Gemotions

The musty air hit Amelia like a physical blow as she shoved the last of the loose bricks back into place. Dust motes danced in the single shaft of sunlight piercing the gloom, illuminating the room for the first time in what felt like centuries. A surge of energy coursed through her, buzzing beneath her skin. She grabbed the ornate brass candlestick from the dusty mantelpiece and held it aloft, examining the room’s contents. A desk, a chair, a bookshelf… all in a state of stunning preservation. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a wild drumbeat of excitement.

She ran her hand along the spine of a leather-bound book, the scent of aged paper filling her nostrils. A secret room! In *her* house! She felt the corners of her mouth twitch upward, a grin threatening to break free. This was a mystery begging to be solved, and she was the detective.

The discovery sparked a need for action within her. She pulled the chair away from the desk, dusting off the seat. Then, she opened the first book.