"Miss Thor, someone is requesting to see you."
The voice carried gently through the quiet of my office, pulling me from the ledger of inter-realm records I had been reviewing. I lifted my gaze as Victoria stepped inside, one hand resting on the doorframe, the other holding a thin stack of visitor slips.
I adjusted my glasses and smiled faintly. "I'll be there shortly. Please inform them."
"Yes, ma'am."
When the door closed, silence returned—thick, comforting, and familiar. Shelves towered around me, filled with books that recorded the rise and fall of civilizations, the birth of stars, and secrets no mortal mind was meant to hold. I had tended to them for centuries, and yet I still considered myself ordinary.
I rose and made my way to the waiting room.
There, I found a woman seated at the edge of a velvet chair, her shoulders shaking as quiet sobs escaped her. Victoria stood beside her, offering a handkerchief and murmuring words of comfort. The woman's attire was modest but well cared for—a simple dress, clean shoes, and jewelry worn thin from years of use.
I sat across from her, folding my hands neatly in my lap.
"What seems to be the trouble?" I asked.
She looked up, eyes red and swollen. "Please help me," she said in a voice cracked by fear. "I took a witch's book. I didn't mean to steal it, truly—but now she's cursed my family. My children are sick. My husband can barely stand."
She leaned forward, clutching a small case she placed at my feet. When opened, it revealed stacks of neatly arranged bills.
"I will pay anything," she whispered.
I closed the case with a gentle motion and set it aside.
"You have nothing to fear, Miss Reyn," I said, taking her trembling hand. "I will speak to the witch personally."
Her breath hitched. "How do you know my name?"
"That," I replied softly, "is a secret."
I paused before continuing. "I ask no payment—only that your children attend the Universal Library every weekend. They have examinations approaching, do they not?"
Tears spilled freely as she nodded. "Thank you, Miss Thor. Thank you."
Victoria soon returned with the seals prepared.
"The doors are ready, ma'am."
I stepped before the marked door. As the seal glowed, reality folded upon itself, and I crossed into another realm.
I emerged before the Witchcraft Library, its spires curling skyward like inked calligraphy. The air buzzed with magic, alive and restless. A young wizard approached, bowing respectfully.
"What brings you here, Miss Thor?"
"I seek Pacifica."
"She's at home," he said. "Cooling down. We assumed you would come."
Her home lay at the southern edge of the island, painted in shades of violet and black, surrounded by grass that shimmered faintly with enchantment. When I knocked, the door flew open.
"Miss Thor!" Pacifica exclaimed, throwing herself into my arms. "How wonderful!"
"It is good to see you," I replied, returning the embrace. "But I'm here about today's incident."
She groaned and dragged me inside. With a flick of her fingers, a tea set appeared between us.
"She stole my book," Pacifica said sharply. "I was buying bread when she slipped it into her basket. So I cursed her family. Only fair."
"Did you notice anything else?" I asked.
Pacifica hesitated. "There was another book. Academy-issued. Why would a baker have that?"
That detail lingered in my mind.
After visiting the marketplace, I learned the truth. Miss Reyn once owned a bakery stall—now abandoned, overrun by insects, and long bankrupt. Desperation had driven her to theft.
I summoned both women.
Miss Reyn fell to her knees. "I'm sorry. I only wanted to save my shop."
Pacifica sighed, her anger melting away. "I overreacted."
With a wave of her hand, the curse dissolved.
Later, Victoria and I returned to the Universal Library.
Another visitor waited at the door.
"Welcome," I said warmly."To the Universal Library—where knowledge guides those who seek it. How may I help you today?"