Until the World Falls Down by Jordan Lynde

Author:Jordan Lynde [Lynde, Jordan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-10-16T00:00:00+00:00

16

Every corner of Enver’s castle seemed to be plunged into darkness once more when I returned. I frowned at the deteriorated carpet that lined the crumbling stairs, avoiding the glass as I ascended to the next floor. Knowing the decay represented Enver’s loneliness left me with an uneasy feeling I couldn’t shake. My feet felt heavy as I climbed the staircase. I wasn’t ready to face Enver yet. I hoped the castle would just lead me to the next layer of the labyrinth instead of bringing me to him like last time.

I held my breath as I pushed open the door at the top and let it out in relief as it revealed one of the empty hallways. I closed the door behind me and eyed the shadows that clung to the stone walls. They didn’t make any attempt to grab me, so I turned my back on them, heading down the hallway. I’d find the next layer myself.

I opened the first door I came across, blinking in surprise as I stepped into a massive room—a library, I realized. It was well-lit, a rare occurrence for Enver’s castle, and lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, all filled with books of varying sizes. A staircase on either side led up to a second floor, where I could see even more towering bookshelves. I moved further into the room, the scent of old paper and dust meeting my nose. Walking up to a bookshelf, I plucked out a leather-bound book, marveling at its craftsmanship. Hand-bound and nothing like the books I found at my local bookstore. I flipped it open, not recognizing the language that lined the pages. It looked well cared for despite how ancient it appeared to be.

I tried not to get too excited looking at all the books. I probably couldn’t read many of them, nor would I have time to. I needed to escape the labyrinth.

But I couldn’t deny it was tempting.

“Nell?”

The sound of my name made me jump. I snapped the book shut, whirling around to find Isla behind me, her eyebrows raised. “Isla, hey,” I greeted, putting the book back in its place. “What are you doing here?”

“I was going to ask you the same thing.” Her lips curved down. “No luck making it out of the labyrinth yet, huh?”

“I’m still working on it,” I said, grimacing.

She gave me a half-smile. “Same.”

“Still couldn’t find what you’re looking for?”

“No,” she said with a sigh. “This castle is huge. I swear I’ve looked everywhere.”

“It is huge,” I agreed. “Even this library. I wonder if Enver has read all these books. Is a century even enough time to read this many?”

Isla stared at me, going silent.

I smiled awkwardly. “Oh, right. It’s weird that I call him by his name.”

“Actually,” she said slowly, “I was just thinking you could help me.”

“How?”

“There’s a throne room in this castle that you can’t access without knowing how. I haven’t been able to figure out how to get in there. Do you think you could get him to tell you?”

I hesitated.

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