“There wouldn’t be stars seen in the sky without darkness” Unknown
Even though it’s going to be the longest night of this year, it means only that you need a bit more artificial light to read your pretty paper book. But first:
It’s not bad to sing, drink and dance. That’s actually what Ancient Romanians did.
What about decorations? If there aren’t any around you, pretend that you have them.
Turn the candles and let the magic begin.
The breath of cold wind couldn’t shook the snow of the branches — after the rain that happened to be in the morning, it became icy. I tried to hide away from the feelings of the frozen hands touching my shoulders and neck, pulling my clock tighter. It was the winter solstice tonight and this longest night of the year was something I had been waiting for more than five months since I heard that news.
They were there. The books. My mentor told me that there weren’t too many competitors to obtain those relics of knowledge, but the ignorance of the folks didn’t meat that the books weren’t precious, magical, matchless.
As a book-collector, who devoted my entire life to reaching all possible magical stories, including those LGBT fantasy books I was after, I couldn’t help but react when my mentor passed me the message. He wrote:
Serenity,
They we’ll be there.
Be careful. Don’t mistake them. As soon as you get the letter, burn it.
Stradius.
PS. I attached all the information needed. Make sure, that you take exactly those books.
First is:
Stranger Skies
Written by: Pascalle Lacelle
Year of publication: 2024
Short Description: The second part of the journey of Kai, Romie, Baz and Emory that is hidden under the veil of time travel, secrets and impending danger. Something dark awaits for our friends who feed their curiosity and open the doors that maybe shouldn’t have been opened.
Chemistry: Lesbians, WLW, Bisexual
Second is:
This Dark Paradise
Written by: Erin Luken
Year of publication: 2024
Short Description: What a powerful and magnificent trial Lucia is going to face. A poor girl whose brother was put in danger, has to ruin an island of dreams. But what a sinister fate prepared for this thief that instead of reaching her goal, she becomes a fly in the web herself.
Chemistry: Lesbian, WLW.
Third is:
The Last Hour Between Worlds
Written by: Melissa Caruso
Year of publication: 2024
Short Description: This story is a rare treasure, a relic that hides the truth behind Kem and Rika’s adventure, who were captured in the time trap. Bear in mind that the real challenges happens when you don’t expect anything and sometimes you need even to join forces with your enemy to overcome them.
Chemistry: Lesbian, WLW
I memorised everything in order that old witch not to fool me and give me exactly what I was looking for. In the market of rare books, there are many of those who are perfectly aware of what we — collectors — are trying to find, however, they don’t always really have it. Sometimes they just tell that they have those rare artifacts we look for in order to capture us. We, followed by the rumors about queer literature crossing any possible distance.
It doesn’t matter that tomorrow I need to wake up early. Another thing — I have to write an article since I’m a real human with a job and responsibilities. However, if you are a book catcher, it’s not about benefits or difficulties. It a lifestyle.
This one was especially captivating. As my mentor wrote, they are the fantasy books with lesbian characters!
I opened the door of an old store that from the other seemed small, however, I knew that it had multiple corridors packed with books in every corner. The old witch that had been working here for ages, with a crooked nose and wrinkled face stood at the counter and argued with a customer:
“Do you think I care about solstice? What is the longest night of the year? Today I sell only rare treasures!”.
She spotted me at the entrance and with an evil smile raise her hand and pointed to the counter with her finger:
“Here, young lady. Come here!”.
The other customers stepped aside and I moved to the counter.
“Tell me, why are you here?”.
“I want to buy lesbian fantasy books with strond female leads”.
“I see. I can offer you a wide variety of such books. Let’s… What about The Bet. It’s not an ordinary offer”.
The Bet. I would like, but…
“I have a list. I need only the books that in my selection”.
“Let me see it”.
Without hesitation, I gave her the list. She took a pair of old glasses, put them on her nose and observed the titles.
“Ahh… I see… Pascalle Lacelle… Erin Luken… Melissa Caruso… They are new. Not the most common request… However, worthy one. You must know that such stories are pricey. At least… Three riddles.
I gulped. It’s quite a lot.
“Three? What about two?”
“I don’t bargain. Three riddles”.
“All right. Then… ask”.
“What always moves forward but never back?”.
This one was easy.
“Time”.
“It can run but can’t walk”.
“Is it… nose?”.
“Why does the longest night is referred to celebration of the day?”.
“I guess, because after this night days become longer”.
The witch noded.
“I didn’t expect from you to answer all my questions. I don’t have all the books you mentioned. What about Stranger Skies only?”
“It won’t work like that! You can’t fool me!”.
“If you don’t like the service…”
“Be sure, I will tell everyone about it. No one from the outer will never come to see your store. Give me the books, otherwise you won’t have any customers!”
The angry witch bend her back and in a few seconds I saw the three lesbian fantasy books I craved for.
“See you again”.
I closed the door and the winter darkness swallowed me.
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