Reza’s journal remained silent, unsatisfied with Annika’s question. She sat back on her heels, thinking of a different question. It was one thing to have questions about a book that you read versus one that waited patiently for you to ask. There was a movie Annika watched once. There was a wizarding school for kids, and a book was actually the soul of the original owner. Annika had dreamed about that book. Wondering what her soul in book form would look like. Her mind drifted when the book she held suddenly slammed shut.

[i]Bang![/i]

Annika jumped back, releasing the book as it rose into the air. She stared at it in awe. Swords formed and glowed in a circle around the book, drawing Annika in despite the violence those glowing weapons promised.

Annika jumped again at the sound of her name. She turned to see her dad. The colour drained from her face, worried she would be in trouble for letting her curiosity get the best of her. Again. 

[color=#663399]”Da—”[/color] Jack’s fierce voice broke off Annika’s plea. Her fear of being caught turned into real fear when the book pursued her dad, the swirling swords pointed at him.

[color=#663399]”Dad!”[/color] Annika watched her dad, fear and confusion mixing together as the book became increasingly violent. 

Jack managed to break away, and Annika moved towards him before they were enveloped in shadows. She buried her head in his chest, breathing in his comforting scent.

[color=#663399]”I’m okay. Noch and I were exploring when that book called to me. Dad…who was Reza Cabrera, and why does he want you dead?”[/color] It was clear to Annika that Reza, even the book form of him, did not like Jack. Not many people liked Annika’s dad. It had become glaringly obvious to her over the years as she had been present at several altercations, but a book hating her dad was a new one. Something had very clearly happened on their journey. Something that led to Reza’s death.