Lord of the Night Realm: Reunion

By Senna Byrd

Book Two of LORD OF THE NIGHT REALM

After the successful execution of Isadore's scheme, Ellie finds herself back home with no recollection of her time away from the Prime Realm. But just as she begins assimilating back into a normal life, the Solarists put a plan into motion that involves her in a deadly way. What fate lies in store for Ellie and those she loves at the hand of her forgotten lover's nemesis? And what will become of Isadore as he begins unraveling in his attempt to reconcile his past mistakes?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Senna Byrd
• Release date: Jun 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9798986007250

Senna Byrd

Senna Byrd was born in Wisconsin, United States in 1990. Her love of high fantasy and storytelling began at a young age, stirring her to pen several short, messy manuscripts for fun until the significance of her passion dawned on her as a teen. When she’s not writing, Senna can often be found reading fantasy stories, drawing, playing old computer and video games, and fawning over most things elven. She serialized her first novel — Lord of the Night Realm: Sojourn — in 2021.

Book preview

For Your Discretion

This book contains subject matter that some readers may find distressing. Below is a list of the most sensitive content.

If you wish to avoid spoilers, please skip this page.

For more detailed information, visit

www.sennabyrd.com/works/lotnr2/cw

Alcohol consumption

Anxiety attack

Blood and gore

Body horror

Child abuse (physical/psychological)

Cultist beliefs rooted in prejudice

Familial death

Medical procedures

Dramatis Personae

Eleanor Ellie Martel • Our lead protagonist. Her curiosity led her to following Gerald into the woods behind her home and being whisked away to the Night Realm, a dimension parallel to her own.

Janus Alscher • A vampire and one of the Legates of the Sanctified Lands — a safe haven in the Night Realm. He took in Ellie as his ward, and the two became close friends and eventually lovers.

Gerald Manyskitters • A talking rat who frequently visits the Prime Realm to procure items and information. His chance meeting with Ellie led to him bringing her to the Night Realm to save her life.

Isadore Renard • A skilled hunter bent on discovering what lies through the portal between realms. He has a dark history with Janus and wishes to eliminate him.

Bedelia Orellana • Mayor of Haven, the largest settlement in the Sanctified Lands. She has a long relationship with Janus and treats him as a younger brother, despite being a few centuries younger than him.

Elise • Caretaker of the black castle. An animated skeleton with more going on with her than she’s willing to share.

Rehor • Doctor of the black castle. Alongside his assistant Nairi, he tends to the physical and psychological wounds inflicted upon those sent to the Night Realm by Solarists.

Saint Soleil • Otherwise known as the Savior. A revered and divine woman who settled the Sanctified Lands over 1800 years prior.

The Story Thus Far...

After an argument with her mother about her future after college, Ellie stumbled upon a talking rat named Gerald and his portal into a parallel dimension. In an effort to save her from a wicked hunter named Isadore Renard, Gerald takes Ellie with him through the portal to the Night Realm. There, she is taken in as a ward by the vampire, Janus Alscher. Despite a shaky start, the two become quick friends.

Their bonds deepen further after Ellie’s encounter with nefarious vampires from the Northern Territory. Janus soothes her traumas after being freed from their clutches, and finally divulges more about himself to his dear friend.

Despite Ellie’s growing love of the Night Realm and the inhabitants which she’s befriended, she worries greatly for her family back home in the Prime Realm. This stirs conflict in her, wishing she could live in both.

Eventually, a monstrous, spider-like behemoth from the black haze beyond the mountains descends on the Sanctified Lands. Despite being told to remain with the evacuees, Ellie feels tremendous guilt for being the catalyst which brought this creature forth and seeks out a way to help. Ultimately, she brings the creature down and saves the entire town of Haven from destruction.

Fearing her own mortality and any words left unsaid if she had died in the encounter with the Walker, Ellie confesses her romantic feelings to Janus. His own feelings are mutual, and the two form a bond of love.

But while helping the locals clean up the town after the Walker’s destruction, Ellie is taken captive by a shadow being and instilled with the taint that binds her to the Night Realm. After being snatched back into the Prime Realm, she weakly finds her way back to her family, who are both relieved by her return but terrified of what fate befell her in her absence.

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

The streets of Phiana — capital of the Theocracy of Galviece — bustled with traveling residents and visitors alike, charging the city with anticipation for the upcoming festival. It was a celebration honoring the Joining; the union of the once-separated Shards — floating worlds sharing one sky in the seemingly endless Sea of Clouds. Phiana’s celebration was among the greatest on the continent of Enmyda. As such, it brought in people from even the most distant corners of the land.

Though the city and main highway were alive with all the hustle, branching country roads received only a hint of Phiana’s brimming excitement. Slow and peaceful, as it was most days, with the exception of farmers and orchardists rushing to fulfill orders placed by eateries and festival food stall operators.

Caught up in the modest countryside bustle was the Martel household. Vena Martel herself was an apothecary specializing in treatments for illnesses, wounds, and ailments common among adventurers. As was typical during the festival, many had traveled far and inadvertently spread minor colds and influenza. This, of course, resulted in higher foot traffic through Vena’s lovely, flower-hugged walkway from the front gate to her workshop. But the excess of customers was expected.

The house proper was quite peaceful. While her youngest daughter, Lillian, assisted her with concoctions, Vena’s son Irwin busied himself brewing tea for him and his father. The past few days had been a blessing, with several late-night storms nourishing the garden and reasonably quelling the heat. The weather was now perfect for the festival, assuming the storms themselves had long since passed.

A pleasant summer breeze danced lightly through the windows, wafting away steam billowing from the whistling kettle. The fifteen-year-old boy glanced up from his book at the dining table and scurried to the stove. Tucking a few strands of dark blonde hair behind his ear, Irwin mentally measured the water as he poured it into two ceramic cups to steep the tea.

Eagerly, he started up the stairs with tray in hand and carefully pushed open the door to his sisters’ bedroom with his shoulder. Sunlight peered through the gap in the curtain, dimly lighting the room. Hunched over and fast asleep in a chair between the window and the foot of the far bed was Bram — his father. Irwin smiled at the sight of the auburn-haired man. Even though he was frail, still he’d been on constant watch over his elder sister since her unsettling return. It was a risk with his weak heart, as they all knew, but Bram was stubborn and hadn’t left the bedside for more than a couple of hours at a time.

Irwin was barely halfway across the room when he noticed something from the corner of his eye; sitting upright in bed and smiling weakly was his formerly comatose elder sister, Ellie. Not a word passed Irwin’s lips, for they’d all clustered in his throat and competed to escape first.

Don’t suppose one of those cups is for me? Ellie whispered, a finger to her lips indicating not to wake their father. Despite this, Irwin was simply too shocked to catch her message, and the battle in his throat was concluded with a single shout.

Ellie! Only then did Irwin realize why his sister was so hushed, and he slapped his hand over his mouth. Doing so made him lose his grip on the tray for a fraction of a second, which created a racket that jolted their father awake.

Confound it, Irwin, he groaned, glaring at his son as he rubbed the sleep from his face. Your clumsiness lately is scaring me half to death. Better not’ve inherited that from me.

"Dad."

Irwin’s firm tone directed Bram’s attention to the bed, where his son’s eyes were fixed. Ellie had been stifling a chuckle at the commotion and curled her lips inward to force her mood to something more serious.

Ellie? Bram slowly rose from his seat and reached for her. Is this real? Am I dreaming?

Good morning, she said, chuckling nervously. Or is it afternoon?

As best his body could muster, Bram lunged forward and pulled his daughter into a tight embrace, his tears tracing their cheeks. Ellie returned her father’s hold and rubbed his back reassuringly, exchanging a relieved smile with Irwin from where her head rested on their father’s shoulder.

I need to get Mum and Lillian, Irwin said finally, and dropped the tray on the nearby dresser with a dull thud. He didn’t wait for a response before jogging out of the bedroom and down the stairs.

Stumbling out the front door, Irwin nearly barreled into a group of adventurers talking among themselves on the stone path. He briefly apologized, then scampered to the workshop on the other side of the garden. There he found his mother in the midst of giving his sister an economics lesson via a medicine transaction with another pair of adventurers.

Irwin’s breathlessness and expression alone were enough to draw Vena and Lillian away from their customers.

Ellie’s awake.

Wiping her own tears, Ellie pulled away from Bram and chuckled through sniffles.

You’re making me cry, too, you know, she said.

I know, but Ellie; we thought we’d lost you, he said. Both while you were gone and after you came back and wouldn’t wake up. Bram eased into a sit on the edge of the bed. How do you feel?

Like I slept under a bed of bricks for a whole week, Ellie snorted. But other than that, I’d say I’m feeling better every minute.

Well at least your humor’s no worse for wear. He laughed and planted a small kiss on her forehead before touching his own to it. My poor girl. I’m so glad you’re all right.

Hurried feet hustled up the creaky old staircase and to the bedroom door. Irwin stepped in first, but was pushed aside by Lillian leaping across her own bed to reach Ellie’s side. Vena entered the room shortly after and placed a hand on her son’s shoulder while covering a silent gasp with the other. Her eyes locked onto her eldest daughter’s bright smile as she stepped up to the bed, fell to her knees, and embraced her.

I have no words, Vena whimpered. How—how are you feeling?

I’m all right, Mum.

Triad be praised, Irwin said, sighing. I was worried you might not recognize us.

Of course I recognize you. Though it does feel like there’s a huge fog in my head.

Would a little more light help? Bram asked.

Ellie nodded, and Lillian swept to the window to pull open the curtains. But what Ellie expected was to feel pleasantly warm — not a creeping pain that coursed from one end of her body to the other. It was brief, but intense enough that she recoiled from the light with a pained squeak.

The unnatural reaction startled her family — Lillian most of all, who panicked and yanked the curtain back shut.

I’m so sorry, was that too much?

No, no. Ellie held her head as the pain gradually dissipated, now leaving her yearning for the sunlight. I just didn’t expect it to be so bright. Please, open it.

Well, it is high noon, and on a beautiful day at that, Vena said, stroking her daughter’s hair as the light trickled back into the room.

Ellie’s reaction had shocked everyone, but especially herself. Countless mornings had been met with their mother throwing open the curtains to let the sunshine in when she and Lillian had slept too long. But never before had it caused Ellie pain — not any more than the usual strain from eyes adjusting to light, which was all she felt in the wake of whatever had given her such a visceral reaction.

How long’ve I been asleep? Ellie dreaded the answer, given that she felt like she’d just awoken from months of it.

A couple of days, Irwin replied. You fainted in the yard shortly after you came back.

Only a couple of days seemed unreal, and yet Ellie had no reason to believe it was a lie. She squinted at her blanketed lap and tried desperately to recall anything prior to waking, but there was nothing but a dense fog beyond the argument with her mother at dinner.

After searching aimlessly through the haze, Ellie recalled staggering through the woods. She recalled feeling violently ill, a sensation like something was crawling beneath her skin, a loud pulse in her ears, and her vision obscured like wading through a snowstorm.

I… do remember the yard, yes. And the woods.

The room was silent — not at all what Ellie expected after finding a trace of memory. Vena slipped her hand into her daughter’s and caressed it with her thumb.

Do you remember anything else? Her voice was cautious, and she tilted just enough to look Ellie in the eyes. Where you’ve been, or— Vena glanced just below her daughter’s neck, to the collar of her nightgown. —or what happened to you?

Outside the soft breeze carried the sound of chirping birds and a muffled conversation between a few patient adventurers by the front gate. But the bedroom itself was quiet and still as Ellie desperately delved through her foggy memory.

Nothing. There’s nothing there.

Well, what’s the last thing you remember? Bram asked. Before the yard, that is.

I remember storming away from dinner after— Ellie swallowed and averted her eyes. —after Mum’s and my argument. I sat on the bench, and then that’s it. Nothing but a blank, until I remember the woods and the bramble scratching up my hands.

Vena delicately traced the thin scabs on her daughter’s hands. There has to be something, Ellie. You were gone for about a week. If you’d just collapsed in the woods, we’d have found you within the first few—

—What did you say? Ellie furrowed her brow. "I was gone for a week?"

Give or take a day, yes.

No. I was definitely gone longer than that.

The way her family gawked at her spelled clearly how preposterous that notion sounded.

Did you remember something? Bram waited for a reply, slumping his shoulders when none came. Trust me, we know how long you were gone. Each day was like a nightmare.

They’re even still setting up for the festival, Lillian added.

"But the gap is so much larger than that!"

Ellie’s outburst ushered the room into silence. Everyone — including herself — was beginning to wonder if she was perhaps not as well as they’d hoped.

Irwin fidgeted nervously and eventually asked, What do you mean?

"I don’t know, but that just doesn’t sound right. It couldn’t have been just a week. She snatched her hand from her mother’s so she could illustrate her points. It’s like I can see the gap where I have no memory, and a week would only be this big. Ellie parted her hands far enough to press the tips of her thumbs together. She then aligned them with either edge of her bed. But the gap is this large. I can actually feel it in my memory, and to say that the whole thing fits into one week is just… outrageous."

I wish I knew what to say, Bram said, sighing. It was about nine days ago that you disappeared.

Ellie groaned and leaned back on her elbows. Maybe I’m still just really tired.

But that wasn’t enough to convince her. Ellie was certain she’d been gone longer than a week, even if she didn’t have the memories to accompany it. But how does one even explain such a notion as the truth? Had some mischievous wizard altered everyone’s perception of time? It was ridiculous to even consider. After all, what did they do to upset a wizard? Unless her mother had crossed one who tried to get a bargain on her medicines.

Ellie shook her head and the useless scenario along with it. But when her thoughts lingered on a week passing at home, Ellie shot upright and stared wide-eyed at Irwin.

I missed your exams!

Don’t worry, I passed, he said, chuckling. As if there were any doubt.

I’m glad, but I still promised to help you study. I’m sorry I didn’t come through.

Really, it’s fine. Of course it was hard to focus with you missing, but I managed.

Don’t fret so much, Ellie, Vena said, and tucked a length of her dark blonde hair into her tight braid. We’re just happy that you’re here, and that you’re safe. I just wish we had some idea of what happened to you. An idea perked her brow and she turned to Lillian. "Maybe that might help?"

Lillian followed her mother’s finger toward the desk and fetched from its surface a soft, emerald-colored cloak, neatly folded.

Does this look familiar? Vena asked as her elder daughter took it in her own trembling hands. Not summer clothing by any means, but you were wearing it when we found you.

Looks like something made for royalty, Bram said. I doubt even your grandparents could afford a cloak like that.

Probably not, Vena said, chuckling. It looks vintage. I hoped my mother might’ve known something about it, but there’s no label. Specially made, maybe?

Small whimpers escaped the folded cloak pressed against Ellie’s face. She struggled terribly to make clear the only image to show through the fog — the cloak being gifted to her by a tall figure dressed in black. But too much was unclear beyond the cloak itself, as though the memory was kept behind obscured glass. Who was holding it? Were those distant, unintelligible whispers she heard from them? And what was that place where they were standing?

But before Ellie could hope to grasp the memory, it was gone.

I don’t know, she cried. I can’t remember.

I’m sorry, Ellie. Vena reached to reclaim the cloak, but retracted when Ellie held it securely in her lap.

No, let me keep it. I may not know where it came from, but I still want it close.

Of course. Vena touched Lillian’s hand and smiled faintly at her and Irwin. Could I ask you two to run to the neighbors and let them know Ellie’s awake? And let the adventurers know I’ll be with them again shortly, if they have time to wait.

Neither were in any particular hurry, turning back more than once to look at Ellie before leaving the sun-soaked bedroom. Lillian stifled a cry, prompting Irwin to rub her back comfortingly before she pulled the door shut.

Vena knelt down again and Bram scooted closer while Ellie gazed upon the elegant cloak.

Ellie, her father muttered. You really remember nothing? Not the good, nor the bad?

The bad? she repeated. No, I really don’t remember a thing.

Sheepishly, Vena reached for Ellie’s unbuttoned collar and pulled it aside to bare her shoulder. Not even how you got this?

Positioned above Ellie’s right breast was a vile wound — a dark pit sunken into her torso with a tar-like blob reaching out with stringy vines. Despite the grisly appearance, the wound gave Ellie not even an ounce of pain. Had Vena not drawn attention to it, Ellie would never have suspected it was there.

All the same, the sight nearly made Ellie shriek.

"Triad’s Mercy, what is that?"

We were hoping you might tell us, Bram said, clasping his hand over his daughter’s in hopes of calming her. But it seems not.

A doctor looked you over while you were asleep, but he found no symptoms of poisoning and believed it to be caused by magic. Vena lowered her other knee and sat on her legs. He thought it best left to a wizard, but we haven’t had any luck tracking one down.

Which is surprising, considering the festival in a few days, Bram added. Usually we’ve seen a dozen or more by this time.

The festival! The mere mention of it pushed the putrid opening to the back of her mind. Ellie tried throwing off her blanket, but both her parents held her from going anywhere. Not that it’d matter if she did slip away, as the festival wasn’t going on right that second.

Ellie, you shouldn’t go this year, Vena said.

But what about the graduation ceremony? That’s the first morning of the festival and both Irwin and I have to attend.

I know how you feel, but you were missing for a week and I just—I don’t think it’s a good idea.

We’re terrified you’ll overexert yourself, Bram said.

"I feel fine, despite how… this looks. Ellie frowned at the wound and gave it an exasperated wave. I’m just a bit tired."

Vena and Bram’s eyes met in wordless discussion, but it didn’t matter what they’d say. Ellie already decided she was going, even if it meant jumping into the neighbor’s fruit cart during their next delivery in the city.

Defeated, her mother sighed and played idly with Ellie’s fingertips. You’re an adult and we can’t stop you. Especially if you’re feeling fine the day of.

Ellie smirked. Perfect. What’s today, Monday? Her parents nodded. So, Wednesday is the ceremony and Thursday is the banquet. That means I gotta get plenty of rest today and tomorrow so that I’m right as rain for a busy few days.

Banquet? Gods, I completely forgot you were invited to that.

That’s a pretty big deal, so it’d be a shame for you to miss it, her father said, grinning. As it is, we won’t get to see the delegates arrive tomorrow evening. I heard they’re arriving on a magically-powered airship that can withstand the turbulent winds of the Sea of Clouds.

And I heard that the airship is massive in scale, her mother said, so we might even catch a glimpse of it all the way out here.

Who knows, I might even see it docked when I’m at the banquet hall in a few days after I’ve fully recovered. Ellie gave a sly wink, her determination rousing laughter from her parents.

Oh, seeing you like this again feels like a dream after all that fretting. Bram took his daughter’s hand and kissed it.

Touching her forehead to Ellie’s, Vena said, I’m glad you’re already acting like your old self.

I told you; I’m already feeling better. I wouldn’t lie about that.

Ah, but you might, Bram said, wagging his finger, "if the lie was harmless and got you something you really had your heart set on. Remember when you wanted to go picking at the orchard, but I said only if your marks were good? And then who was it who forged a digit on the report slip that came in the post?"

"That was once! And I was nine years old, thank you very much. Ellie scoffed. I swear upon the bubble blower on the mantle that I’m telling the truth."

A cackle cracked from Vena. The bubble blower? All right, now I definitely believe you.

After the levity settled, Ellie held her parents for a good, long while. What was a fog to her had been a week of misery for her family, and one they were all too glad to put behind them. Every word, every touch, every smile was a priceless gift they’d now appreciate tenfold.

We’re so glad you’re home, Bram muttered.

Vena kissed her daughter’s brow, then arose to help her husband to his feet. We’ll let you rest now, but please call for us if you need anything, okay? It’s busy out there, but one of us or your siblings will always be in the house.

Maybe you’d like some tea? Bram motioned to the tray on the dresser. I think the cups Irwin made have steeped too long.

I’m fine for now, Ellie said. But thank you.

Vena fetched the tray and followed Bram into the hall, but not before giving her daughter one last smile before closing the door. Alone, Ellie heaved a deep sigh and appreciated every last detail of her bedroom. It was as though she’d been away for years, but the room was no different than when she’d last seen it. A silly thought, perhaps, if she really had been gone only a week. Yet she couldn’t shrug the feeling that it’d been longer.

Finally, Ellie’s eyes fell to the cloak on her lap — a garment unlike anything she’d ever owned. Its emerald sheen shivered beneath her touch, filling Ellie with a startling sense of intimacy.

Yet still it struck no memory.

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

Afternoon hours wasted away as Ellie rapped her fingers on the blanket she laid tucked beneath. She yearned for her family’s company, to go outside and feel the breeze, to admire the flowers lining the path. But no — she was resting, as she’d promised.

Ellie could only endure against impatience for so long before she found herself wobbling precariously toward the dresser. She gripped the edges to support her weak knees and squinted into the mirror. Not often did she wear her hair down — especially during summer — but even less so was it braided so beautifully. That was, despite the stray hairs springing out from a few days of bedhead.

Ellie tidied herself up and puffed proudly at her appearance — but the feeling was fleeting when her eyes fell to her collar. Carefully, she peeled away the fabric and stared at the gruesome wound hiding beneath. How could she not remember receiving something so wicked?

But Ellie knew dwelling on it would only make her head throb with a hundred confusing thoughts. Instead, she hastily buttoned the collar up, turned on her heel with a stagger, and faced the door. Resting was all well and good, but it’d accomplish nothing while she felt so antsy. So Ellie pressed her ear against the door and listened…

Not a peep from downstairs — a sure sign that the coast was clear. Everyone must’ve been busy with customers, if the racket outside was enough to go based on. Feeling certain, Ellie pushed into the hallway and tiptoed down the winding stairs.

"Ellie!"

Far too much of Ellie’s preserved energy went into her exaggerated arm gestures to silence Irwin from where he was reading at the dining table.

Don’t make a fuss, she whispered, demandingly.

You shouldn’t be up and about. Irwin placed a thin ribbon between the pages and circled around the table. If you need something, all you have to do is call for me. I’ll bring it up to you.

Triad’s Mercy, Ellie said, sighing. That’s sweet of you, Irwin, but I’m gonna go crazy if I stay in bed much longer.

"I know, I’d feel the same if it were me. But if Mum and Dad find out you were down here, I’m the one that’s gonna get lectured."

No, you won’t. I’ll take the blame, I promise. Ellie stepped into the family room and plopped onto the far sofa. Besides, I don’t plan on getting caught. They’re all busy out there and I’m in here, where I plan to stay. I just want a change of scenery.

Fine. Irwin ran a hand through his wavy hair. Do you want some water or something?

Ellie hummed and nodded her approval, and Irwin disappeared into the dim pantry beside the kitchen, where the water pump was housed. There was the familiar squeal from the handle and a brief rush of water. Before long, Irwin returned with a wooden cup and handed it to Ellie.

I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am to see you sitting here again, looking no worse for wear than if you had a cold.

I’m sorry. I feel terrible for putting you all through that. Ellie brought the rim to her lips and took a sip. She hadn’t realized just how thirsty she was until the cool, refreshing water touched her tongue. Ellie thought she could down the whole cup in one go, but tried to pace herself.

Don’t apologize. Even if we don’t know what happened, we’re certain you didn’t do anything out of spite. Because of the argument you had with Mum, or anything.

I’d never forgive myself if I had. Gods, but I feel sick having such a large blank in my memory like this.

Irwin bit his lip as his sister took another drink. He then took a few deep breaths and scratched his arm. I know that cloak didn’t jog your memory, but maybe—maybe something else will.

What do you mean? Why are you so nervous all of the sudden?

From a thin table beside the stairs, Irwin fetched Ellie’s small, leather bag and inched closer to her. So, I know you don’t like it when people go through your bag—

That’s because you couldn’t help yourself when you were little. A smirk crossed Ellie’s lips. Though now I know that’s because you just wanted to read the same books as me.

Yes, well — and let the records show that I do feel bad about this, but — I went through your bag while you were asleep. A few days ago, that is. When you returned.

Irwin, it’s okay. I’m not gonna snip at you, considering the circumstance.

Right. Well, I found something interesting. He stood in front of his sister, holding the bag with both hands and looking at her like a pleading child. May I open it?

Ellie stifled a chuckle at the effectiveness of her lectures and gave a nod. From within, Irwin pulled out ‘Feyland Tales’ — a book Ellie carried with her for years. It looked the same as ever after the first glance, and also after the second and third.

And? Ellie tilted her head. You know I’m always carrying that one around, right?

Irwin turned the cover toward him and furrowed his brow. Uh, right, not this one. I found something else.

Let me guess; the werewolf one from Grandma? ‘Melody of Shadows’? Ellie was beginning to think Irwin was all worked up over nothing.

No. In fact, that’s not in here. He retrieved an unfamiliar book from the bag and held it out. Do you know this one? ‘Sphere of the Crystalline Heavens?’

Ellie’s only response was a shake of her head. There was part of her that felt like she should know it, but whatever knowledge Ellie had of the book was likely bound to her memory’s void.

I was really curious, so I took it to the city library over the weekend. The clerk and I must’ve been researching it for two or three hours before we found anything, though. He handed the book to Ellie so that she could study it more closely. "It’s an old work of fiction that hasn’t been printed in years. On top of that, it’s a first edition that’s worth an absolute fortune."

She glanced at Irwin with wide eyes. Is it really?

Yes! I nearly had to shoo the clerk away once we found out. She really wanted me to consider parting with it. He cleared his throat. But as exciting as it is that you have a book worth half as much as our house, the real question is where in the hells did it come from?

Ellie traced her fingers along the book’s gilded grooves, taking in every detail of the pristine cover. Where, indeed?

"I hesitate to even think of it since I don’t like treating books as objects of monetary value, but maybe we should consider selling it if it doesn’t stir any memories."

I don’t think that’s a good idea, she said, flipping through the pages. The book isn’t mine, but someone must have trusted me with it. I have to get it back to them.

Yeah, of—of course. Silly me, I didn’t even consider that.

Did you tell anyone else about this?

Not yet. I wanted to talk to you about it, first.

Good. Who knows if Lillian would have tried taking it back to that clerk if she knew—oh? From between the pages fell into Ellie’s lap a small scrap of parchment. Carefully, she plucked it up and held it between her fingers. What’s this?

A bookmark, I guess. Irwin craned his neck. Look, there’s something written on the back. ‘T hanks for treet’?

Ellie flipped it over and squinted at the scrawling while Irwin leaned in closer to study it further.

That rough penmanship and misspelling make it look like a small child wrote it, he said.

Sort of does, doesn’t it? Ellie let out a low sigh, tucked the scrap back between the pages, and placed the book on her lap before leaning into the sofa. Let’s keep this our little secret for now, okay? She handed the book to Irwin, who promptly dropped it in her bag. Was that all that you found in there? And you said the book from Grandma was missing?

Yeah, it’s not here. There is one other thing, though. Irwin held out a little burlap pouch.

What’s in it?

You tell me, he stuttered in panic. I didn’t want to open it unless it was—I don’t know, something personal.

You’re ridiculous. Ellie snatched the pouch, yanked it open, and peered in at the contents. I’m pretty sure these’re dried dates.

Dried dates? Irwin scoffed and dropped onto the sofa beside her. When she tilted the pouch to show him, he reached in and pinched one up. A regal cloak, a valuable book, a child’s scrawling, and some dried dates. What a strange assortment you brought back with you. I don’t even know where to begin piecing it together!

Neither do I. It’s like I’m at the center of my own mystery—did you just eat that date?

I thought it’d be safe, since it was with your things, he mumbled through chewing.

How Lillian of you. Ellie plucked another from the pouch, examined it, then took a nibble. Not my first choice of dried fruit, but it’s definitely just… an ordinary dried date. Shaking her head vigorously, Ellie tightened the draw string and chucked the pouch back into her bag. We’re eating clues!

It’s fine, there’s more where that came from. Irwin rested his chin in his palm. It’s a shame about that other book, though. Grandma had a hard time finding that for you at last Year’s Dawn.

I know, I feel bad. I wonder where it could’ve gone?

Maybe whoever gave you that expensive book has it. Like, a trade or something.

That’s possible. How awful to forget someone who’d trade books with me, though. Ellie lifted ‘Feyland Tales’ from the sofa and sniffed it lightly. It’s weird, but it smells a little different. It still has that old paper smell, but I smell a pleasant perfume, too.

Just one mystery after another, Irwin said, chuckling. Now we know you were somewhere that smelled nice. Very important detail. We can rule out any dumps or sewers.

Tutting, Ellie bumped her shoulder aggressively against his. She then tucked the book back into the bag and fetched her cup off the nearby end table. Well, all this is making my head spin, so let’s change the subject. Tell me about your exams.

Ah yes, ever the specialist in changing subjects on a whim. Irwin gave a breathy laugh and leaned back. Like I said before, I did well, but it was rather rough.

Sorry for the added challenge, but I’m real proud of you for pulling through.

Well, it’s nothing compared to completing college. He winked.

"Hey, completing Secondary is nothing to write off. Now you can attend college this autumn, too. You’ve been excited about it for years. Did you decide on an apprenticeship to aim for?"

"Well, I think I decided on becoming a scholar. I want to make the most of my years and learn everything I can about our Shard and the ones beyond."

The ones beyond? Ellie quirked her brow. Irwin, you’d need twenty lifetimes or more to even scratch the surface of every single Shard. Not to mention that cartographers haven’t come close to fully charting the Sea of Clouds, so we have no idea what else could be out there.

"I know, it’s way too ambitious. Irwin smirked nervously and folded his hands in his lap. But our world is such a fascinating mystery, and even though the Joining was already forty years ago, there’s still so little shared between the Shards. We’re lucky that delegates are coming to celebrate the anniversary at all, considering how long and far they’ve had to travel via an experimental transport. He turned to Ellie and sighed. I’m envious that you get to go, you know? To the banquet."

Too bad I can’t bring you along. But I’ll be sure to tell you all about it when I get home. I’ll even sneak you a bread roll so you can say you dined on the same food as the delegates.

Please tell me you’re joking! Irwin groaned when Ellie only cackled. But before that, we’ve got our graduation ceremonies.

Don’t worry about that. It’s really simple. Ellie outstretched her arms with a flourish, as though an audience were on the floor in front of her. Just listen to the Headmaster give his speech in the amphitheater, then thank him for the Honor of Graduation when it’s over and walk right back out.

That’s… really all there is to it? Our academy is certainly more lax compared to the bigger ones in the city, huh? I hear those ones last well over an hour and the amphitheaters are so large that even family can attend.

Not surprised, with how many more students they have.

From the garden came Bram hollering to Vena that he was finishing up for a break — a sure sign it was time for Ellie to scuttle back upstairs. With what little energy she had, she sprung to her feet, thrust the cup and bag into Irwin’s hands, and darted to the stairs.

I was never here, she whispered with a grin.

Ellie made it as far as the bedroom door when her father enter the house and started talking to Irwin. As she tiptoed into the room and silently latched the door shut, Ellie overheard her brother stutter about the objects in his hands and how he was just on his way to take them to her. This was followed by Bram mentioning he should probably get more water than that.

Hardly a minute passed when Ellie finally tucked back into bed with a startled surge from a knock at the door. Irwin entered — sans permission, though it was unnecessary — and cracked a smile.

Oh, bring me the bag, Ellie said as he went to put it on her desk. I wanna look at that book more after I rest. She took the bag from him and set it by her side. I think Mum and Dad were right, because I feel exhausted even just running up the stairs.

Well in that case, you definitely better rest up more. Irwin set the cup of water on the bedside table and turned to leave. In the door’s threshold, he turned and smiled softly at her again. I’m glad you’re home, Ellie.

The door clicked shut, leaving Ellie to face the open window with a melancholic gaze. After discovering so many souvenirs from her sojourn, she pondered her mysterious adventure and who she may have met along the way. It was dreadfully overwhelming, like having a thousand picture puzzle pieces dumped in front of her and having to assemble it in dim candlelight.

I’m glad, too.

Evening settled in quick once the entire family had gathered inside after the day’s work. With her attempt to join the others downstairs thwarted, Ellie was served dinner in bed, where she