Chapter Nine

Feeling a flutter of nerves, Lia instinctively took a step back before responding, “Um, hello. I’m Lia Robertson, and I was… um, looking for…” Just as Lia trailed off, the girl before her offered a warm smile, easing Lia's apprehension.

“I’m Silvia Morgante, and I’ll be your guide for the day. There’s no need to be nervous; just tell me what you’re searching for. After all, your presence here suggests that our little guest is in trouble concerning our world. Let us assist you as much as we can.” The woman before her mentioned.

At first, Lia hesitated, uncertain whether it was the right call to make for her to delve into something so far beyond her understanding. The thought of becoming trapped in the shop and unable to return nagged at her, yet now, a wave of relief enveloped her as the girl smiled so warmly.

Silvia's presence radiated warmth and an angelic aura that soothed Lia, easing the turmoil that had raged in her mind and heart just moments before.

Lia paused briefly, her mind racing with thoughts before deciding to seize the moment. With Silvia being so sincere and welcoming, it seemed wise to take full advantage of the opportunity. After all, this shop might very well be the only solution to her problem.

"Um, actually," Lia began, her voice uncertain but growing stronger, "I’m looking for information about a circus. It’s called the ‘Fabled Whimsical Circus,’ and it's responsible for causing countless deaths in our world, even though it doesn’t seem to belong here in our world. The members... they’re not ordinary. They claim to be supernatural. I need something—anything—that can help me put a stop to them for once and for all, so no more innocent lives are endangered."

Silvia tilted her head thoughtfully before responding, "As a part of this shop, I should clarify something for you. We’re here to help, but this shop doesn’t carry modern records. That means all the information we offer is ancient, far beyond what you’re looking for. I’ve heard about this particular circus, and I know it's about twenty years old, born in 2004. However, the knowledge we have predates even your 1990s timeline—this shop holds history from times much older than your world."

Lia had never felt such disappointment in her entire life. Her voice quivered as she asked, "Then what’s the point of this shop for me?"

Silvia smiled gently and patted Lia's head, her touch comforting.

"Just because we don't have specific information on one particular thing doesn’t mean we can’t help you. This shop appears to those it knows it can assist in some way," she reassured with her warmth, soothing Lia’s doubts.

Lia's eyes widened with sudden hope, her voice eager as she pressed, "Then... how can you help? I'll do anything if it means I can save what I'm on the verge of losing... forever."

Her desperation was clear, and the weight of her plea hung in the air as she stood, ready for any solution that could stop the impending disaster from taking over her entire life.

Silvia's grin widened as she beckoned Lia with a simple instruction, "Come, child, let me show you something."

She turned gracefully, leading Lia toward the far end of the shop, disappearing around a corner. Moments later, Silvia returned, retrieving a black book adorned with crimson designs from a high shelf. Handing it to Lia, she said with a knowing look, "This book summons an ancient witch. She will grant you any wish... provided you're willing to meet the sacrifice."

Lia’s eyes flickered toward the ominous book; its presence as heavy as a thundercloud in the enchanted air. Then she looked back at Silvia, her gaze uncertain, searching for reassurance in those calm emerald eyes. A silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken fears, until Lia’s voice finally slipped out—soft, hesitant, trembling at the edges.

"And what if she asks for my life as a sacrifice?"

She murmured, her words barely louder than a breath, as she added, "What would I do then?"

Silvia gave a slow, gentle shake of her head, her long ginger hair swaying with the motion. Her expression remained calm, softened by sincerity, as she looked directly into Lia’s uncertain eyes. Her voice was steady and reassuring, each word carefully chosen to soothe the worry that trembled between them.

"I wouldn’t have given this to you if that were a risk," she said firmly, yet with warmth.

"This particular witch—yes, she’s ancient, and her power runs deeper than most could ever comprehend. But she’s also wise, carrying the knowledge of countless lands and lifetimes. She’s exactly who you need, because above all… she loves children. Fiercely." Silvia’s emerald gaze deepened with quiet conviction.

"She would never ask for your soul, not even in the darkest hour. In truth, she’s been trying to make amends, atoning for the mistakes of a past that still weighs on her. She’s searching for peace, patiently awaiting the day her punishment is finally lifted. Besides, she’s a witch, not a devil in disguise who’d demand an innocent soul for sacrifice." Silvia concluded.

Lia frowned, curiosity getting the better of her as she asked, "What kind of punishment are we talking about?"

Silvia chuckled softly, a playful glint in her eyes.

"You truly are a curious kitten, aren’t you?" She teased lightly before adding, "But I’m afraid that’s not something I can share. It’s not related to you, and this shop thrives on holding countless books filled with knowledge—so many secrets, more than you can imagine. Some of them simply aren’t meant for everyone."

Lia nodded, flipping open the book, only to be greeted by a language she couldn’t decipher. While frowning, she glanced back at Silvia.

"How am I supposed to read this? I can’t even understand a single word it says." Lia reasoned with the librarian.

As Silvia gracefully made her way toward the reception desk, her voice carried back to Lia with a tone both calm and instructive, like a teacher unveiling a hidden truth wrapped in simplicity.

“Don’t worry,” she said with a reassuring glance over her shoulder.

“You don’t need to understand every detail. It’s actually quite simple.” Silvia stated with a smile.

She turned slightly, her white dress whispering against the floor, and continued, “All you have to do is take this book to the witches’ lair. But reaching it isn’t something anyone can do from the mortal world—only a special pair of glasses can reveal the entrance, glasses crafted for that very purpose. Once you find your way in, having this book becomes absolutely essential for identification.”

Her fingers brushed the counter softly as she spoke, her emerald eyes meeting Lia’s, “The witch you’re seeking will recognize you the moment you carry it. It’s like a key, a silent introduction that allows her to grant you an audience. Even though you’ll be in the lair of witches, you won’t come across any of them unless you’re carrying their book. Without it, they won’t even notice you. Only the witch whose book you hold will see you—and she’ll be the only one to welcome you into her home.”

Silvia paused, her voice growing just a touch more serious as she spoke her next words, “That’s all it takes. But you must remember—this path is only open to children under thirteen. That’s what makes you special. If you were even a day older, things would be far more complicated.”

Lia felt a wave of relief wash over her as she realized she still had a full two weeks before her birthday arrived.

With a soft sigh, she breathed out, "Phew."

"Now, it’s time we talk about the glasses," Silvia declared, her voice calm and unwavering as she turned to the cupboard behind the reception desk. With a smooth motion, she pulled open one of the drawers and carefully retrieved a pair of golden, circle-rimmed spectacles. Thin, glimmering chains dangled elegantly from either side, swaying like strands of sunlight caught in a breeze.

Lia’s eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat as she stared at the glasses, mesmerized by their gleaming charm. But before she could utter a word, Silvia had already turned back to her, the spectacles in hand, ready to explain the next part of the journey that lay ahead.

“Here you go,” she said, handing them to Lia.

“When you wear these glasses, you’ll see an entirely new world layered right beside your own,” Silvia said, her tone calm but filled with significance as she pointed to the delicate spectacles held in Lia’s hands.

“But remember—don’t let it overwhelm you. Stay focused. You must follow the trail of purple lilies. That’s the only path that will safely guide you to the witch who’s waiting.” She added.

Then she leaned in slightly, her emerald eyes serious now, glinting with a trace of caution as she told her, “Whatever else you may see along the way, no matter how strange or curious it might seem—avoid it. Completely at any cost. It’s the only way to stay out of danger. You don’t belong to our world, not truly. So, walk through it like a guest, not someone trying to understand or change anything.”

Then, her voice softened again, the warning giving way to reassurance as she said, “Oh—and one last thing. Once the witch accepts your visit, the book will vanish. It disappears on her command as a token of acknowledgment. So, if that happens, don’t panic. That part is meant to happen.”

She extended her hand toward a transparent packet of cookies, carefully tucked away in the wooden basket atop the reception table, and offered it to Lia with a warm, inviting smile.

Lia gently declined the offer, saying, “No, thank you. I’m allergic to sugar.”

Silvia moved without hesitation, reaching out to gently take Lia’s hand before placing the packet firmly into her palm. A warm smile played on her lips as she explained, her voice light and reassuring.

“Oh, don’t worry!” She said cheerfully.

“Every food item we offer is specially adjusted to fit the needs of our customers. Right now, this basket holds only sugar-free cookies—just for you, since you’re the only guest in the shop at the moment we’re serving.”

She gave a small, knowing nod as if the magic behind it all was as natural as breathing before she added, “But if someone else happens to walk in while you’re still here, a brand-new basket of treats will appear like that—tailored perfectly to match their taste. So go on,” she encouraged with a playful wink, “enjoy as much as you like!”

The word "customer" lingered in Lia’s mind as she accepted the packet of cookies, their homemade enticing scent filling the air and making them look utterly delicious.

Lia responded, “Thank you; I’ll enjoy them... to the fullest.”

Silvia beamed at her and replied, “You’re welcome.”

Lia stole a glance at the cookies, reflecting on the long and stressful day she had endured. Yet, she knew her journey was far from over.

Turning her gaze back to Silvia, Lia’s expression grew thoughtful with a quiet urgency flickering in her eyes as she spoke up, “I think it’s time for me to leave now,” she said softly, her voice laced with the weight of passing minutes.

“After all, I’m running short on time.”

She took a small breath, as though steadying herself, then continued, her tone both curious and a little uncertain.

“So, I’ll wrap up my visit with two final questions…” Her eyes searched Silvia’s face, hoping for answers she wasn’t sure she was ready to hear.

“Will the witch really help me out? And… will I forget about this shop once I’ve fulfilled my purpose here?” Lia asked what she had been wondering since the moment she had encountered Silvia.

Silvia hummed softly, her expression turning pensive as she considered Lia’s questions. After a moment, she met Lia’s gaze with a calm, reassuring smile.

"Don’t let it concern you too much," she said gently, her voice steady and full of warmth.

"The witch will definitely help you. In fact, she may even reward you for your bravery, especially considering you're seeking her out even while you're still afraid. That takes courage, little one." She paused, her eyes softening with understanding before continuing.

"As for the shop, once you turn thirteen, you’ll forget all about it. Unless, of course, you find yourself needing it again once you’re older, meaning after you become a teenager or an adult. If that happens, the ‘Mystical Repository’ will appear to you with its doors wide open, and ready to assist you."

With a final, reassuring nod, Silvia added, "That’s all there is to it."

Lia smiled at her reassurance, though uncertainty still lingered in her heart; perhaps clarity would come once she was safely out of the deep waters.

She nodded in understanding and replied eagerly, but before she could take her leave, another question bubbled to the surface.

“Okay, I get it. Um, Silvia, I’ve been meaning to ask: what exactly are you? If you don’t mind sharing.”

Silvia smiled warmly and said, “I’m a fairy and the head receptionist of this shop. After all, this place thrives thanks to the magic of fairies.”

Lia was undeniably surprised; she had suspected Silvia might be something akin to a fairy all along. After all, with her striking beauty, it made perfect sense. But hearing it confirmed from her lips made it all the more enchanting.

Nodding, Lia replied, “Wow. Thank you for sharing that with me. There’s so much more I’d like to learn, but I’m running short on time. So, I must take my leave now. Thank you once again for everything.”

Silvia nodded thoughtfully before responding, “If fate ever brings us together again, then perhaps I’ll share more about us. Until then, goodbye, little customer. Have a safe adventure!”

Lia returned the gesture with a gentle nod and a soft “goodbye” while waving.

In her heart, she couldn’t shake the thought that if they were to meet again, it might come with new dangers. She fervently hoped that, even if there was just a one percent chance, it would be under safe circumstances.

Lia let out another sigh as she stepped out of the shop, carefully closing the door behind her. As she glanced around, she realized she was back outside the library. Lia nibbled her lower lip in nervousness when she realized that she had been unaware that time flowed differently in that shop.

To her dismay, she noticed the sun beginning to set on the horizon.

Lia sighed as she removed her glasses, tucking them into the pocket of her jacket. With a determined breath, she donned the glasses that Silvia had given her while sitting on her bicycle, ready to continue her journey. As she put them on, she was instantly enchanted by the sight before her, which made her gasp in trepidation.

It was mysterious and mesmerizing, yet far more dangerous than she had anticipated, causing her heartbeat to escalate in consternation.