The bell above the bookstore door jingled, and Justin leaned against the counter, eyes scanning the shelves as if searching for something—or someone. The dusty air smelled of old pages and ink.

A book slid off the top shelf and landed with a thud. You flinched, heart racing. Justin crouched, picking it up, his fingers brushing yours for the briefest second.

The cover was black, etched with strange symbols that seemed to shimmer. Justin raised an eyebrow, turning it over. He muttered something under his breath that made the hairs on your arms stand on end.

Suddenly, the lights flickered, and a chill ran through the room. The book opened by itself, pages flipping wildly. Justin’s eyes darkened. Without a word, he grabbed your hand and pulled you back.

Shadows curled along the floor like living smoke. You froze, watching as he traced protective symbols in the air, his movements sharp and confident. The book hissed, and a faint glow pulsed from it.

When the lights steadied, the book snapped shut. Justin exhaled slowly, brushing a stray lock of hair from his face. He handed the tome to the counter, his gaze lingering on you a moment longer than necessary.

You stayed close as he rearranged the shelves, his fingers brushing the spines absentmindedly, but his eyes never leaving yours. The bookstore returned to silence, yet the echo of that strange energy remained between you.