Page 156 of Magical Melee

She smiled and nodded. “Indeed, he did.”

“This now belongs to you,” she said, placing it in my hand. “It will help guide you on your journey.”

I stared at the pendant, its weight calming in my palm.

“Flip it over.”

I did as she told me and noticed the shape that matched the moonstone from Twobble.

“Is it a locket?” I asked.

“Of sorts.” She nodded. “Go ahead. Insert the moonstone.”

I obeyed, and the pendant glowed in my hand as heat radiated through my body.

“What do I do now?” I asked, looking up at her.

“Put it on.” Elira’s smile deepened. “Trust yourself and trust the Academy. It will show you the way.”

The warmth in her eyes filled me with a renewed sense of purpose. I didn’t have all the answers, but for the first time, I felt like I was on the right path. I was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

“Now, come with me. I must show you the library.”

Chapter Forty

The pendant felt warm against my chest as I followed Elira down a long, dim corridor. The soft sound of our footsteps echoed off the ancient stone walls, the light from the glowing sconces casting shifting shadows that seemed alive. Each step brought a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, but I kept going.

The weight of the butterfly pendant comforted me.

“This way,” Elira said softly, her silver hair gleaming in the faint light as she gestured toward a heavy wooden door. It was carved with intricate symbols and vines that seemed to move if you looked at them too long.

She touched the door, and a faint pulse resonated through the air. The carvings glowed softly before the door swung open silently, revealing a breathtaking sight.

I stepped inside and froze.

The library.

It stretched endlessly in all directions, a vast and awe-inspiring space filled with towering shelves of books, scrolls, and artifacts. Golden light poured from floating orbs, illuminatingthe intricate details of the architecture—the arched ceilings adorned with shimmering constellations, the marble floors inlaid with ancient runes that pulsed faintly with rhythmic energy.

It was just like the visions at the cottage. The mirror had shown me everything.

The air smelled of aged parchment and polished wood. A hint of something floral swirled around me, almost otherworldly.

The spines of the books shimmered in various hues, some glowing softly, others sparking faintly like stars.

Magical creatures that I didn’t recognize flitted about—tiny, glowing sprites dusting the shelves and large, owl-like beings perched on high alcoves, their eyes following every movement.

I took a shaky breath, my voice barely a whisper. “This… this was in the pedestal at the cottage.”

Elira stood beside me, her expression serene but tinged with emotion. “It is the heart of the Academy’s knowledge. Every spell, every piece of wisdom, every story that has ever passed through these halls is preserved here, ready to be taught to eager seasoned witches.”

I swallowed hard, my chest tightening. “It’s beautiful.”

“And it is yours to explore,” she said gently. “The library will open itself to you as you are ready.”

I turned slowly, my eyes wide as I took in the grandeur of the space.

My footsteps were hesitant at first, but as I wandered deeper into the aisles, a sense of wonder replaced the lingering doubts in my heart.