The Lost Codex by Lyons Heather

Author:Lyons, Heather
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: The Collectors' Society Book 4
Publisher: Cerulean Books
Published: 2016-11-07T05:00:00+00:00

“WE MUST TALK.”

The Librarian, nursing a cup of tea, perches upon the sofa in my flat’s sitting room as if it were her own. As she drinks from a china set that I do not own, I must surmise she had Jack bring the tea setting with her. “Please,” I say wryly, “make yourself comfortable.”

She does so by motioning for me to sit down upon my own chair and then assuming role of hostess by pouring me a cup of tea.

I would prefer a cup of the Hatter’s juice instead.

“Although the timing of the Van Brunts’ departure is unfortunate,” she says tightly, ensuring I clearly recognize the words she fails to specifically also attach, “you and I have other matters to focus on. Starting with our trip to Wonderland.”

The cup is not even a half-inch from my lips before I unceremoniously jerk it away, splattering tea upon my person and furniture. Surely I misheard her. The Librarian is infamous for never leaving the Institute, save for one situation that left the majority of Society members befuddled. “Our trip?”

The woman in question tucks her long, glossy hair back from her beautiful face. “Jack, Marianne, and your assassin will do nicely to provide the necessary backup, both in weapons, thievery, fighting, and technology.” Her focus lifts away from me, toward the main door. “Wouldn’t you agree, Mary?”

A darkened version of my friend and colleague haunts the doorframe. No longer biting and witty, scarves of sorrow wrap tightly around her. She asks, “Are they gone?”

The Librarian busies herself with readying Mary’s tea. “Yes.”

Mary drifts into the sitting room, eventually situating herself on the couch next to the Librarian. “Good.” More loudly and infinitely more fragilely, “Good.”

I do not ask if she shares my qualms. Instead, I wonder if Mary fears she has little to lose with Victor undergoing any experimental procedure.

Mary coughs into a hand. “Why Wonderland?”

As she pours milk into Mary’s cup, the Librarian motions for me to explain. Emotional or not, I cannot stem the irritation she inspires within me.

“There are reports of a town besieged by pipers bearing the Queen of Hearts’ regalia who change them from what they are to something else entirely.”

Brown eyes ringed in red stare straight ahead. “That bloody sonofabitch and his minions are hiding in Wonderland.”

“It is an excellent possibility.”

Arms fold tightly across her chest. “I’m going with you.”

“I rather thought that was obvious.” The Librarian passes Mary the teacup. “You’ll need to ensure two weeks’ provisions for three people, considering Wonderland’s food and water are addictive to non-natives. While that sounds like a lot, try to pack lightly.” Her head cocks to the side. “I assume Grymsdyke will obtain his own food.”

I am once more startled. “Two weeks?”

The Librarian slowly savors her drink. “Your Caterpillar is dead, is he not? How many other Wonderlandian poisoners are talented enough to concoct mixtures to allow non-natives to leave?”

“I meant—”

“I will speak with Jack and Marianne,” she continues, as if I were not speaking at all. “It’s best we leave while it is still dark.

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