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I read everything that has anything to do with the goddesses in the hope of stumbling across some mention of the destiny test. There has to be some reference to it, some hint that will tell me more about it.
I’m so absorbed in the books that I don’t even notice who’s coming and going. It’s not until I register someone right beside me that I turn around, startled. To my dismay, it’s Mr. Brian, looking at me with interest. Just the sight of him gives me the shivers. I’m not about to forget the fact that he stole my great aunt’s painting and hid it in his house. All his prejudices toward me echo in my mind too. But I can’t tell the school principal or the Council about his crime. Because, for one thing, I’d have to explain the fact that I broke into his house. But mostly because I’d have to tell them about the paintings. So my hands are tied, and so are his. Two people who can’t stand each other but somehow have to learn to live and let live.
So I’m surprised when he stops to speak to me. Normally we avoid each other as much as possible.
“I’m surprised to see you in the hunters’ library,” he says, glancing at the books spread out in front of me. “It’s a shame all this reading isn’t reflected in your grades.” He jerks his head toward a table behind him, where he’s apparently set himself up to read and correct our tests.
I know Mr. Brian comes here often and has the librarian set aside the newest books on topics that interest him. So it shouldn’t surprise me to see him here.
“I never figured you for a book worm.” He picks up one of the books, reads the title, and frowns. “You’re interested in poetry?”
“Why not? Poetry often holds up a mirror to society.”
A strange smile appears on his lips. “You’re looking for texts on the goddesses of destiny. Am I right?” He nods at the open page of the book I’m currently reading. “A nice poem that accurately describes how powerful the goddesses are. But it’s pretty far removed from reality. Those are just the musings of a person who never actually met a goddess. I assume you’re searching for factual information.”
I’m a little surprised that Mr. Brian has seen through me so easily. I mean, I could just be sitting here doing homework. But what he says next explains it.
“Am I right in assuming that your interest here has a specific purpose? I heard from Mr. Collins that the Council decided to submit you to the destiny test. I guess you’re trying to find out more about it. Which is understandable. You have a lot riding on it.”
I stare at him. I can’t believe Mr. Collins told my history teacher about the interrogation and the Council’s decision. Why did he do that? Ayden’s dad is normally so discreet.
I can’t be sure, but that smirk… Is Mr. Brian amused at my consternation?
“You won’t find anything here,” he says. “Information on the goddesses is kept on the down-low. So you’ll never find anything about them in a library that every Tempes has access to. And you certainly won’t find anything about the test.”
The way he looks at me makes me think he knows more about it than I do. And he’s enjoying that power.
“You know about the destiny test?” I ask. He’s welcome to gloat over my misfortune if it means I can get some information out of him.
“I don’t just teach history; it’s my passion. I’ve spent decades collecting and reading everything on the topics that interest me. And believe me, very few people know as much about the goddesses as I do.”
I meet his cool gaze unwaveringly and reply, “Then maybe you’d like to invite me to your house sometime to show me your valuable books?”
He narrows his eyes at my thinly veiled threat. I broke into his house once. I wouldn’t risk doing it again, but he doesn’t know that. And it’s so gratifying to watch the way he squirms, his mouth opening without any sound coming out, and shoots me an angry look as he turns to go.
“Consider your actions carefully. Don’t make the same mistake twice, because next time you’ll pay the price,” Mr. Brian hisses at me.
I watch with a pounding heart as he goes back to his table, picks up the tests and books, and stalks briskly out of the room. Just at that moment, Kate enters the library, and they almost collide. She gives the teacher an apologetic nod, and he frowns fiercely at her as he walks past. Kate comes to me and sinks down in a chair beside me.
“I came to see how you were getting along,” she says, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Her hand is shaking, and she suddenly looks really pale.
“You okay?” I ask.
She lifts her head and looks at me, but I realize instantly that she’s basically looking right through me. Her lips open; panic spreads across her face, and she suddenly starts screaming. She no long seems to be herself. I put my arm around her and try to calm her down and at the same time work out what’s wrong with her. But all that comes out of her mouth are these horrendous screams of pain.
“Hey, easy,” I say. “Breathe. I’ll get help.”
But just as I’m about to jump up, she convulses and then slumps.
“Kate?” I shout. “Can you hear me?”
The librarian has hurried over to us, and Mr. Brian has come back in too. He looks at us, stiffens, then runs off, presumably to get help.
“I’m okay now,” Kate mumbles.
She stands up. I can see the fear in her eyes. She’s probably scared that the pain attack has something to do with her powers.
“I’ll go lie down in my room for a bit,” she says to the librarian. “I’ve had these attacks before.”
