Alchemy of Secrets

by Stephanie Garber

“This isn’t a regular bank. When the Sacred Order of the Parallel Dawn split up, it fractured into three separate groups. One faction felt that the magic created by the Alchemical Heart needed to be destroyed.” Holland nodded. “One of the other factions felt the opposite. They wanted to continue to use the Alchemical Heart to create magic—” “Wait—” Holland interrupted. “I thought you said not to use the word magic?” “People have abilities,” he said, annoyed. “Objects have magic.” “So … I can use the word magic?” “Only when you talk about an object. But just … don’t.” “Oh, my gosh—you’re a snob!” Gabe immediately looked offended, but then his snobby expression returned, which only proved her point. “You’re a magic snob! You’re a part of this magical world, and you don’t want me saying the word magic because you’re afraid it will make you seem less serious and scary.” He scowled. “Do you want me to finish telling you about the Bank, or do you want to argue about magic?” For the record, Gabe was the one who kept saying magic. But Holland thought it was probably not wise to point that out. “Please, continue,” she said sweetly. Gabe’s mouth shifted into a crooked line, as if he wasn’t quite sure what expression to make. Murders, car chases, and ransacked homes were all just part of his average day, but teasing had surprised him. Holland watched his mouth twist uncertainly for a few more seconds before, finally, he said, “The third faction claimed that it didn’t think the Alchem...