Esme-POV
As the magic unraveled, the invisibility cloak vanished, revealing a thick, mysterious book. My heart leapt. New books always gave me a thrill—so much to learn, to discover. I guess that made me a nerd, and I was perfectly okay with that.
I gasped as Lady Lendra raised her hand and, with a flick of her fingers, summoned the book from a high shelf. It floated smoothly down into her hands.
"Oh, you look completely star-struck, Lady Esme," she said with a soft smile, amusement in her eyes.
I quickly tried to compose myself, hiding my awe. Then, her voice grew thoughtful as she began to explain the origins of the different kinds of beings that lived in Eastborne—mages, Fayes, hybrids—and ordinary humans like me, or so I thought.
"Fayes," she started, "are beings deeply connected to nature—masters of fire, water, air, and earth. They blend into their surroundings with ease, and their magic enhances their beauty. Their cosmetics are the finest in Eastborne—and beyond."
