Castiel

༻☆✫☆༺

In the cozy library, filled with soft whispers and the charming aroma of old books, the usual tranquility held sway. It was a haven for diligent students, their heads buried in textbooks as they chased after knowledge and good grades among the comforting stacks of dusty tomes. However, Katherine didn’t quite fit the mold. Numbers and historical facts weren’t what excited her; her heart craved the enchanting worlds of romance and adventure found within novels. Every free moment, when she wasn’t wallowing in dismay over her less-than-stellar academic performance, was spent here, browsing the shelves for a story that would whisk her away completely.

Today, she clutched the latest title in her collection, "The Tides of the Myrtle," a captivating adventure that kept her up way past her bedtime, turning pages under the moonlight, each chapter leaving her eager for more. She desperately sought the second book in the series to uncover its expertly woven mysteries, but her limited allowance meant a bookstore visit wasn’t feasible.

With a sigh, Katherine made her way to the librarian's desk, a warm light amid the dimness of the library. Mrs. Hogan, a sweet lady with kindly wrinkles that seemed to tell their own stories, was a fountain of knowledge and always provided Katherine with the perfect book recommendations.

"Oh, looking for book two?" Mrs. Hogan asked, her voice gentle and melodious. "I’m afraid we don’t have that just yet, but we’re expecting a new shipment next week. I could request they add it for you."

Katherine’s heart sank. The first book had concluded on an intense cliffhanger, leaving her desperate to know what happened next. A week? It felt like forever. "Oh, okay... do you have any other suggestions?" she asked, her voice colored by her disappointment.

"Absolutely, dear! I just finished a book I think you'll adore," Mrs. Hogan said, pointing to a part of the library Katherine hadn’t explored before—an intriguing collection of unique fantasy novels that seemed to whisper of hidden adventures.

With a newfound sense of excitement, Katherine dove into the unknown. As she scanned the titles, one book caught her eye; its cover illustrated a swirling nebula, a scene reminiscent of the enchanting landscapes in "The Tides of the Myrtle." It was hefty, with a worn leather cover and a gilded spine that hinted at untold wonders. She gently pulled it off the shelf, her fingers grazing the aged paper.

Just then, a large, veined hand reached for the same book—an impossibly huge hand, almost giant-like. She looked up to meet a pair of stunning silvery-grey eyes that sparkled with intelligence, penetrating right through her.

The boy, undeniably a boy despite his towering stature, flashed her a warm smile that brightened his whole face. His features were classically beautiful, with high cheekbones, a sharp jawline, and a light dusting of freckles across his nose.

"Hey," he greeted, his smooth baritone voice filling the air and sending shivers down her spine.

"Um... Hi," Katherine stammered, the words almost caught in her throat from a sudden rush of nerves.

"You’re the girl I bumped into the other day, right?" he asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners as if he found the memory amusing.

"Y-yeah, that’s me," she confirmed, her voice barely a whisper.

"I didn’t get a chance to apologize for that. I’m sorry," he continued, his velvety tone calming the storm in her heart. "I wasn’t paying attention, and I’m new here, so—"

"It’s fine!" Katherine blurted, realizing too late she had raised her voice. She quickly subdued it, her cheeks burning under his gaze. "I mean, it’s totally fine. No worries."

Ugh, why was she such a mess? she chastised herself, her heart racing like a hummingbird's wings.

The boy gave her an enchanting smirk, a moment of shadows and light that made her stomach flutter. It felt like he understood the effect he had on her, the way that smile could make her utterly lose her thoughts.

"I’m Castiel Mikaelson," he said, extending his hand, warm and strong like the sun. "Pleasure to meet you."

"Katherine Donovan," she mumbled, shaking his hand. It was a magical moment; his grip completely enveloped hers, sending a tingle through her.

"Donovan," Castiel echoed softly. "I’m no genius, but I’m guessing you’re Caroline's twin sister."

"Yep, that’s me," she confirmed, forcing a smile that felt odd. "Well, um, if you’ll excuse me, I really need to go—"

"You enjoy The Tides series?" Castiel interrupted, his attention on the book in her grasp as if he barely noticed her attempt to slip away.

"Yeah, but I’ve only managed to read the first book so..." She trailed off, unable to express the ache in her heart to know the story’s next chapter.

"I have all three books at home," Castiel declared with a playful glint in his eyes.

Katherine's face lit up, hope igniting within her. "You do? Could you lend them to me?" she nearly bubbled over with excitement.

Castiel grinned playfully, his smile triggering a flurry of butterflies in her stomach. "Of course."

Katherine’s heart danced with joy. "Thank you!"

"And... well, I thought maybe, until you finish them, we could grab lunch together?" Castiel suggested, his voice slightly hesitant, as if unsure how she’d respond.

Katherine blinked, the idea of having lunch together felt so daunting. She realized it was potentially a magnet for gossip and drama. She, who always felt she blended into the background, overshadowed by her outgoing sister, was now stepping into the spotlight. And she wasn’t entirely sure she was ready for it.

But the thought of finishing "The Tides of the Myrtle" series, of discovering the fate of the banished Prince of Avalon, was simply too tempting to pass up. After a moment, she sighed, surrendering. "Okay."

As Katherine turned to leave, she couldn’t resist taking one last glance at Castiel. He stood there, a silhouette of beauty illuminated by the soft glimmer of light filtering through the library window. His eyes remained on her, holding a spark of something she couldn't quite interpret. For the first time, Katherine felt a thrill, a flicker of excitement for what was to come. Perhaps this was not just a chance to finish a treasured series, but also a beginning for her own story.

A story that surely wouldn't end well.