CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR † AUTUMNWE ALL SIT around long study tables in the magnificent Solar Fortress library. Countless books fill the shelves that stretch from the floor to the high
ceiling. Tall rolling ladders flank both sides of the room. Fairies carrying stacks of books return them to their proper shelves. I inhale the sweet scent of old pages and try for the hundredth
time to concentrate on the presentation. The setting sun slants golden orange rays through the massive glass windows, showing off the maple trees bursting with autumn colors outside. A cozy fire
crackles inside a huge stone fireplace carved to look like a lion’s head. The flames dance in its mouth.
Dray and Laurel stand at the front of the class, explaining their alchemy project of creating an elixir that can fade burn
