I was exhausted, but I was also covered in some kind of magical tree sap. Instead of collapsing on my bed, I dragged myself into the shower.

Freshly clean and clothed in my most comfortable pajamas, I returned to my room and flipped on the light. Suddenly, I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. I was scrambling for my gun among the clothes in my arms when I heard a familiar voice say, "Eve, it's me, it's me."

I looked and saw Flynn getting to his feet. He must have been sitting on the floor, waiting for me to get out of the shower. Now he came over to me and gently pushed my gun down so it pointed at the floor. "I'm sure you'd prefer to shoot me outside of your bedroom," he teased. "I'm sorry if I scared you."

"You could have turned the light on," I retorted, putting my gun on the dresser. "Did you just get in?"

"A few minutes ago. Brought back the staff of Moses."

I raised an eyebrow at him. "We didn't have that already?"

"Long story." He took the clothes from my arms and placed them in the closet. "The better story is that I'm here with you."

As he returned to my side, I finally got a good look at him. I took his hands and held him at arm's length. "Flynn, what happened to you?" I asked. He had scratches on his cheeks and burn marks on his arms.

"There were some mummies protecting the staff," he informed me, wincing as I examined his wounds. "They weren't too keen on me taking it away. But I'm fine, really."

I released his hands. "I'll go get the kit–" I began to say, only to notice a first-aid kit sitting next to my gun. "Never mind." I silently thanked the Library and found some burn ointment. "Sit, Flynn," I ordered, pointing to my bed. He obeyed.

I made much of my Librarian, tenderly smoothing on the ointment and applying antibiotic cream to his scratches. After I was done, he made much of me, kissing my bruises and brushing my hair to get out the last of the sap. It had been years since someone else brushed my hair. It was relaxing. I closed my eyes.

When I opened them again, I was resting my head on Flynn's chest. He was fast asleep, one arm draped over my waist. I smiled and closed my eyes again. Only two things in this world made me feel safe: my Librarian and the Library. With both watching over me, I had never felt safer.