Page 13

Archive Fever

T he archives occupied the basement of the town's oldest building---a stone structure predating even the founding of the magical community.

Unlike the modern witch structures above, the archives retained their ancient character: rough stone walls, narrow windows set high near the ceiling, and shelves upon shelves of magical records dating back centuries.

Evangelina descended the worn stone steps, her leather satchel slung over one shoulder. The archive door recognized her magical signature and swung open with a groan of ancient hinges.

"Still refusing to be oiled, I see," she murmured to the door, which creaked again as if in response.

Inside, the air was cool and dry, preserved by spells that had been maintained for generations. The Lights flickered to life as she entered, illuminating rows of shelves containing scrolls, books, and various magical storage devices unique to different eras.

Evangelina moved purposefully to the historical section, where records of supernatural encounters lived. But as she reached for the catalog, she paused. Something felt... off.

She turned slowly, surveying the room. Nothing seemed disturbed. The lights cast their usual warm glow, and the silence was the comfortable quiet of an empty library.

And yet...

"Hello?" she called, feeling slightly foolish. The archives were restricted. Only a handful of people in Cauldron Falls had access. Still, the prickling sensation on the back of her neck persisted---a warning system that had kept her alive through two centuries of studying dark creatures.

Shaking it off, Evangelina pulled several large tomes from the shelves and settled at an ancient oak table. She opened her notebook and searched.

"Vampire encounters, regional history," she muttered, flipping pages. "There must be something..."

The lights flickered briefly, causing her to look up with a frown. That wasn't normal---the preservation spells should prevent any magical fluctuations.

Again, that feeling of being watched. She casually reached into her satchel, fingers closing around a small vial of protection powder, while continuing to flip through the book before her.

"Found you," she whispered triumphantly as her eyes landed on an entry. "Vampire incursion, 1897..."

The lights flickered again; more pronounced this time. A soft sound---like fabric brushing against stone---came from somewhere to her left.

Evangelina didn't look up. "Whoever's there, I should warn you: I've specialized in dark creatures for near two centuries. Sneaking up on me would be inadvisable."

Silence answered her. The temperature in the ancient stone room plummeted twenty degrees as Evangelina inhaled. A familiar chill that always made her smile.

A translucent figure materialized near the tall shelves---an elderly woman in Victorian-era clothing, her pearl necklace catching the archive lights. Her presence filled the room with the comforting scent of lavender and old books.

"Oh, my stars," the ghost said with theatrical dismay, her voice like wind chimes in a gentle breeze. "I do hope I'm not interrupting anything important. Though judging by the magical research spread about, I'd say this session has proven quite educational."

Evangelina's brief startle melted into a warm smile. "Minerva! Perfect timing, as always. I was hoping you might appear---I could use your expertise." She gestured to the scattered tomes around her. The ghost's presence always brought clarity to complex supernatural threats.

"Though I must say, when my time comes to cross over, I do hope I'll have the chance to join you here among all these wonderful books. Imagine having eternity to read through the entire collection without interruption." Evangelina smiled.

"Really, dear Evangelina, such morbid thoughts," Minerva replied, though her expression was fond.

"Though I must admit, the afterlife does have its perks---unlimited research time, no need for sleep, and the ability to eavesdrop on the most fascinating supernatural conversations.

" She smoothed her ethereal skirts with dignity.

"Speaking of which, this Ronald fellow and his vampire schemes have provided quite the entertainment.

Orange skin and a comb-over? In my day, vampires had more dignity. "

Evangelina chuckled, settling back in her chair. "I take it you've been listening to the supernatural gossip network again?"

"Indeed, I have," Minerva nodded approvingly. "Familiars are the worst chatterboxes you can imagine. But this situation is more serious than Ronald's ridiculous appearance suggests."

She floated closer to Evangelina's research. "Ronald's plan has a fundamental flaw that even his inside accomplice doesn't seem to understand.”

She floated closer to Evangelina's research materials. "What you must understand about the falls water is this: it doesn't just need to be freely given---it responds to the giver's true intentions. The water has a consciousness of sorts, and it judges the heart of whoever channels it."

"What do you mean?" Evangelina asked, setting down her pen.

"The water becomes whatever the giver truly desires in their heart," Minerva explained.

"If someone offers it with genuine protective intent, it becomes a shield against evil.

But if offered with deception, malice, or selfish intent.

.." The ghost's smile turned sharp. "Well, let's just say it becomes quite hostile to the intended recipients. "

Evangelina's eyes widened with understanding. "So, if someone were pretending to help vampires but actually hoping they'd be harmed..."

"The water would sense that true intent and act accordingly," Minerva confirmed. "It's quite elegant, really. The original witches who blessed these falls were remarkably clever."

"This changes everything about how we defend the town," Evangelina murmured, making rapid notes.

"Indeed. And there's something else you should know," Minerva continued, her expression growing serious. "There's betrayal coming from within Cauldron Falls. Someone is working with Ronald---someone desperate enough to believe his promises of wealth and power."

"Who?" Evangelina asked sharply.

"That, I'm afraid, you'll need to discover for yourself.

But watch for someone with access to town defenses, someone struggling financially, someone who feels overlooked or undervalued.

" Minerva began to fade slightly. "The living and the dead can work together, you know.

I've been watching Cauldron Falls for nearly two centuries---there are always threats, and they often come from where you least expect them. "

"Will you help us?" Evangelina asked.

"I'm bound to these archives, but I can share what I observe. And remember---sometimes the best weapon against darkness is simply knowing the truth about someone's heart, and the true nature of the magic you're protecting."

With that, the ghost began to fade, her final words echoing in the cold air: "When the blood moon rises, trust in the falls' wisdom and remember---the water will know the truth even when people lie. Use that knowledge well."

The temperature returned to normal as Minerva vanished, leaving Evangelina alone with her research and a crucial new understanding of how the falls' magic truly works.

She immediately began writing notes about the water's responsiveness to true intent---information that would prove vital in the coming battle for Cauldron Falls.