Whispers of Worlds Beyond: A Series - Chapter 45

Chapter 45: The Fool€™s Compendium: A Guide to Jokes, Pranks, and Mischief Chapter 45: The Fool€™s Compendium: A Guide to Jokes, Pranks, and Mischief The morning light filtered through the tall windows of Genvah Academy’s grand library, illuminating rows of bookshelves that seemed to stretch endlessly.

Aiden sat at a corner table with Adrian and Sevan, deep in conversation, though their hushed voices were anything but quiet.

“I just realised something,” Aiden said, breaking the comfortable rhythm of the morning.

His brow furrowed, and his fingers drummed absently against the wooden table.

“What’s that?” Adrian asked, leaning back precariously in his chair, balancing on two legs like he had nothing better to do.

“Why was Emmeranne out there last night?” Aiden asked, glancing between his friends.

“She wasn’t supposed to be wandering the forest, and she didn’t seem surprised to see me.” Adrian’s chair slammed back onto all four legs as he straightened up.

“Good point.

What’s she doing patrolling the woods in the middle of the night?

Sounds a bit dodgy if you ask me.” “Maybe she’s just the type to wander,” Sevan offered without looking up.

He was nose-deep in a thick tome titled Foundations of Magical Theory, and he turned a page with an air of quiet focus.

Adrian rolled his eyes and waved a hand toward Sevan.

“Come on, mate.

Wandering at that hour, in the forest?

Suspicious.” “Maybe she has her own reasons,” he said absently, flipping a page.

“Her own reasons?” Adrian scoffed, pointing an accusing finger at Sevan.

“It’s the first week of classes, and you’re already studying.

Maybe you’re the suspicious one.” Sevan raised an eyebrow but kept reading.

“Preparing is not suspicious.

It’s smart.” “Smart,” Adrian mimicked, rolling his eyes.

“Come on, it’s the first week.

Live a little.

You’re making the rest of us look bad.” Ignoring Adrian’s taunts, Sevan turned another page, clearly uninterested in the debate.

Aiden leaned forward, resting his arms on the table.

“Seriously, though.

She told me she thought I was some kind of monster-what did she call it?

A Nosferatu.

But why would she think that unless she was expecting to see one?” “Exactly,” Adrian said, snapping his fingers.

“Maybe she wasn’t just out there randomly.

Maybe she was waiting for something- or someone.

Isn’t that suspicious?” Sevan shrugged, not bothering to engage.

“Not everyone shares your knack for jumping to conclusions.” “Or your lack of self-preservation instincts,” Aiden added, smirking.

Adrian pointed a finger at him.

“Oi, I’m not the one who ran out of bed and broke every rule about the perimeter.” “Fair,” Aiden admitted with a reluctant nod.

Leaning closer, Adrian continued, “But seriously, though.

Maybe she really was waiting for something or someone.” “Or she was ordered to patrol,” Sevan said without looking up.

“You’re way too trusting.” “Or you’re way too paranoid,” Sevan countered.

Aiden sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

“She told me she thought I was a Nosferatu.

But why would she think that unless she was expecting to see one?” Adrian perked up.

“Exactly!

She was out there for a reason.

Maybe she’s hunting these Nosferatu things.” “Or maybe she knew you were going to sneak out,” Sevan added with a shrug.

“See?” Adrian said, pointing triumphantly.

“Suspicious.” Their conversation was abruptly cut off by the sharp click of heels approaching their table.

Madam Teagan, the librarian, loomed over them, tall and imposing.

Her dark brown hair was pulled into a severe bun, and her deep red lipstick only added to her commanding presence.

“Keep it down, gentlemen,” she said.

“This is a library, not a tavern.” “Apologies, Madam Teagan,” Aiden said quickly, nudging Adrian with his elbow.

Adrian put on his most innocent grin.

“Our sincerest apologies, Madam Teagan.

We’ll keep it down.” She didn’t look convinced but turned and walked away, her heels clicking against the marble floor.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Adrian whispered, “Let’s find somewhere quieter to talk.” Aiden nodded, and the two of them slipped away from the table, leaving Sevan engrossed in his reading.

They ventured into a more secluded part of the library, where the shelves towered higher, and the lighting grew dimmer.

“So, what’s your theory?” Aiden asked as they wandered through the aisles.

“Maybe she’s secretly a Nosferatu herself.” Aiden rolled his eyes.

“Be serious.” “I am serious,” Adrian said, though his grin betrayed him.

Before Aiden could respond, something caught his eye.

On one of the lower shelves, a faint glow emanated from a dusty book wedged between two larger volumes.

He crouched down and carefully pulled it out, revealing a small leather-bound book with gilded edges.

“What’s that?” Adrian asked, leaning over his shoulder.

The title shimmered in gold letters: The Fool’s Compendium: A Guide to Jokes, Pranks, and Mischief.

Adrian’s face lit up as if he’d just been handed a treasure map.

“This… this is a gift from the gods.

They knew exactly whose hands this book belonged in.” Aiden raised an eyebrow.

“It’s a book of jokes and pranks.

How is that supposed to help us?” Adrian smirked, flipping through the pages.

“Oh, my dear Aiden, you underestimate the power of well-timed mischief.

Imagine the chaos we could unleash.” “We’re supposed to be investigating, not causing trouble,” Aiden said, crossing his arms.

“Who says we can’t do both?” Adrian replied, his grin widening.

Aiden sighed, but he couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips.

Adrian’s enthusiasm was infectious, even if it was often misplaced.

Adrian snapped the book shut and tucked it under his arm.

“This is fate, I’m telling you.

And since we’re already suspicious of Emmeranne, I say we use this opportunity to spy on her.

Hide in the shadows, gather some intel.” “You mean stalk her,” Aiden said flatly.

“Stalking is such an ugly word,” Adrian said, waving a hand dismissively.

“I prefer… covert observation.” “And what are we going to do if she catches us?

Use the book to prank our way out?” Adrian grinned.

“Now you’re getting it.” Before Aiden could protest further, Adrian flipped the book open and began reading aloud.

“Oh, this one’s perfect.

‘How to summon a flock of harmless birds to distract your enemies.’ Genius!” “We are going to get expelled…” Aiden muttered, though he couldn’t suppress a laugh.

Adrian clapped him on the back.

“Relax.

We’re just gathering intel, remember?

And besides, you’re with me.

What could go wrong?”