You were wandering through the library, as you often did when you needed a quiet place to think, when a soft, scratchy voice stopped you in your tracks.

“Ah, finally! Someone with eyes that see me!”

You spun around, heart racing, but saw only the rows of books stretching endlessly before you.

“Who’s there?” you asked, trying to keep your voice steady.

“I’m right here, you daft human!” the voice insisted. At that moment, a leather-bound book on a high shelf tumbled gently into your hands. Its cover shimmered, and when you opened it, words rearranged themselves like they were alive.

“I… I can talk?” the book said.

You blinked. “You… you can?”

“Yes, indeed! I’ve been waiting for someone worthy, and you… you seem promising,” the book replied, fluttering its pages excitedly.

You froze. Talking books weren’t supposed to exist. Not in Storybrooke—or anywhere, really. But before you could respond, Belle appeared, her eyes widening as she saw the book in your hands.

“You found it,” she whispered, awe in her voice. “The Chronicles of Secrets. I thought it had been lost forever.”

“The book… it’s talking to me,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper.

Belle smiled gently. “It chooses its readers carefully. That book… it has knowledge, stories, and truths that can change lives. But it also tests the person who reads it.”

The book flapped open as if emphasizing her words. “Tests, yes! Adventures, mysteries, moral dilemmas! And, most importantly… trust. Do you trust me enough to learn what I have to teach?”

You looked at Belle, who gave a reassuring nod. “I think… I do,” you said, returning your gaze to the animated pages.

“Excellent!” the book exclaimed. Its pages glowed. Suddenly, words lifted off the pages, swirling around you like golden fireflies. A map appeared, leading to somewhere deep in the library you had never explored.

“Where… where does it want me to go?” you asked Belle, bewildered.

“It’s guiding you,” she said. “Sometimes, the magic of a book isn’t in what it tells you directly, but in the journey it leads you on. Follow it.”

Taking a deep breath, you stepped forward, Belle at your side. The golden letters lifted and danced before you, forming a path to a hidden staircase. You descended, the air growing cooler and filled with the scent of old paper and candle wax.

The book continued to chatter, narrating its own tales and asking questions, teasing you with riddles and historical puzzles. Belle quietly guided you, occasionally offering hints when you struggled.

“You’re amazing at this,” she said quietly as you solved one particularly tricky riddle.

You blushed. “I… I just… guess I’m lucky?”

Belle smiled softly. “No. You’re paying attention. That’s what matters.”

Finally, the path ended at a small chamber, shelves stacked high with forgotten tomes. The book hovered in front of you, shimmering.

“Well done!” it said. “You’ve proven yourself worthy. But remember, knowledge is not power alone—it’s how you use it. And now… a choice: keep exploring, or return to your ordinary life?”

You glanced at Belle. “I… want to explore. With you.”

She reached for your hand. “Then let’s see what else this library—and this book—has in store for us.”

The book fluttered happily between you, as if delighted by your answer. “Ah, excellent choice! Adventure awaits!”