Red Pov

No

I'm not crazy.

But wait Red, it's a fucking library anyone can come here to learn and I'm thinking shits about it.

Focus on the reason you're here.

As Xavier and I settled into our designated study area, my eyes wandered across the room, taking in the intricate details of the library. The scent of aged paper and polished wood filled the air, blending harmoniously with the faint fragrance of vanilla-scented candles placed strategically on some of the tables. The shelves towered high above us, their contents a testament to the vast expanse of human knowledge.

Xavier's confident voice broke through my reverie, his tone filled with authority as he declared, "The beautiful origin of Vampires." His words were infused with a sense of pride, as if he held the secrets of the undead within the depths of his soul.

Intrigued by his self-assuredness, I couldn't help but challenge his choice. "Nahhh... I'm thinking Werewolves. I find them more intriguing." The memory of my encounter with the wolf in the forest still sent shivers down my spine, and I yearned to delve deeper into their mysterious existence.

Xavier rose from his seat, a smug smile dancing on his lips, and began scouring the library for books on vampires. His confident strides and purposeful movements exuded an air of authority, as if he owned the library itself. However, I refused to be overshadowed or underestimated. I, too, stood up, determined to find my own answers.

"And I'm the student here that wants to learn, so..." I cut in, asserting my independence and eagerness to explore. My footsteps echoed softly on the polished wooden floor as I ventured deeper into the library, my eyes scanning the rows of shelves in search of information on werewolves.

As I navigated the labyrinth of books, a peculiar sensation washed over me-an otherworldly presence lingering in the air. It was as if invisible eyes were watching my every move, sending shivers down my spine. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was not alone. I called out softly into the silence, hoping to dispel my growing unease. "Hello..."

To my surprise, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed in response, hastily retreating from my location. Determined to uncover the source, I followed the fading sound, my steps quickening as I pursued the mysterious observer. The library's layout became a maze of aisles and sections, but my focus remained unyielding.

Lost in my pursuit, I suddenly found myself in a secluded corner of the library, the shelves forming a protective cocoon around me. It was here that a loud noise shattered the silence, causing me to jump in alarm. Dust particles swirled in the air, illuminated by the streams of sunlight that filtered through the narrow gaps between books.

Curiosity piqued, I approached the fallen book, its size and worn appearance commanding attention. As I lifted it from the ground, I felt its weight in my hands, its weathered cover hinting at the passage of time and the secrets it held within. I couldn't resist the urge to blow away the accumulated dust, causing a cloud to billow into the air and tickle my nose.

"ATCHOOO!" I sneezed uncontrollably, my body recoiling from the sudden burst of expelled air. After a moment of recovery, I focused on the book's cover, wiping away the remaining dust. The words etched on its surface appeared faded, as if the ravages of time had taken their toll. I struggled to pronounce the foreign words, managing to articulate only the first phrase, "Historia de..." The rest eluded me, leaving me yearning for answers.

Determined to unveil the contents, I attempted to open the book, but it resisted my efforts, its pages bound tightly together. Lost in my determination, I failed to notice the stealthy approach behind me, the sound of footsteps growing nearer.

"Boo!" A deep voice whispered in my ear, sending a jolt of surprise through my body. Reacting instinctively, I swung the book in my hands, colliding with the intruder's face. A gasp of pain followed, and I turned to face the unexpected victim of my defensive strike.

"Xavier?!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening in disbelief as I saw him clutching his nose, blood trickling through his fingers. Regret and concern washed over me, and I crouched down beside him, gently touching his injured face.

"I'm so, so sorry. I thought it was someone..." I tried to explain, my voice filled with genuine remorse. I reached out to comfort him, but he recoiled, his pain evident in his eyes.

"Who, Red? There's no one here but us. You're a crazy girl," he responded,his voice laced with a mixture of amusement and annoyance. I rolled my eyes, a playful hint of exasperation coloring my expression.

"I may be crazy, but next time, don't scare a girl like that," I retorted, mustering a tone of mock sternness. With a gentle grip, I helped Xavier to his feet, supporting him with my left arm while cradling the enigmatic book in my other.

Together, we made our way out of the labyrinth of books, retracing our steps back to our original spot. The library seemed to hold its breath, as if observing our every move with silent curiosity. Xavier's wounded pride and my lingering curiosity about the mysterious book hung palpably in the air.

With a hint of playfulness, he replied "Yes, Ma'am,"

~~~~~

Xavier wiped away the blood from his nose with a swift motion, his tongue darting out to lick away the crimson droplets. The sight made my stomach churn, threatening to unleash its contents. "So, what's that book you got there?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

I handed him the book, unsure of its contents. "I don't know, actually... I just saw it and wanted it, but the words seem a bit confusing to me," I admitted.

Xavier froze as his eyes locked onto the book, a look of shock washing over his face. "Is there something wrong?" I asked, growing increasingly concerned.

"Umm... no, actually. Are you sure you just picked it up randomly?" he inquired, his voice filled with bewilderment.

I nodded, my curiosity mounting. Xavier seemed even more puzzled by my answer. "It can't just allow you to find it," he whispered to himself, his gaze fixed on the book.

"What can't allow me?" I pressed, my confusion deepening. He pointed to the book, and my eyes followed his finger, but the meaning eluded me.

"Historia de hup Mannan," he uttered the full name, his eyes transfixed on the book before turning to meet mine.

"What does it mean?" I asked, my voice filled with a mix of anticipation and astonishment. Little did I expect that I would stumble upon the very history of werewolves I had been seeking with such ease.

"You found it, Green Eyes. You wanted the history of werewolves, and here it is," Xavier declared, his voice tinged with awe. I stared at the book in shock, utterly surprised that I had discovered it so effortlessly.

Did someone want me to find it? Was it aiding me?

"I'm surprised it allowed you to find it," Xavier remarked, his words hanging in the air, shrouded in mystery.

"What do you mean?" I asked, shifting the weight of the book in my hands, my fingertips grazing the words Xavier had spoken earlier.

"Ancient books like this often conceal themselves to prevent young ones like us from reading them," he explained, a subtle smirk playing on his lips.

"Hold up... you mean it's alive?" I exclaimed, my eyes widening in astonishment.

"Kinda... but maybe it likes you," he replied, his smirk widening.

"Haha... very funny," I retorted, struggling to grasp the idea that a living book was in my possession. This place continued to surprise me at every turn.

"Um, how do I open the book?" I inquired, my voice laced with uncertainty.

"Ask it what you want," Xavier replied nonchalantly, reclining back in his chair.

"I don't understand," I admitted, my confusion deepening.

He let out a sigh, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "Ask the book what you want to know about werewolves. It will open up. And don't worry, it doesn't bite... I think," he added, a mischievous glint in his eyes that made my blood boil once again.

"Um, okay..." I muttered, mustering up the courage to approach the book. I pulled it closer, my touch gentle, hoping it would sense my harmless intent and curiosity.

Here goes nothing.

"I-I would like to know the brief summary of werewolves, please," I stammered, my voice trembling. I sat there, waiting for something to happen, but nothing transpired. It seemed Xavier had been jesting with me, and I fought the urge to slap him across the face.

Suddenly, the book creaked open ever so slightly, and I recoiled in fright. Xavier placed a reassuring hand on my back, urging me to look. As I cautiously turned my gaze toward the book, I witnessed it fully opening on its own, pages flipping rapidly. My heart raced with a mixture of fear and anticipation, until abruptly, it came to a halt.

"See? It answered you. You should be honored," Xavier remarked, his eyes fixed on the words as he began to read.

"Of course, I'm honored, but there's one problem," I interjected, causing him to pause his reading and look at me, awaiting my response.

"I have no clue what the heck it says."

Hope you enjoyed this Chapter ❤️