I found myself in the Winterwood library. It was bigger than Bloodmoon’s, but I hadn’t gotten used to it yet. The books were enormous, and I still hadn’t found the discovery books I was looking for.
I had already grown accustomed to Bloodmoon’s library, and that was the reason for the strange feeling settling over me. But new things become old with time, I told myself.
I didn’t meet a librarian in the library. It was empty, and I didn’t know why. Now I was starting to miss Cipher more than ever. I couldn’t call him on video, though. I didn’t want anyone questioning me, and especially not him.
I’m on it now, sir, I typed to him in our chat.
The books were sorted by section, and I found some of the ones I’d been looking for. My research could continue. I sat in a corner and began reading.
As usual, I got so lost in it that I lost track of time. I stayed there for hours.
My research centered on creating a machine that could process and prepare food based on a person’s unique body chemistry, to prevent purging and the sickness that came after certain meals. It was a hard problem, since nothing like it had ever been done before. I was trying to crack the code using pure and applied chemistry.
Once I finished, I planned to head back to my quarters.
Hours into reading, a woman entered. I wasn’t near the front door, but she found me anyway. She clearly knew the place well and wasn’t a newcomer.
"Who are you?" she asked, looking down at me where I sat on the floor. I stood immediately to answer her.
"My name is Selene," I said.
"I meant, who are you to be in here?" she asked again.
"Sorry, I came to do research," I said, a flicker of fear creeping into my voice. Her questions made her sound like a detective interrogating a suspect.
"Okay. You know our rules, right?"
"No, sorry, this is my first time here," I said, already bracing myself for trouble.
She pulled a book from her bag and handed it to me. That was when I realized she was the library’s custodian.
"Alright, thank you, ma’am. I’ll be sure to read it now," I said.
"You can continue your study. Welcome to Winterwood library. I’m Ashlyn." She extended her hand, and I shook it.
She told me to come find her if I ever needed help with anything, like locating a book.
Don’t judge a book by its cover, I thought. She’d seemed so hostile at first, but she was actually kind. I had to recalibrate my thoughts and perceptions of her.
I continued reading, already planning to visit Valerie once I was done. Things were looking less blurry for me now, since I’d already made progress back in Bloodmoon.
Based on everything I’d studied, I would need a human specimen to test what I’d discovered. But who would volunteer? The project was still a secret, and I didn’t want discouragement or interference. People could be cunning ... wolves especially ... and I believed that observation to be a good one.
I finished my research for the day and headed off to see Lucian and check on his condition.
This time, I entered the King’s chambers freely, given what I’d done for them the last time. I walked in hoping my recipe was working wonders for Lucian. If it was, it would mean the world to me.
Kael was the first person I saw, standing beside the King’s bed. Lucian was sitting up, and Kael looked like he was taking orders from him. Even in bed, a King still ruled. It’s not easy being King, I thought to myself.
"Welcome, Selene," Kael said.
Lucian looked better than he had the day before. At least, I noticed a difference.
"Thank you, Selene," Lucian said. It was the first time I’d ever heard those words come out of his mouth, and he sounded sincere. I wanted to be sure what exactly he was thanking me for, so I asked, "Thank you for what, sir?"
"Your recipe is working. In the past twenty-four hours, there’s been real improvement in the Alpha’s health," Kael said.
I smiled, glad to hear it ... even though I’d already known it would work. I’d tested it several times back home in Bloodmoon, but no one there had appreciated it. Instead, I’d been pushed aside like trash. Not even a single "thank you" from my stepmother Lyra, even after I gave her the recipe and it worked on her. My father would have lost his wife, and Astrid her mother, yet all I ever got from any of them was hatred.
Hearing "thank you" from Lucian felt good.
"I’m really glad I could help," I said.
He gave a faint smile. I turned to leave, but Lucian stopped me.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"Back to my quarters," I replied.
"I’d like you here more often from now on, giving my chef new recipes for my meals. I enjoyed what she made last time," Lucian said.
"What exactly do you mean? Should I move in and live here?"
"He means what he says, and he says what he means," Kael said sarcastically, laughing.
I left his presence and went to find Valerie and the other breeders.
"Guys, I’ve been summoned by the King to stay in his chambers and give him recipes for his food," I announced to the room.
"Yes, we heard what happened with the King. We’re happy for you, Selene," Valerie said, and the whole room cheered.
"Our plans are finally coming together. You know what to do ... start with that bitch Tessa," Valerie said, her face hard with anger.
"Yes, I understand everything," I said, feigning agreement.
I began packing my things, preparing to leave. The King had gotten better, and I’d been summoned to his side. It meant more freedom, more room to move ... enough to carry out my plans, both the one for revenge and the one for science.