Hardcovers bombarded Octavia from the ten-foot-high shelf as it tipped far enough to smack into the next shelf. Leather-bound edges pounded and gouged into her back and shoulders. She yelped under the assault as books continued to slide down. Screams and yells echoed throughout the library. “Alonzo!” Octavia called, wiggling to free herself from the pile. “Help!” She shook off enough books to free her shoulders and push herself to her knees. Electric light penetrated the emptied bookshelves and revealed dunes of books around her. Ripped pages crackled under her knees. A body approached her from behind. With a start, Octavia realized her headband had been knocked off, as the body’s song rang stronger than before. Woman, healthy, strong. Her heart rate normal. Too normal. Octavia had the sense to roll to one side as the woman dove at her. She whirled to face her attacker—the redheaded woman who had passed by a minute before.
What do You think about The Clockwork Crown (2015)?
