My heart raced as I realized that I had fallen asleep during the meditation with Victor. It wasn't supposed to happen. My vision had been so vivid and real—how could I have dozed off? The sensation of being inside that horse-drawn carriage, surrounded by masked figures, lingered in my mind like a half-remembered dream. I shook my head, trying to dispel the remnants of the vision and focus on the present moment.
After a few deep breaths, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and sat up, running a hand through my hair. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and questions. What had I experienced? Was it just a dream, or was there some kind of significance to it? Victor's words echoed in my mind, urging me to "come back." It was as if he knew something I didn't, something hidden beneath the surface of that strange vision.
Shaking off my confusion, I got up from the bed and stretched. My body felt surprisingly rested, even though I had nodded off unexpectedly. Maybe this was a side effect of the meditation Victor had guided me through. Regardless, I felt a renewed sense of curiosity and determination. I needed to find answers—to understand the connection between my experiences and the magical world I was delving into.
After eating the food that Victor had given me, I made my way out of the room and into the hallway. The lodge was quiet, except for faint sounds of footsteps and chanting of incantations resonating through the air. I walked down the corridor, my thoughts still swirling with questions about the vision. It was as if the boundary between reality and the magical realm was becoming increasingly blurred, and I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.
It was Sunday afternoon, so I had no work at the apothecary. I decided to go to the library to search for some books that could help me on my magical path. I have learned that Mr. Vandenberg had tons of books in his room, but no one was allowed to go there except him. We were told that those books contained extremely powerful knowledge.
The library held a vast collection of magical books, each filled with insights, spells, and arcane wisdom. It was the perfect place to search for information about astral projection and vampires. As I pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped into the library, I felt excitement, as this would be my second time here. The shelves were lined with old tomes, their leather bindings worn with age.
I wandered through the aisles, my fingers lightly grazing the spines of the books as if seeking guidance from the written words themselves. My eyes scanned the titles, searching for any mention of astral projection or the supernatural beings I had encountered in my experiences.
I selected a few books about my interests and settled into a cozy armchair by a tall window. The daylight filtered through the glass, casting a warm glow on the pages before me. I immersed myself in the texts, absorbing the information as much as I could. The more I read, the more I realized that my experiences were not unique—others had been into the astral plane and encountered countless beings beyond those who lived there.
Hours passed, and I became engrossed in my research. The more I learned, the more I hungered for knowledge. The library had a way of drawing you in and making time slip away unnoticed. The concept of astral projection began to take shape in my mind—how to separate the astral body from the physical body, how to navigate the realms beyond safely, and the potential dangers that awaited those who delved too deeply.
While I was reading, a rich and resonant voice cut through my concentration. "Fascinating subjects you're delving into, Miss Montclair."
Startled, I looked up to find Mr. Magnus Vandenberg standing nearby, a book in hand. His blond, tousled hair fell effortlessly over his piercing blue eyes. Quickly, I closed the book before me and offered him a smile.
"Mr. Vandenberg," I greeted him, a mixture of surprise and genuine delight coloring my voice.
He took a seat across from me, his eyes holding an intensity that both unnerved and captivated me. He was staring at the books beside me, which I chose to read. "Astral projection and the study of dark beings," he mused, a trace of a smile playing at his lips. "Two subjects that often intersect in intriguing ways."
Intrigued, I leaned forward. "Do you know about these topics?"
Mr. Vandenberg nodded as he picked one of the books up and examined it. "Indeed. The astral plane holds many secrets, and the study of dark beings sheds light on the intricate dance between light and shadow."
I couldn't help but feel captivated by his presence. His words carried confidence and authority, as if he held the key to the very mysteries I longed to uncover. Yet there was something more in his gaze—a touch of vulnerability, a glimpse into the depths of a man who had experienced the intricate complexities of the magical realm. It was as if he understood the challenges I faced as a young seeker of knowledge.
"Have you had personal experiences with astral projection?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.
He smiled, a faint twinkle in his eyes. "A few, yes. Exploring the astral realm can be both enlightening and perilous. It's a journey that requires careful preparation and an understanding of the energies that shape our reality."
I nodded, absorbing his words. "And what about the study of dark beings?" I pressed. "Are you knowledgeable about them? Do you know their history or legends?"
His expression grew more serious, a shadow passing over his features. "Legends and myths are easy to find, but they are difficult to understand, especially if you are not familiar with the laws of the universe." He paused for a moment before he continued. "Dark beings, whether they be vampires, demons, or other entities, inhabit a realm of their own. To understand them is to comprehend the workings of nature itself. They exist outside of time and space. If you were to enter their realms without knowing of their history, you would likely perish. And they may well seek to consume your soul." Mr. Vandenberg lowered his voice, though I sensed no fear, only concern, and an unwavering strength.
As he spoke, I couldn't help but feel a shiver run down my spine. And yet, there was a magnetism about him that drew me in, despite the somber nature of our conversation.
"Would you be willing to share some insights?" I ventured, my gaze locked onto his.
Magnus leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming lightly on the cover of the book he held. "Insights, Miss Montclair, are like pieces of a puzzle. They offer a glimpse, a snapshot, but they rarely reveal the whole picture. Dark beings are multifaceted—each with their motivations, histories, and complexities. However, I can share a thing or two about them if you want."
I found myself hanging onto his every word, excited to discover the secrets of the beings that he spoke of. I felt safe in his presence, as if I could explore the depths of the magical world with him as my guide.
"Perhaps," he continued, his gaze never leaving mine, "we could exchange knowledge. A sharing of insights that might illuminate the path you're treading."
The idea intrigued me, and I nodded slowly. "I would be honored to learn from your experiences, Mr. Vandenberg."
He smiled with a genuine expression that softened the intensity of his gaze. "Please, call me Magnus. I believe in fostering a sense of camaraderie and equality within our lodge."
I smiled at him. As our conversation flowed, I found myself unable to resist the urge to inquire further. I felt that I had to know more about the astral plane, especially since Nikolai wanted me to go there. I turned my attention to the man across from me.
"Magnus, what about other beings that one might encounter in the astral plane? Fairies, for instance, or satyrs, gorgons, and even Krakens?" I asked, feeling bold enough to ask such questions now that we were alone in the library. In truth, I hoped that he possessed knowledge of dark beings, so I wouldn't have to worry about encountering one of their kind while traveling.
Magnus's lips curled into a charming smile, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and patience. "Ah, you have a voracious appetite for knowledge, Miss Montclair. I can appreciate that." He leaned back slightly, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. "Indeed, the astral plane is home to a multitude of beings, each with their own nature and realm of existence."
"Tell me. Are they malevolent? I've heard that they can abduct people."
"Everything is possible. The beings you mentioned lived in the astral plane, so they are invisible to the human eye. They do not have human consciousness, so their morality is different from ours, which can be difficult to understand. Fairies are pure and innocent; satyrs are playfully erotic. Gorgons lived in the astral seas, with snakes and eels on their heads, while Krakens lived in the deeper parts of the ocean, acting as guardians." He sighed deeply. "Eventually, you'll meet them when you are accepted in the covenant. But I'm telling you that they can be dangerous, even angels and the gods."
"How is that possible?"
"They simply know if you're a lost soul or a wannabe magician. As such, your spiritual maturity is not yet developed, and their mere presence can potentially harm you."
I leaned in closer, eager to absorb every detail he shared. And then, my curiosity took a more daring turn. "And vampires, Magnus? Are they also beings one might encounter in the astral plane?"
A shadow crossed his face for a moment. Then the corners of his lips lifted slightly.
"Vampires, indeed," he said, his tone measured. "They are entities that evoke both fascination and caution."
I pressed on, my curiosity piqued. "Could a vampire manifest in the physical world? Like, appear here?"
There was a brief hesitation, a flicker of something in Magnus's eyes. "Any magical being of sufficient power has the potential to manifest in the physical world," he answered, his voice taking on a more serious note. "However, such an act requires a delicate balance and can only be sustained for a limited period of time."
I sensed a shift in his demeanor, a subtle change that left me wondering if I had touched on a topic that made him uncomfortable. But I couldn't let go of my curiosity just yet. "So, it's possible for a vampire to materialize here?"
Magnus's gaze held mine for a moment longer, his expression growing somewhat stern. "Yes, Miss Montclair, it is possible. But the complexities of such a manifestation are not to be taken lightly. It's a dangerous endeavor that requires a deep understanding of both worlds and the consequences that come with it."
Before I could ask further, Magnus stood, his chair scraping against the floor. His smile returned, though it seemed a touch more forced. "I apologize, Miss Montclair, but I have some pressing matters to attend to in my office. I appreciate the engaging conversation, and I thank you for your time."
I nodded, sensing that our conversation had taken an unexpected turn. "Thank you, Magnus, for sharing your insights with me."
As he turned to leave, his gaze met mine one last time, his eyes holding a mixture of emotions I couldn't quite understand. And then he was gone, his departure leaving me with a swirl of thoughts and questions in my mind.