

"Then we'll meet there."

It didn't take long to find Perkha. She was grouped with Daniel, the only other Venom, and Anaula with Faraji sitting in the shallows a way off.

"Perkha," I bowed my head, staring at the fold of her light dress, "would I be able to talk to you privately? In the library?"

"Oh, you don't have to ask. I understand that it's difficult now." She excused herself with a wave of her hand and took my arm, leading me away. "Are you alright, I know you've never seen this side of being a Spirit."

"That's not what I wanted to speak to you about," I took a shaky breath. "In all honesty, Jax is gathering Atoya and Siren. There is something we think might help."

"Then I look forward to the conversation."

"I hardly think you'll agree after I've spoken." I paused before adding the last part. "I hope you will, though."

"You are under my protection. I will support you no matter what we discuss."

The library came into sight and Perkha's grip loosened, falling to her side leaving my arm bare and cold.

The structure was hidden in the mass of woods that was perhaps six acres and took up half the island. The trees were thick and impenetrable along the edge, except for the narrow slit of beaten-down grass that led into the heart of the forest where the library sat.

The spirals of the building reached toward the treeline, peaking out in a stubborn display from the air. The gothic peaks were covered in vines that hung from the canopy, thin beams of sun showering them in light.

It looked like a fairy garden with old stone brights and a wide double door that was always closed. I had only visited once, but it stuck with you.

The doors squealed as we entered, sending the thin layer of dust scattering at our feet. Volumes that had long been abandoned seemed to glow on the sleeves that reached toward the sky, blocking everything out but the stained glass above that depicted a swirling wave.

I was told the oldest books had been written by other Spirits, rare writing utensils utilized to share their stories. Those were the Spirits who had long since disappeared into the world or the waves, leaving behind only ancient writings. I had seen the pages cracked skins and parchment with old symbols and barely legible handwriting.

"They'd be in the upper chambers," Perkha mused, making her way to the tower entrance where a spiral staircase led to a sitting room.

The room was wide with the furniture pushed along the edges with one large window big enough for a Flyer to fit through. Perched along the sofas in the center were Jax, Siren, and Atoya.