The Librarian

I woke to not black obsidian this time but to a ceiling that consisted entirely of jewels, ranging from from transparent amethysts to milky emeralds.

I sat and looked around the room, it looked to be a carbon copy of Nico's with a dark purple stone encrusted with jewels making up the decor instead of hard obsidian. Floral dresses hung in the open wardrobe and a clock sat on the bedside table instead of a picture frame, with a yellow Post-It note stuck over the time.

I peeled off the note and read it carefully, it was in a messy scrawl and signed by Nico.

'Kimmi,

I moved you to a room where I thought you'd be more comfortable but don't wander the halls and get yourself lost trying to find me! I've left to the surface to get you some mortal food and I'll be back by 11:00 AM.

Yours, Nico.

P.S. Persephone picked out some dresses for you, hope they fit!'

I smiled and set the note down before collapsing back on the bed. I cast a sideways glance at the clock through slitted eyelids.

It read 10:42 AM.

My eyes widened and I shot straight to my feet with an uncannily mouse-like squeak and rushed to the wardrobe, almost literally throwing on one of the waiting dresses, I just managed to wind my hair into braids before there was a knock at the door.

"Kimmi?" Nico called from the other side of the door.

"Come in!" I called, trying to look busy rummaging in the wardrobe.

He walked through the door, two McDonald's Happy Meals in hand.

"I brought food." He grinned, taking a seat on the floor.

I turned away from my pretense of being busy and joined him. "My favourite words!"

He slid a bag across the smooth stone floor with a smile. "I thought as much."

I shot him a sharp glare.

"In a good way, of course!" He amended, shoving some chips in his mouth. "Nice dress by the way."

I looked down at the white frilly thing with green and pink flower designs on it and smiled. "Your stepmother has good taste."

"Just don't tell her that." He said in a hushed voice, slowly working his way deeper into the paper bag.

I laughed and ended up choking on a chicken nugget. I coughed my lungs out and gulped down some orange juice before glaring up at Nico who was beside himself laughing. "I, will injure you." I threatened.

"Ah, but then I wouldn't be able to take you back to the surface later today." Nico said evenly.

My eyes widened and I choked on another nugget. After Nico had finally stopped laughing I cleared my throat. "What?" I asked.

"Oh yeah, we're going back today. I think you're healed enough for shadow travel now." He shrugged.

I leaned over and kissed him lightly.

"Nico?" I asked, pulling back.

"Yeah?" He asked back, looking concerned.

I tossed my empty bag at his chest. "You should have gotten more food, I'm starving!"

Notes