"I've decided to take the job, Mr. Herondale," Ann said with a smile. "Please let me know when you'd like me to start."
Pleased, he replied, "I'd like you to join from today itself — if that's alright with you, Anneliese."
"It's perfectly alright," she nodded.
"Then let me quickly explain what your responsibilities will be," he said as he began walking down the stairs.
Ann followed him, walking a step behind, listening carefully as Mr. Herondale described her tasks. She tried to absorb as much as she could.
When he finished, he turned to her. "Do you have any questions about the work, Anneliese?"
"I don't think so, Mr. Herondale," she replied. "I believe I understood most of it — and if I have any trouble, I'll come to you for guidance."
He nodded in response.
Soon after, Adlina returned and saw Ann organizing one of the shelves.
"I see you've already started working," she remarked.
Ann looked up and smiled, but before she could respond, Adlina asked, "But what about lunch, Ann? We didn't bring anything with us today."
Mr. Herondale chimed in kindly, "Anneliese can have lunch at our home today."
"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Herondale," Ann replied gratefully.
Then, turning playfully to Adlina, she winked. "So, did you find what you were looking for?"
Glancing briefly at Matthew, Adlina answered with a mischievous smile, "Not yet, Ann. But I will — very soon." She winked back at her sister before leaving for home.
Ann resumed her work, sorting antiques into different categories. After grouping the items, she labeled the shelves with names and numbers, then made a detailed list of each shelf and its contents.
Once done, she handed the list to Mr. Herondale.
He scanned the paper and smiled. "I knew you'd be perfect for this job, Anneliese."
Ann smiled at the praise, then asked hesitantly, "Mr. Herondale… may I ask you something?"
"Ask away," he replied.
"In the fifth row — the right shelf near the staircase — there's a book. What is it about?"
Mr. Herondale looked slightly puzzled. "Which book are you referring to, dear? Could you describe it a bit more?"
"It doesn't have a title," Ann explained. "It has a metal cover and a blue stone embedded in it."
Recognition lit his eyes. "Ah… that one. It's a book of powerful spells. Legend says that thousands of years ago, the fairies and witches created it together — to fight and protect themselves against the forces of evil. It was the first time they ever united, and many sacrifices were made during its creation."
Ann's curiosity deepened. "How did you come to own it? Isn't it dangerous to keep something like that here?"
"I don't know exactly how, but my great-grandfather acquired it a long time ago. As for danger — no, the book hasn't shown any signs of activity. It's been dormant for over three centuries."
Ann hesitated, thinking of the strange blue glow she'd seen. "Is there… anything that could trigger the dormant book?"
Mr. Herondale gave a thoughtful shrug. "Not that I know of. There are many rumors about it — and about what might awaken it — but as I said, they're all just rumors."