Dearest Monty,

You come from a long line of literary mages. You are the next in line to take on the role of Owner, Manager and Head Librarian of the oldest book depository of magic in the British Isles. Why could I not tell you before? Well, that is how it has always worked, the magic available to only one of our family members at a time. Upon taking the folio and key, the magic that was once mine has now been passed onto you. The many cats that inhabit the property will now be able to speak with you, bringing you up to speed on running the family business. Good luck, Aunt Matilda Turning the key in the lock to what he thought might be a mere broom closet, the door opened to a majestic room with three grand levels of bookshelves and an opulent stained-glass window that filled the room with light. Shelves were stuffed with more books than Monty thought he could read in a hundred lifetimes. Above the checkout and sales desk was a banner that said, “Under New Management.”

Written by Elise Betz
@elisebetzbooks
@elisebetz.bsky.social‬