Fluttering. Just the fluttering of pages.

There in the strange glow, the pages flickered and settled on the very first. Words from the author that didn't seem to have any relevance to the contents after, and were more directed at the [i]reader[/i] than any magical findings.

They didn't light up, but they stayed there where Annika could easily read them as the book floated.

[indent][color=#FFEBC2]
To whoever it may be that finds this book, know that it will likely need to be handle with care. It absorbs my magic.

Know also that my name is Reza Cabrera, the Shining Witch. This book is one of several journal that I have wrote, and will write in the future, if we live long enough. This one, I am writing as I set out on a journey with someone I've made fast friends with. Jack Hawthorne, or he calls himself. A sorcerer who bends darkness and always seems to find himself in the strangest of places. As I write this, we're preparing to take a trip across the countries of Europe, and we'll be going through a gate that he intends to open.

My father won't approve, but there aren't enough ghouls in the world he can throw at me to take me off this road. If you've found this book because we've died and you found our remains, then congratulations, you've probably found something filled with the power I wielded in life. I'll trust Abraham won't be happy.

But if you've found this for any other reason, take this away: We were here. Whatever we might do, wherever we go, we [i]lived.[/i] It might be a tragedy that two kids can't avert, but God willing, we'll have stories to tell one day.

[/color][/indent]

Beneath the text, as if to replace a real signature, there is a small drawing of a sword, simple and made with flowing lines. Something between a rapier and a longsword.

That icon [i]pulsed.[/i] And then there was no further response. The book seemed to have absorbed some kind of power from its writer, and was animated by it. It was intelligent, to a point. [i]Why,[/i] it wasn't immediately clear. But for some reason, the book was buried in the magical construction of the house. Jack had sealed it away, despite growing so close to its previous owner.

It awaited a response.