Chapter 99

As he carried on with dinner preparations, she slipped out into the library. Once she was inside, she shut her eyes and called to the dagger. It answered almost immediately, a large book at the top of the shelf slowly twitching until it started to levitate in the air.

She allowed it to descend into her outstretched arms, watching as it flipped itself open to reveal the most bewitching piece she’d ever laid her eyes on.

After studying it for a while, she returned it to its place on the shelf.

***

The dining hall was bathed in a warm, golden glow, the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows across the elegant table setting. Marisol sat at the head of the table, her parents on one side and Caleb, and Sophia on the other, alongside Lily, who was visibly happy despite coiling it on herself at being sat with such dignitaries. Cedric stood at the head, a proud smile gracing his features as he surveyed the gathering.

“Thank you all for joining us tonight