Chapter 2 Locked Out

I crashed directly on top of him. Our faces collided, and in the chaos of tangled limbs, my lips landed squarely on his.

For a second, the entire world froze. The only things moving were our breaths and racing heartbeats.

It almost felt magical until he spoke, shattering the magic completely.

"Why practice flying magic when you're completely terrible at it?"

I quickly shoved myself off him, my cheeks burning red.

"I wasn't practicing magic!"

"Suit yourself. That's your explanation." He stood up, adjusted his shirt, and glared down at me.

His face was a cold, handsome mask, his grey eyes entirely devoid of emotion.

"Don't think whatever just happened between our lips means a thing." He circled his finger around his mouth. "It doesn't."

He said it as though I were some human girl who would fancy him just because our lips had touched.

"Why would I—"

He waved his fingers, cutting me off.

"I hope I never see you again."

He wiped his mouth aggressively, muttered a quick spell, and vanished into thin air.

A jagged, disbelieving laugh escaped my lips.

What had just happened? Was this how humans around here behaved?

I barely had time to gather my thoughts when a swirl of silver dust erupted, and he reappeared right in front of me.

I flinched, stumbling backwards. But before I could hit the ground, his hand shot out and caught me firmly by the waist.

His piercing grey eyes locked onto mine.

As he steadied me, a bizarre, fluttering sensation bloomed deep in my stomach.

Then his rough palm swiped across my mouth, wiping my lips as though there were dirt on them.

"I hate leaving my trace behind," he muttered.

With another flash of light, he disappeared again, leaving me completely shocked.

"Did he just... wipe me off? Like a smudge on a window?" I stared at the empty space where he'd been standing. "Ah! I pray I never see him again, because if I do..."

I stopped myself.

Breathe, Elara.

"You're a spirit of love. You're not here for him," I reminded myself. "He's just petty because he lacks affection..."

I scrubbed my mouth with my sleeve until my lips felt sore, as though I could wipe away the spite he'd left behind.

Then my gaze landed on a beautiful, glowing signboard above my head.

WELCOME TO THE AVADON MAGICAL LIBRARY.

A small smile found my lips.

"Time to meet Mr. Calvin."

I stepped toward the massive, arched entrance. Climbing vines covered the heavy wooden door, their glowing violet flowers opening like tiny musical flutes and humming a soft melody.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The comforting aroma of old books, dried vanilla beans, and worn leather swept over me like a warm embrace.

"Wow," I breathed, spinning around.

This place wasn't just a building; it was completely alive.

Floating glass lanterns drifted through the air. Talking picture frames giggled on the walls. Bookshelves stretched toward a massive glass ceiling, and stray novels fluttered from one shelf to another as they organized themselves.

It was the most beautiful and comforting place I had ever seen.

"We have two minutes until closing time. Pick whatever you want quickly."

A sharp, masculine voice echoed through the air.

Calvin.

I smirked.

Be cool, Elara. Just get close, fire your arrow, make his heart feel love, and half your mission will be accomplished.

"Hey! I want to have a word with you!" I shouted.

The talking picture frames let out a collective, gossipy giggle.

"It's kind of important!" I added.

There was no answer.

I crept past the nearest shelf. In the centre of the grand room stood a polished, circular front desk. A man was hunched over it, his face buried in a glowing scroll.

I didn't need anyone to tell me who he was.

Now was my chance.

I reached behind my back to draw my invisible bow and arrow, stepping into the open.

But the moment I did, he dropped the scroll.

His icy-grey eyes locked onto me.

My breath caught in my throat.

"You?!" I gasped. "You're Calvin?!"

So, the iceberg from outside was Calvin.

His eyes flickered with brief recognition before his usual cold expression returned.

"Pick whatever you want and get out. We're closing," he said, barely looking at me.

My fists tightened around the arrow.

Only he could possess that level of arctic frost. No wonder he had no soulmate.

"And why would I want to stay here with a grumpy iceberg like you?!" I hissed.

He ignored me, returning his gaze to the scroll and giving me the opening I needed.

I raised my hands, pulled back the string of my Cupid's bow, and aimed straight at his heart.

I was ready to shoot.

But before my fingers could release the string, a jarring rush of wind swept over me.

In the blink of an eye, I found myself standing outside on the stone steps.

"Your two minutes have expired. We're closed."

His muffled voice echoed from behind the thick wooden door.

The sudden movement jolted my grip. My hand slipped, and the arrow flew wide, shooting straight into a stray calico cat sitting near the bushes.

The cat's fur stood on end. It stiffened, its eyes turning into giant, adoring saucers.

No. No. No.

That was not good.

Arrows weren't meant for animals. If one accidentally hit an animal, the poor creature would fall in love with the Cupid who shot it.

And I was allergic to cats!

"Meow!"

The cat purred and launched itself into my lap before burying its face in my neck.

Immediately, a violent, itchy tickle built up in my nose.

I had always been terribly allergic to cats.

"Stay away from me! Achoo!"

I pushed the lovestruck feline away and scrambled to my feet. Then I yanked on the heavy door handle, but it wouldn't budge.

The cat bounded right back to my ankles, rubbing its fluffy body against them and purring like a chainsaw.

I sneezed three times in a row.

"Please let me in!" I banged my fists against the door. "It's getting dark outside!"

I leaned closer to the keyhole, my voice dropping to a desperate whisper.

"Just let me finish my mission so I can leave. Please."

There was no response.

Instead, a wave of invisible force swept me off the library porch and onto the outer sidewalk.

A magical message materialized in the air in glowing golden letters.

I DO NOT TOLERATE UNNECESSARY LITTER ON MY PREMISES.