#Web content writing

[writerzden]

The Ultimate Guide to Website Page Content Structure: How to Engage, Convert, and Rank

Introduction

A well-structured website page can make all the difference in user engagement, conversions, and SEO rankings. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or content creator, understanding how to structure website content effectively is crucial. An experienced SEO web content writer ensures that every section is crafted with clarity, user intent, and search engine optimization or SEO in mind. In this guide, we’ll explore the best practices for website page content structure, ensuring your content is both user-friendly and optimized for search engines.

A good freelance web content writer knows that striking the right balance between readability, SEO, and user experience is the key. In this guide, we’ll explore the best practices for website page content structure, ensuring your content is both user-friendly and optimized for search engines.

How Experts at the Best Content Writing Company India Structure Website Pages

Website content structure refers to how information is organized on a webpage. It impacts readability, user experience, and search engine rankings. The best content writing companies in India follow a strategic approach to structuring content that enhances engagement and conversions.

Have you ever landed on a website and felt lost within seconds? That’s exactly what poor content structure does! Search engines, particularly Google, prioritize well-structured content that answers user queries efficiently. That’s why top 10 content writing companies in India focus on creating structured content that improves readability and SEO performance.

Essential Web Page Elements Website Content Writing Experts Must Include

A well-structured webpage lays the groundwork for an intuitive user experience and strong SEO performance. Without a clear hierarchy, even the best content can fail to engage visitors.

A website content writer freelance ensures pages are easy to navigate, logically organized, and optimized for both search engines and readers.

By implementing structured formatting, compelling CTAs, and seamless keyword placement, a well-structured webpage can significantly enhance engagement, time-on-site, and conversions.

1. Headings and Subheadings (H1-H6 Best Practices)

Headings provide a clear structure and help readers navigate content quickly. The best content writing company India ensures that:

H1 is used for the main title.

H2 for primary sections.

H3-H6 for sub-sections as needed.

Why does this matter? Because nobody likes a wall of text! Top companies offering digital marketing services in Ahmedabad suggest using this strategy because headings break up content and improve readability.

2. Strong Introduction

A compelling introduction sets the stage for the rest of the content. Content writing firms often start with a question or statistic to grab attention immediately. After all, isn’t the goal to keep readers hooked from the first line?

3. Clear and Concise Body Content

Break content into small paragraphs to enhance readability. Use:

Bullet points

Short sentences

Bold and italicized text for emphasis

4. Strategic CTA (Call to Action) Placement

A well-placed CTA encourages action, whether it’s signing up for a newsletter, purchasing a product, or reading another blog. Best content writers in India emphasize the importance of CTAs within content sections. After all, what’s the point of great content if it doesn’t guide the reader toward the next step?

How SEO Web Content Writers Optimize for Readability and Rankings

1. Natural Keyword Integration

Strategically incorporating industry-relevant keywords can significantly enhance SEO rankings. However, it's crucial to maintain a natural flow and avoid overuse, ensuring that content remains engaging and valuable for readers.

Additionally, an experienced SEO website content writer ensures that long-tail keywords are seamlessly integrated for improved visibility without keyword stuffing. You should consult a reputed provider of digital marketing services in Ahmedabad to get more insights into this.

2. Internal Linking Strategies

Did you know that internal links not only help users but also boost your SEO?

Internal links help users navigate your site while improving SEO. Ask the best content writer in India about the importance of interlinking in key website pages such as service pages or blog articles, that are linked appropriately to improve user experience.

3. Image Optimization and Alt Text Usage

Using images enhances engagement, but they must be optimized with:

Compressed file sizes for faster load times

Descriptive alt text incorporating best web content writing services or other relevant keywords

4. Readability Enhancements

A good SEO web content writer ensures that text is easy to read by using:

Short paragraphs and sentences

Bullet points to break down complex ideas

Proper formatting with bold and italics for emphasis

5. Engaging Meta Descriptions and Title Tags

Companies offering the best digital marketing services in Ahmedabad say that optimized meta descriptions and title tags improve click-through rates. Content writing experts craft compelling, keyword-rich titles that attract users while aligning with search engine algorithms.

6. Mobile-Friendly Formatting

Since most users browse on mobile devices, content should be structured for seamless readability. This includes:

Proper text scaling

Adequate spacing

Mobile-optimized images

Why Best Web Content Writing Services Matter for Different Website Pages

1. Homepage

Keep it concise with a clear value proposition

Use H1 for the brand name and main offering

Add a CTA above the fold

2. Service/Product Pages

Use persuasive content with benefits and features

Add social proof (testimonials, reviews)

Structure content with sections like “Why Choose Us?”

3. About Us Pages

Tell a compelling brand story

Highlight company values and team members

Include a CTA to contact or learn more

4. Blog Posts & Landing Pages

Address a specific pain point or query

Optimize for featured snippets

Use internal links strategically

Common Mistakes SEO Website Content Writers Should Avoid

Even the most skilled content writers can sometimes fall into common traps that affect website performance. While focusing on keyword optimization, it’s crucial not to compromise readability or user experience.

A strong content strategy should balance SEO elements with engaging, valuable content that keeps readers interested. Below are some mistakes to watch out for and how to avoid them:

Overstuffing keywords: A best content writing company India optimizes naturally rather than forcing keywords.

Ignoring mobile responsiveness: Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites.

Writing long, unstructured paragraphs: Large blocks of text deter readers.

Conclusion

A well-structured website page isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating an intuitive and seamless experience for users while optimizing for search engines. Whether you're working with the best content writing companies in India or hiring an independent SEO website content writer, ensuring your content is engaging, clear, and well-organized can make all the difference. Implementing a structured content strategy with best web content writing services ensures higher engagement, better SEO performance, and improved conversion rates. Now, isn’t that exactly what every website needs?

[digitalforeuk]

Digital Foresta

"Digital Foresta is a full-service Digital Marketing Agency offering various services right from creating an online presence to Internet marketing to help businesses all through their online journey. Our services include SEO, Local SEO, Website Design, Website Content Writing, Link Building, Google Penalty Removal, Online Reputation Management, and more"

Website: https://digitalforesta.com/

Address: 180 S Esk Rd, London, E7 8HD

Phone Number: +44 2032907272

Business Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00 AM – 07:00 PM Sun-Sat : Closed

Business Email: admin@digitalforesta.com

[ahom-technologies]

Looking for professional content writing services ? Our team of expert content writers in India specializes in creating high-quality, engaging, and SEO-friendly content. Whether you need a skilled SEO content writer or dedicated website content writers for your project, we offer comprehensive web content writing solutions to boost your online presence.

[pratanumindpowerdevelopment]

Difference between Web Content Writer and Academic Writer

Web content writers and academic writers have distinct roles and responsibilities, and their writing styles cater to different audiences and purposes. Here are the key differences between the two:

Audience:

Web Content Writer: Targets a general audience or a specific demographic based on the website's purpose. The writing is often intended to engage, inform, and persuade readers quickly.

Academic Writer: Targets a scholarly audience, such as professors, researchers, and students. The writing is more formal, structured, and focuses on conveying complex ideas with precision.

Purpose:

Web Content Writer: Aims to attract and retain online visitors, promote products or services, and enhance the online presence of a business or organization. Content may include blog posts, articles, product descriptions, and promotional material.

Academic Writer: Aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge, present research findings, or explore and analyze academic topics. Academic writing is often associated with research papers, essays, theses, and scholarly articles.

Tone and Style:

Web Content Writer: Typically uses a conversational and engaging tone. The writing style is more relaxed, and the content is often optimized for search engines (SEO) to improve online visibility.

Academic Writer: Adheres to a formal and objective tone. The writing style is precise, logical, and often follows a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) to provide proper attribution to sources.

Research and Credibility:

Web Content Writer: Relies on market research, product knowledge, and understanding of the target audience. Credibility is established through a clear presentation of information and persuasive techniques.

Academic Writer: Relies on extensive research, literature reviews, and scholarly sources to support arguments and conclusions. Credibility is established through rigorous research methods and adherence to academic standards.

Structure:

Web Content Writer: Emphasizes readability and scannability. Content is often divided into short paragraphs, bullet points, and subheadings to facilitate easy consumption.

Academic Writer: Follows a structured format with clear sections such as introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. The structure adheres to academic conventions and guidelines.

Language Complexity:

Web Content Writer: Uses straightforward and accessible language to cater to a broad audience. The goal is to communicate ideas clearly and efficiently.

Academic Writer: May use more specialized and technical language, depending on the field of study. The writing is expected to demonstrate a deep understanding of the subject matter.

In summary, while both web content writers and academic writers are skilled communicators, their differences lie in their target audiences, purposes, tones, and writing styles. Web content writers focus on engaging a diverse audience and promoting products or services, whereas academic writers contribute to scholarly discourse and adhere to rigorous research and citation standards.

Learn Web Content Writing from Pratanu Banerjee at INSTITUTE OF PERFORMING ART AND MIND POWER DEVELOPMENT

Online and offline classes available

Call 91-8017517171

[vandanasinghal]

Why is hiring Blog Writing Services in India essential for your business success?

Are you looking to implement an effective content marketing strategy? In that case, adding a blog to your website and regularly publishing quality posts that give your target audience information, tips, and advice are essential. The use of quality information in the active blog helps improve your social media postings, email marketing, and reputation management. Research shows that nearly 73% of…

[excellenceinnovations]

[asoftepiloguemylove]

BUT WHO COULD LOVE ME? I AM OUT OF MY MIND // IVAN & TILL

pinterest // VIVINOS Alien Stage, "ROUND 6" (via youtube) // Anne Sexton Complete Poems of Anne Sexton, "The Papa and Mama Dance" // Fall Out Boy Hum Hallelujah // VIVINOS Alien Stage, "ROUND 6" (via youtube) // Ernest Hemingway The Garden of Eden // Florence + the Machine Grace // Elliot Wake Black Iris // The National Daughters of the Soho Riots // VIVINOS Alien Stage, "ROUND 6" (via youtube) // Mitski I Guess // Adam Silvera They Both Die at the End // Lorde Writer in the Dark // VIVINOS Alien Stage, "ROUND 6" (via youtube) // Margaret Atwood Cat's Eye // Chris Abani Dog Woman // VIVINOS Alien Stage, "ROUND 6" (via youtube) // Warsan Shire Souvenir, "Our Men Do Not Belong to Us" // VIVINOS Alien Stage, "ROUND 6" (via youtube) // Louise Glück Faithful and Virtuous Night

[writerzden]

Creating Website Content that Converts: Top 5 Tips to Get Started

A well-designed website is no longer a luxury in today’s digital landscape, it's a necessity. Your business website's visual appeal is only half the battle. The real power lies in the content – the words, images, and videos that engage visitors, communicate your message and ultimately drive conversions.

Whether you're a seasoned marketer or a small business owner building your online presence in the local market, crafting compelling website content is key to success. This blog will equip you with the essential elements to transform your website from a digital brochure into a dynamic platform with the right pages carefully strategized to capture attention and achieve your goals.

Here are the top 5 tips to help you master landing page content writing for your business website.

1. Know your audience

Before you even begin brainstorming content ideas, take a step back and consider this crucial question: who are you trying to reach?  Understanding your target audience is the foundation of any successful content strategy.

Why is audience so important?

It's simple – people don't visit websites just to be bombarded with generic information on haphazardly created website landing pages. They come with specific needs and goals and hence business website content writing has to be specific as well.

By tailoring your content to resonate with your ideal reader, you build trust, establish yourself as an authority, and ultimately convert visitors into loyal customers or engaged followers.

Let’s say you are an IT company based in Delhi looking to target businesses in the US. You gotta be clear about what services they might look for. Demographics have a key role to play here and your content quality makes it or breaks it. It is better to hire someone for website content writing services if you do not have enough in-house expertise. You can consider outsourcing as it is a highly efficient and cost-effective way to get started.

2. Address Pain points and challenges

Every piece of content you create for your website should have a clear objective. Are you aiming to inform your audience about a new product or service? Educate them on a relevant industry topic? Persuade them to take a specific action, like subscribing to your newsletter or making a purchase?

User intent plays a vital role here. When people visit your website, they're often searching for answers to specific questions or solutions to problems. Understanding user intent, or the underlying reason behind their search, allows you to create content that directly addresses their needs, or rather pain points and challenges. Easier said than done, right? Unless you are content marketing agency yourself, you would find the execution process the toughest part when it comes to including the pain points and challenges in your content by understanding the user intent.

3. Structure your website content for readability

Let’s face it! Attention spans are shrinking and online users have become adept at scanning content rather than reading it word-for-word. This is why structuring your website content for scannability is critical for maximizing user engagement.

That’s why website content writing for SEO is an art and if you strike that perfect balance between creating SEO-friendly website content that brings the user to your website and personalization that keeps them hooked, you are golden.

Break up large chunks of text with clear and concise headings and subheadings. These act as signposts, guiding readers to specific sections of interest. Besides, you should also make the most of bullet points and visual representation of information to make content consumption easier for the users.

4. Use shorter paragraphs

This is a crucial aspect often overlooked by website owners. Opt for shorter paragraphs focused on a single idea. White space between paragraphs further enhances readability and creates a visually appealing layout. Imagine your website content as a conversation, not a lecture. Content writing companies in India always suggest you to break down your message into bite-sized chunks that are easy to understand and navigate.

5. Do not forget SEO

Having stellar website content is only half the battle. To truly maximize its impact, you need to ensure users can actually find it. This is where Search Engine Optimization (SEO) comes into play.

One of the key aspects of SEO is strategic keyword integration. Keywords are the terms and phrases users type into search engines to find information. You should approach a good company for content writing in Ahmedabad for proper keyword research so that they can include relevant keywords throughout your website content, in a natural and organic way, you signal to search engines what your content is about and who it's intended for. This increases the likelihood of your website appearing in search results for those keywords. There are thousands of content companies around you and it might be overwhelming to hire the right agency for SEO website content writing.

If you want your website to do good, simply Google for content writing companies near me and you will find the top agencies to hire from or if you are in the south looking for the SEO content writing services in Bangalore, you have plenty of options to choose from.

Conclusion:

Craft website content that resonates with your audience! Understand their needs, write clearly, and format for easy reading. SEO helps users discover your website. Consider partnering with a skilled content marketing agency in India for expertise, affordability, and local market knowledge. They can create a content strategy that drives results for your website.

[elin-moon]

The Friendship of Edward VI and Barnaby Fitzpatrick

The friendship between these two young boys is quite an interesting one on the account that it can appear to be an unexpected one. Edward was the heir to the English throne, later King in his own right, while Barnaby was the eldest son of an Irish Baron, send over to England as a show of loyalty from his father. One would imagine that two boys from such differing backgrounds and sets of expectations would hardly gravitated towards each other, yet they did. One has to wonder what brought them together.

[ahom-technologies]

Content Writing Services in India | Best Web content Writing Company

Looking for professional content writing services ? Our team of expert content writers in India specializes in creating high-quality, engaging, and SEO-friendly content. Whether you need a skilled SEO content writer or dedicated website content writers for your project, we offer comprehensive web content writing solutions to boost your online presence.

[vandanasinghal]

Why should you invest in copywriting services in Delhi?

Copywriting services are the key component of different marketing strategies. Usually, copywriting is helpful in selling your business services or products with a great brand identity, marketing messages, and website design. Choosing the best copywriting services in Delhi can clearly show your brand and your business to the world. Moreover, a skilled copywriter has the potential to retain and…

[ljamberfantasy]

The Elf Who Would Become A Dragon

PRELUDE

Welcome visitor! What has brought you to this chamber of wonders? For what reason have you crept unto this treasure trove, so [early in the dawn/late in the evening]?

No need to answer. I can see by the hunger in your eyes that you are here for the challenge — that you hope to fill your pockets with this hoard. By all means, feel free to examine the jewels, and the coins, and especially the art, here gathered for your pleasure. See how the rubies gleam. Observe where the colours ripple and glitter in the curve of the opals. And as you pace back and forth in astonishment, notice how the piles of gold and silver shimmer like cresting waves on a restless sea.

Yes, this wealth is yours for the taking. But there are rules. One rule, in fact.

You must sit and listen to a story. After an hour has passed, so long as the tale is yet unfinished, you are free to take all that you can carry and go… but if you carry out so much as a single coin from this place, you will never hear its ending.

There is no trick: the story takes much longer than an hour to tell. It is a tale about what it means to belong; a tale about that which we choose for ourselves, and that which is chosen for us; a tale requiring patience and consideration, for the story is richer and more deeply layered than all the wealth spread before you. The tale I will tell you is about worth in all its forms — but in the end, you must decide the worth of the people I speak of, and whether each deserved the price they paid for who they were.

That is the challenge, dear visitor. And fret not, for there is no penalty should you fail to leave before my telling is done. Many before you have left this chamber with their pockets light, though I cannot say the same for their thoughts…

You are disbelieving. Perhaps you are eager to begin? Good. Sit comfortably, and I shall tell you a bittersweet tale of warmth, magic, revenge, and dragons.Listen, now, to the story of Saphienne:

The Elf Who Would Become a Dragon

or, The Fires of Her Ambition

CHAPTER 1 – The Frog and the Toad

Long before Saphienne grew into adulthood, five moments defined the woman she would become. To know these is to know her. I shall tell them to you in the order they happened, but do not mistake the telling of them for their relative importance. All mattered in different ways. All will matter, later, when you wonder why she did the things that I shall recount for you.

So:

See Saphienne as she was, the quiet young girl, ten years old. Spring was in the air, and so her hair was the rich brown of the nourishing soil — for like all elves of her kind, her hair changed colour with the seasons. She was pale, like the bark of a birch tree, and slight in build, too small to yet be gangly, too large to be unawkward. Her eyes were also the colour of spring, pale green, but these did not change with the passage of the year, only growing brighter or darker in accordance with her mood.

Which was low, then, and so her eyes were the shadowy green of late evening. She was sat on the edge of a small glade, a glade in which the boyish girls and girlish boys from her village typically played. To see how the young elves laughed and cavorted in the afternoon sunlight, aglow in their fine white clothes, you would think all was idyllic, that their joy was infectious. But Saphienne was not sharing in their joy.

She was, as I said, quiet. Softly spoken, far from outgoing, the adults in her village thought she was sweet but plain, while the other children thought she was boring, too slow to play along. They seldom invited her to join in their games, and when they were obliged to include her she was never given much attention. Not that they were intentionally cruel. To them, she was an afterthought, neither loved nor hated, neither welcomed nor turned away, and never once envied.

This was why she sat on a fallen log and watched as they played their games, not even the book on her lap able to distract her. In those days, she was a precocious reader, and would sneak books out from the small village library that she thought were not intended for her (and that the librarian pretended not to notice her take). What else was there to do, but lose herself in stories of other times and places? To hear of other people, and so live vicariously through them?

Yet the book she had taken that day was not very interesting, and while her curiosity demanded she finish it, in that moment she longed more for company than for escape. Not enough to approach the other children, but certainly enough to watch them, and feel things that no child of her age should ever have to feel.

“Saphienne!”

See now a transformation: at the sound of her name, Saphienne’s eyes lit up even brighter than the daytime, her face unguarded and smiling as she twisted around. The book slid off her lap, and she let it fall. Her attention was on the girl who was bounding through the long grass under the trees.

Kylantha was two years younger than Saphienne, nearly a full head shorter, and had none of her meekness. She also stood out, but not because of how she behaved: her hair was always bright blonde, even beyond summertime, and her ears were shorter and less pointed than those of other elves. For this reason she, too, was not invited to play, but that never stopped her from pushing her way in… when she wanted, which was not often. She preferred to spend time with her best friend, her only real friend, the only person with the patience to answer her endless, exhaustive questions.

“Saphienne! Guess what I have?” Kylantha had her hand behind her back, and she kept facing Saphienne as she sidestepped around the log, nearly tripping.

Saphienne’s nose wrinkled, though her smile remained. “Another toad?”

“It was a frog.”

“Frogs have smooth, wet skin, remember?”

“It was wet!”

Laughing, Saphienne reached down and scooped up her book as Kylantha sat. “Because you’d dropped it in the pond before you brought it to me, silly.”

“I wanted to see it swim.” She was pouting.

“I remember. And I remember it had rough skin and shorter back legs, which means it was a toad, not a frog. They’re different creatures. I told you this. Frogs aren’t toads, and toads aren’t frogs.”

Thinking on the difference, Kylantha looked down and went quiet. This usually preceded a question, and sure enough, a moment later she lifted her head. “Do you think there are half-frogs?”

Saphienne opened her mouth, then realised she didn’t know. “Maybe,” she guessed. “I don’t know if toads and frogs can make babies together.”

“How do they do it, anyway? They don’t look like they can kiss.”

Saphienne didn’t know the answer to that, either, though she was old enough to know that kissing was only part of the process. “I think there’s more than kissing. Maybe they skip that part.”

“Do frogs think toads are ugly?”

“I mean, they look nearly the same.” Saphienne stared up at the boughs overhanging the edge of the clearing, watching them sway back and forth in the breeze. “Toads crawl on land and swim, while frogs mostly swim, and that means frogs aren’t as comfortable as toads out of water. Maybe frogs envy toads. Maybe they think they’re beautiful.”

Kylantha hung on her every word. Then, she smiled to herself. “I think a half-toad would look even prettier to a frog.”

Saphienne looked back down. “Why?”

“Because they’d look like a toad, but get along better with the frogs.”

That made her giggle. “I don’t think they spend much time together.”

“Well, they should. They’re the same.”

Prepared to argue, Saphienne knew she wouldn’t win. So she just smiled, and shook her head. “Close enough. But, what do you have, if it isn’t a toad?”

Remembering that she was holding something, the younger girl gasped, and she sat up straighter. “You need to close your eyes and hold out your hands.”

“…Last time you said that, you gave me a toa–”

“It’s not a toad!”

“Is it something else with poisonous skin?”

“Neither of us got sick! And it’s not poisonous.” She was pouting again, and her brown eyes were wide. “Please, Saphienne?”

She relented. “All right.” Setting the book beside herself on the log, Saphienne closed her eyes, and held out her hands.

Kylantha kept her waiting, made sure her eyes were closed before she brought her hand around and gave Saphienne what she’d been hiding. It felt light, and soft, like it was made of fabric, but also wooden.

“You can look now.”

Saphienne looked. She was holding a drawstring pouch, made from fine cloth, onto which chips of bark had been tightly sewn in interlocking layers. Shaking it, she realised it had something inside, and when she opened it she saw a single, shining, copper coin.

“Do you like it?”

She took the coin out, held it up to the light. She’d never seen one in person before, but she’d read about them. This one was minted with a crude human face on one side, and when she turned it over she saw it had also been struck with a poor depiction of a tree. “Did you make this?”

“Yes!” Kylantha beamed. “Mother taught me how to stitch, and I’ve been learning how to make things I’ll need.”

Saphienne looked down at the pouch, recognising that the needlework was poorer than that of the traditional elven clothing they wore. “I meant the coin.”

“Oh, no. Mother gave me that. She said if I was going to have a purse, I should have something to put in it.”

“I’ve never seen one before. Humans use them for trade, don’t they?”

“I think so.”

“So…” She put the coin back in the pouch, tying it shut. “Why do you need a purse? And why does it have bits of bark on the outside?”

“It’s not for me.” She was grinning. “It’s for you.”

Saphienne blinked. “But, why do I need it?”

“So that you have somewhere to keep your coins when we travel.”

Slowly, she smiled. “We’re going to travel?”

“Of course we are! We’re going to see all the things you’ve read about.” Kylantha stood up, spread out her arms, began to spin as she spoke. “As soon as we’re grown, we’ll go on a journey. We’ll go over the mountains — and across the sea. We’ll be adventurers! We’ll see all the things there are to see, even things that no one’s seen before, and you’ll write them down in a book of your own.” Leaping up onto the log, she wobbled there, arms outstretched for balance. “That’s why it’s arm– armed– protected on the outside, so no thief can cut it open.”

Saphienne was grinning now as she looked up at her. “I’m only ten. It’ll be ninety years before I’m an adult, ninety-two for you. That’s forever.”

“Well, we can prepare! I’ll learn to fight, so you won’t need to worry.” Standing more firmly, she brought her hand against her chest. “I’ll be a knight! I’ll protect you, with my sword, and my song.”

“And what should I become?” Saphienne asked, shifting her legs so that she half-knelt on the log.

Swaying, nearly losing her balance, Kylantha sat back down with a hollow thump. “You can be whatever you want to be. I won’t mind.”

“Even a thief?”

The younger girl scowled. “As long as you give it back.”

*          *          *

Playing with the other children was of no interest to Kylantha — she wanted to explore instead. “We should go up to the lake!”

Saphienne was intimidated by the prospect. “But it’s really far away, and we’re not grown enough to go on our own,” she said. “We might get into trouble–”

“It’s just water.” Kylantha was unfazed. “Lots of water. It’s not dangerous — where did you think I got the frog from?”

“…It was a toad…”

“Same thing,” she sniffed. “No one will notice we’re gone. And who cares if we get into trouble, anyway? What’s the worst they’ll do?”

Especially back then, Saphienne had a tendency to take things literally. “Our mothers will care… and they could shout at us…”

“Mother likes when I explore.” Kylantha’s smile was as bright as her hair. “And who cares about shouting? Words don’t matter, not really. Don’t you want to see the lake? The toads might still be spawning.”

Though she was unconvinced, Saphienne had never been taken to see the lake, and she desperately wanted to… but she was, at that time, a rigidly obedient child. “Can’t we do something else?”

“Like what?” Kylantha shifted closer to her on the log. “Do you have a better idea?”

“We could go to the library–”

“Enough books!” Kylantha rolled her eyes, snatched the book from Saphienne’s hand, and held it away from her. “Today is for exploring.”

Saphienne could easily have taken the book back, if she had more confidence. Instead, she wilted slightly, then turned her mind to other ideas. “We could play hide and seek?”

“That’s not exploring.”

“We could go to your house? Or a shrine–”

“Boring…” Kylantha mimed a yawn. “Let’s go somewhere we haven’t been. Somewhere no one expects us to go…”

“Where?” Saphienne was struggling to understand what Kylantha wanted. “And what will we do, when we get there?”

“I want to see things we haven’t seen before.” Her eyes held an insistent plea. “We need to practice for when we travel.”

That made sense to Saphienne. Her uncertainty fell away as she held Kylantha’s gaze, replaced by resolve to please her friend, and the smile that grew on her lips held a measure of the other girl’s bold mischief. “Then,” she said, “I know somewhere we could go… somewhere that no one’s told us we can’t go…”

Beside her, Kylantha pouted. “But, where’s the fun in–”

“We can go to the wizard’s house.”

After her shock wore off, Kylantha reflected Saphienne’s smile.

*          *          *

Neither child understood the degree to which wizardry shaped both their lives, and Saphienne had not even the slightest premonition of how greatly magic would matter to her personally in later years. Though they had grown up surrounded by enchantments and magical wonders, all was commonplace to them, and so they only recognised what was unusually grand, like when the local wizard would celebrate the new year by making fantastic colours stream across the sky.

“Master Almon,” Kylantha whispered to Saphienne, mildly disappointed by what she saw. “That’s him… I think.”

Saphienne peered through the bushes in which they were poorly hiding, oblivious to the fact that her white clothes made her stand out amidst the spring foliage. The adult elf who had just exited the tall, towering tree across the grove seemed an imposing man, dressed in vivid blue robes that were so heavy they looked like they could smother her — yet offered no impediment to his stride.

He walked away from the watching children, setting out into the village… only to pause, his back toward them.

“What’s he doing?” Kylantha was cheek-to-cheek with Saphienne.

With a wave of his hand, the wizard poured sapphire sparkles from his fingertips, flickering sparks that leapt on the air and coalesced into a bolt of lightning that staked the ground before him with a thunderous boom — there to shimmer and twitch as it hardened and cooled into fine, fire-blackened wood, still yet burning with tawny embers.

Stunned, the girls froze in place…

Only for the wizard to nonchalantly lift his walking stick, and casually stroll on.

Kylantha was subdued. “…Maybe we should go back.”

Saphienne, however, was still emboldened: she pushed through the bushes, making a beeline for the doorstep. “You said you wanted to go somewhere new…”

“We did,” Kylantha pleaded, following after the older girl. “And that was– I’ve never seen anything like that before! So we’re done–”

“No, we’re not.” Saphienne quickened her pace. “We haven’t been in his house. We have to see our journey through!”

“But he’s not home–”

“So?” She rounded on Kylantha with a wicked smile, copying her voice. “That means he won’t notice we’re there. And who cares if we get into trouble, anyway? What’s the worst he’ll do?”

Her teasing made the younger girl blush, which in turn made her clench her fists and stand a little taller. Still, she smiled broadly. “Maybe he’ll turn you into a toad.”

“Or you into a frog.”

That cut through Kylantha’s bravado, and her eyes widened in thought. “…Do you think he could?”

“Only one way to find out…”

Yet, they slowed when they crossed between the flowerbeds that flanked the door.

Saphienne gently shoved Kylantha forward. “You first!”

“No, you!” Kylantha pushed back. “This was your idea!”

“You’re the one who wanted to go somewhere new!”

“I wanted to go to the lake! …I’m not going in.” She folded her arms.

“Well…” Saphienne folded her arms too. “…One of us has to. Or it doesn’t count.”

They stared at each other, at an impasse.

Then Kylantha suddenly grinned. “I know what we’ll do.” She thrust out her hand in demand. “Give me the coin!”

Puzzled, but trusting her friend, Saphienne withdrew the pouch and fished out the copper disc. “What are you doing?”

“Just watch.” Kylantha took the coin, balancing it upon her fingers, only to flick it into the air. “Heads!”

The metal glinted where it fell among the flowers — tree-side up.

“…Oh.” Kylantha paled. “I called it wrong. That means I lose.”

“It does?” Saphienne bent down, retrieving the coin with a frown.

“Yes,” the younger girl nodded, already steeling herself. “You choose what you want to happen, then call which side the coin will land. If it lands the way you called, you win… or else…”

She bounded up to the step, gripped the door handle, and–

…Discovered it was locked.

Wordlessly, they faced each other.

And then the two burst into great guffaws of childish laughter, all their fear and tension dispersed like night mists in the dawn. They were still giggling as they ran away — though Kylantha darted back to the flowerbeds, stooping to carefully uproot a blooming hyacinth from its rightful place in the front garden, before she sprinted after Saphienne.

The casual vandalism worried the older girl. “Why’d you do that?”

“To show my mother.” She grinned, full of play as she caught up. “Don’t worry! It’s just a flower. I’m not a thief…”

Appeased, Saphienne offered her hand — and was dragged along after Kylantha as she raced away. “…So long as you put it back!”

*          *          *

All of this was happy prelude to the first moment.

One year and half again later, in the autumn, when Saphienne’s hair was red and she had begun to notice other changes creeping in, she was surprised by shouting. She was lost among the shelves of the library, usually so tranquil, when she heard the sound of the door crashing open, adult voices from outside calling after running feet.

“Saphienne! Saphienne!”

Kylantha nearly ran into her as Saphienne emerged from the end of the row, and then she did collide with her, throwing her arms around the taller girl with a muffled wail that only became louder as she cried.

“Kylantha!” Saphienne held her, caught between shocked white and an uncertain blush. “Kylantha, what’s wrong? Are you hurt?”

But she only cried and cried, and clung more tightly, her grief too great for words. They stayed like that as the librarian led a man to where they were standing, a man that Saphienne did not recognise, dressed in dull brown leathers and draped with a cloak that was patterned like the forest. He did not interrupt, not at first, waiting until the wailing turned to sobbing, and only then did he crouch down, his voice gentle but firm.

“Finish your goodbyes, girl.”

As softly as he spoke, suddenly Saphienne felt very cold. “Goodbye?” She pulled Kylantha tighter against herself.

But Kylantha drew back far enough to look up, her face red, nose running. She swallowed, and her usually vibrant voice was hoarse, broken. “Saphienne…” She struggled to speak. “Saphienne… they’re taking me away…”

End of Chapter 1

Index of Chapters here: https://www.tumblr.com/ljamberfantasy/775306768397074432/the-elf-who-would-become-a-dragon

[thereaderinsertlady]

Step 1: Go to ao3

Step 2: Search Dimentio/Reader fics

Step 3: Sigh and leave when no new ones have been posted.

Repeat daily

[tv-clown]

When me and my friends were deciding to do a web comic about our oc’s they all got the backstory; and all the design that looks amazing

Like, all this was inspired because I got a terrible brainroot again with dhims (don’t hug me I’m scared) and I was like “Hey, what if we do like a comic or video) and then, BOOM 💥

We’ve got all the material, all the things we could to start the most exciting project but class got us down, we didn’t have time SOOO it was like a thing that only the three of us know about

I’m still thinking to do it and I think they do too

A LITTLE OF THE CONTEXT(?)

The theme was going to be simple; people with certain unique characteristics live together in one place, the problem? The viewer will begin to notice that something is out of place, while of course, you see all the drama, comedy and certainly peculiar situations happen in front of your nose. But hey, there in the drawing above you have at least three characters; one missing but well, that’s what the comic web was for where different characters would be made known.

Madre De Dios, hi to anyone who took the time to read and if you are interested I would wanna know; to see if I can inspire my friends to continue with the project and bring it to life

[ollieofthebeholder]

And If Thou Wilt, Forget: a TMA fanfic

Read from the beginning on Tumblr || AO3 || My Website

Chapter 59: Time flies, hope flags, life plies a wearied wing

Tim knew waiting up until Gerry got back from returning the van rather defeated the purpose of him not tagging along, but he was pretty sure the anxiety would kill him, so while he obediently changed into sleep pants after being dropped off, he went back out and sat on the sofa. Rowlf hopped up beside him, and Tim rubbed his ears and settled back to wait for Gerry’s return. He decided to use the opportunity to go over everything they’d learned and everything they would need to do while he waited.

The next thing he knew, someone was gently shaking his shoulder. “When I said you needed to get some rest, I was thinking somewhere that wasn’t going to be hell on your back, you know.”

“Hwh—Gerry?” Tim blinked up at Gerry uncomprehendingly, then suddenly was wide awake. “Shit! What time is it?”

“Six oh two. Relax. You’ve got plenty of time.”

“No, just—shit. I didn’t actually think I was going to sleep.” Tim glanced at his hand. The ring still sat loose and unobserved. “I didn’t dream, either. Not even waiting for Jon.”

Gerry shrugged. “Probably because you know he’s safe. Either he’s not sleeping and you know he’s not going to pass out, or he got a dreamless night too and you don’t have to worry about him.”

“Hopefully the latter. He deserves it.” Tim bit the inside of his cheek. “I have a feeling these last few days are going to make both of us glad he doesn’t have room for dreams of his own anymore.”

“If you’re not going to go to bed, scoot over.” Gerry wedged himself onto the sofa between Tim and the arm, then pulled him half onto his lap. “You did it. You saved him. Without getting caught, might I add. If the Stranger even knows he’s gone yet—I know they will before long, but they might not just yet—they don’t know you’re the one that took him. They’ll know he escaped somehow, but not precisely how. And as long as we make sure he’s not alone any time soon, they won’t be likely to get him again.”

“What did they even want him for?” Tim mused. “You remember, when he was on the phone and they grabbed him, one of them said Miss Orsinov changed her mind. Shit, that means he’s talked to her before. I’m going to kill him.”

“Sounds like if you wait a few weeks, something else will do that for you. Kidding,” Gerry added when Tim twisted his head around to glare at him. “I’m only kidding. Do you think it was while he was in hiding?”

“No,” Tim said after a moment’s thought. “I think it was only a couple days before he went missing. It’s probably why I was so tense and cranky, because I knew he was in danger but not the details. God, I hate the Stranger.”

“You hated it before.”

“I hate it more now. Bad enough what it did to Danny, does it have to obfuscate everything?” Tim sighed. “Don’t answer that. I know that’s its nature, to conceal. I just…hate that he was hurting and scared and I couldn’t find him.”

“But you did,” Gerry reminded him again. “Just because you couldn’t tap into the Beholding and use it to pinpoint his location down to the exact coordinates doesn’t mean you didn’t find him. It wasn’t luck. No matter how powerful the Stranger is, it can’t hide the Archivist from his Guardian for long.”

“Thanks. I think.” Tim gave Gerry a crooked grin. “I’m going to take Rowlf for his morning walk and then grab breakfast. You heading to bed?”

“No, I can sleep while you’re at work. I’m coming with you.” Gerry kissed the back of Tim’s neck. “The Stranger is going to find you more interesting than it does me, so I’d rather you weren’t alone more than necessary right now.”

Tim decided not to argue. “Right. Let me go put a shirt on.”

There were a couple other early morning commuters at the Tube station when he left, so Gerry—reluctantly—didn’t insist on coming all the way to the Institute with him. Tim was just passing Stockwell when his phone buzzed, and he glanced down to see a text from Martin, with more typos than he usually did, as if he hadn’t been able to properly concentrate on the keyboard or his phrasing, or as if he’d typed it with his eyes closed. [Sorry tim. Wont be in today. Im hav hedache.]

Tim smiled. Clever lad.

It was a cold, gloomy, overcast day, the sort of day meant for curling up in an armchair with a good book—which he didn’t doubt for a minute Basira was prepared to do. Things would probably be pretty quiet for them. They still needed to finish sorting through the mounds of boxes that had come down, and today it was just going to be him and Melanie working on them, but at least Research wasn’t going to dump even more on them. Probably.

The usual ritual of opening up the Archives meant he didn’t have to think too hard and could let his mind drift. He strongly suspected Jonah was going to make an appearance today. While it was possible he didn’t know exactly where Jon was, or had been, he had to have known Jon had been kidnapped…and he almost certainly knew he was with Martin today. The real question was if he knew Tim had had anything to do with it. Tim was betting not, but he was likely to be suspicious at the very least, so he’d come poking around to see what Tim knew and what he’d give away.

It was a reasonably good bet that he wouldn’t get anything out of him, but he wasn’t prepared to bet his life on that, or Jon’s, so he was going to have to stay on his guard.

Melanie turned up a few minutes early with a tray of coffees, one of which she handed to Tim. “Hope I remembered your order right. I, uh, kind of feel like I owe you an apology. I’ve been a little bit of a jerk lately.”

“Apology accepted, and I hope you’ll accept mine as well. I’ve been a lot of a jerk lately.” Tim glanced at the scrawled letters on the side of the cup and took a sip of the flat white. “It’s understandable on your end. You’ve been through a lot, what with the whole getting shot thing, then getting thrown into a new job, then finding out that said new job had bound your soul into a contract with dark powers in an irrevocable blood compact. What’s my excuse?”

“That you’ve been bound to an irrevocable blood compact twice as long as any of the rest of us, had your boss murdered out from under you, and nearly had your second boss killed as well?” Melanie suggested dryly. “I’m not saying I particularly like you, but, you know, if we’re stuck here until I figure out how to kill Elias, we might as well get on, right?”

“Likewise.” Tim saluted her with the coffee cup. “Be careful with those murderous tendencies, though, that opens the door to things you’d really rather left you alone.”

“Thanks for the warning. Where’s Martin, by the way? He’s usually here first.” Melanie liberated another coffee from the tray.

Tim waved his phone at her. “He texted me this morning and said he wouldn’t be in today. Says he has a headache.”

Melanie snorted and looked around at the boxes. “I don’t blame him. This would make Seshat go cross-eyed.”

“I love that you’re familiar enough with the Egyptian gods to say Seshat and not Thoth.”

“Why should the men get to have all the fun?” Melanie thumped her coffee down on the table. “And speaking of gods, I can’t believe the Institute was open Friday and Monday.”

Tim realized with a sinking feeling that he had been so worried and stressed about Jon that he had completely forgotten about Easter. And how darkly fitting that Jon had been abducted on Maundy Thursday. “That’s my fault. Not that the Institute was open, I mean, but that I didn’t…I think technically they’re optional working days. And, you know, we’re salaried, so it’s not like we get overtime or anything as long as the work gets done. I just didn’t think about it. Last year Martin was living in the Archives, so we all came in to make sure he wasn’t alone for four days, and the year before that I’d just got back from overseas and Gertrude was—I thought—missing, so I had a lot of work to do. At least I went to Mass then, though. I’m going to hell for sure.”

“Just for missing church? Not for anything else?”

“I mean, I’m Catholic, so ‘bound directly for hell’ is kind of my default state of being,” Tim drawled, making Melanie actually laugh. “But I don’t think completely forgetting the holiest day of the year is going to be something I can wipe away with a couple rosaries.” He reached for one of the boxes. “You religious at all?”

“Not really. Used to go to church when I was a kid, at least on big days—my grandparents died when Dad was little and the uncle who took him in and raised him was a bishop—but after my mum died, I stopped believing in God.” Melanie took a pensive sip of her coffee. “Weirdly, until I started doing Ghost Hunt UK. Then…well, I still don’t do church, and I still don’t think I’m religious or anything, but there’s definitely something out there, you know? I think once you get into this sort of thing, it kind of kills any vestiges of doubt that there’s some kind of higher power. Just maybe not a benevolent one.”

“Preach it, sister.” Tim held out his fist. Melanie bumped it without trying to break any of his fingers, so he figured that counted as a victory.

Basira arrived precisely at eight, accepted her coffee with a muttered “thanks”, and took it over to the corner where she had all her books neatly stacked on a small table beside one of the study chairs. As usual, she ignored the other two as she buried herself in the top book from the pile, which looked like it might have been on alchemy. Tim and Melanie looked at one another, shrugged, and got to work.

“What are we looking for, anyway?” Melanie asked, pulling out yet another folder and frowning at it. “Or is this a ‘you’ll know it when you see it’ type thing? I mean, I know it’s stuff that’s going to help Jon, but help him with what? He’s been asking a lot about circuses, but…”

“Circuses. Mannequins. Taxidermy. Anything you might class as ‘Uncanny Valley’ type stuff.” Tim eyed Melanie sideways. “When did he ask you about circuses?”

Melanie winced. “Look. Don’t tell Martin, but I was helping Jon out while he was…you know, hiding. I’m friends with Georgie Barker, and she apparently let him know I was back from India and had a new job, so he got word to me and got me to agree to help him.”

“Makes sense. Tonner was watching Martin too closely in the hopes he’d lead her to Jon, and I’d been so mad at him for so long he wouldn’t have trusted me if I’d told him carrots were edible.” Tim flipped open a folder to check the date on the statement. “As long as you’re not the one who set his hand on fire, I don’t have to kill you today.”

“Uh…no, but I think that might have been my fault anyway,” Melanie confessed. “You remember I asked you about Jude Perry? That’s the last information I passed on to him before he vanished for three days and came back with his hand bandaged and his throat cut.”

Tim mentally filed Jude Perry’s name in the Desolation category. “Not your fault. He’d have found her name somewhere with or without your assistance, and I’m sure he would have stuck his nose in it anyway. And by the way, I am sorry for yelling at you about the whole…Sasha thing. That wasn’t your fault either.”

Melanie looked up at him in obvious surprise. “I accept your apology. Why did you blame me for that, by the way?”

“Because I was angry at myself for not realizing she was a…well, a stranger,” Tim said honestly. “Gertrude taught me better than that, I should have been able to sense it a million miles away, but I didn’t and Jon nearly got badly hurt, even killed, because of it.”

“I didn’t think you liked him all that much.”

“I didn’t, but it’s my job to protect him. Which also pissed me off. Nothing quite like being forced to lick the hands of someone whose throat you’d happily tear out given half the chance.”

Melanie shuddered. “I honestly think I’d rather cut my own throat than be in that situation.”

Tim gave her a crooked smile. “Helps that there were other people who benefited from him being okay. I might have happily killed him if given half the chance, but not if it meant putting Martin at risk.”

“Speaking of, I assume he’s not coming in today either. Jon, I mean.”

“He hasn’t said anything to me,” Tim said with perfect accuracy. “But I assume not.”

They worked in silence for a couple more hours, sorting the statements by date to start with. The slight tightening of Tim’s ring on his finger was all the warning he got before Melanie asked distractedly, “Did we ever figure out where that calliope ended up?”

Even without the alert that they were being spied on, Tim wouldn’t have given anything away, but he’d have to play it really casual. “What brought that up?”

“This statement is going on about a carousel.” Melanie waved the folder she was holding. “Something about the music being haunted or possessed or something like that. I just wondered if they were connected.”

“Can I see?” Tim reached for the folder.

In that instant, the phone on his desk gave the cheerful, slightly mocking beep that meant an interoffice call. Tim sighed in exasperation and picked up the phone. “Archives, Stoker speaking.”

“There’s a gentleman here to give a statement, Tim,” Rosie trilled. “Elias said to send right for you to come and get it.”

“Do me a favor, Rosie. Tell Elias where he can shove it, assuming he can find room around the stick and his head.” Tim slammed the phone down before Rosie could respond. “You have got to be kidding me.”

“What does he want with you?” Melanie asked suspiciously.

“There’s someone here to give us a statement, and Elias wants us to take care of it. Dammit.” Tim rubbed his forehead and sighed. “Can you take this one?”

Melanie blinked. “I mean…I guess, but why?”

“Because I already took one this week. Look, have you recorded any statements before? That won’t go on the laptops, I mean?”

“Just one. I felt really weird afterward. Like I had the flu or something.”

“Yeah, that happens. They can be pretty draining until you get used to them. And I don’t…it’s complicated. But I can’t do two in a week without getting sick, and since I don’t want to abandon you to all this…” Tim swept a hand at the boxes.

Melanie looked uncertain, but nodded. “Yeah, um, sure. I’ll, uh, I’ll just go get him, then.”

“Thanks, Melanie. I appreciate it.” Tim waved her off. “Tell you what, while you’re doing that I’ll run and grab lunch. You like falafel? There’s a place a couple blocks away that does a good falafel.”

“Ooh, Fadlan’s Falafel? Yeah, they’re great. Thanks.” Melanie gave him a thumbs up and headed towards the steps. Tim checked on Basira, then headed out the side door.

It wasn’t quite noon, which meant he had a bit of time before things got too crazy. Tim glanced up at the leaden sky and made his way towards the river and the falafel truck. He was very aware of the incessant squeezing on his middle finger—whatever had been watching them in the Archives was still watching him, which was…odd. Good, because it meant it was leaving Melanie alone…probably…but not great. Shit, had it wanted to get him alone?

As the thought crossed his mind, he almost bumped straight into the only other person on the Chelsea Embankment at quarter to twelve on a gloomy April Friday.

“Oh—excuse me, miss,” he said, stepping aside politely.

The woman smiled, showing off very white teeth. She was tall and thin and dressed similarly to how he remembered Sasha dressing, except that where Sasha’s were merely of a somewhat vintage aesthetic, this woman’s granny square skirt, floral peasant top, and army surplus jacket all seemed to come directly from the 1970s. She had a puff of bleached blonde hair and looked as though she had a lace maid’s cap pinned to her curls.

And Tim recognized what she was immediately.

“What are you doing here?” he growled.

The woman’s eyes sparkled. All six of them—two where her normal eyes should be, and two more ghostly silver pairs above them. Tim got the impression they either weren’t actually there, or weren’t normally visible to other people. “I was looking for you, Tim. Can I call you Tim?”

“Are you actually going to call me something different if I say no?” Tim scowled at her. The Ceaseless Watcher tapped him on the shoulder, metaphorically speaking, and supplied her name. “You can call me Tim if I can call you Annabelle.”

“Of course.” Annabelle Cane fell into step beside him. “This won’t take long.”

“I hope you know you’re only getting away with this because we’re walking away from the Institute.”

“Oh, I know. And I know the Archivist isn’t there right now, either, or you’d probably shove me in the river,” Annabelle said conversationally, as if they were chatting about the weather.

Tim answered her in the same tone of voice. “No, if the Archivist was there, I’d snap your neck first, just to be sure. I might still shove you in the river.”

Annabelle shrugged, as though it didn’t matter. “Spiders can swim, you know.”

“Spiders are light enough that they can take advantage of surface tension,” Tim corrected her. “You, however, are not. And I haven’t heard any reason not to test whether you weigh the same as a duck.”

“Do you ever wonder how many innocent women died because their fathers sensibly taught them to swim?”

“I work for the Eye. I don’t have to wonder.” Tim could probably have rattled off names, ages, and weights if he really wanted to, with a little effort. Along with the names of every single person who should have saved them but didn’t. “So tell me, Annabelle. What does the Web want with me?”

Annabelle gave him a sly, sidelong look. “So tell me, Tim. If I gave you a straight answer to that question, would you believe a word of it?”

“Depends on what your answer was.”

“Ooh, you are clever. Gertrude was right to choose you.” Annabelle clapped her hands, obviously delighted. “It’s a shame you weren’t meant for the Web, but, well, we knew that would never be what you chose. Still, I don’t think the Merchant expected you to last as long as you did when you claimed Eye and Stranger both.”

Tim stopped. Something twisted in his chest. “The Night Market. The man with the table. Of course that was the Web.” He glanced down at the ring again. “You have already begun to pay. That’s what he meant. I’d already started paying for the Stranger by losing Danny, and I was already falling into the Eye before I knew what it was.”

“And you’ve paid for both,” Annabelle agreed. “Twelve times over.”

Tim clenched his fist and looked Annabelle in the eye. “You know I only claimed the bird to give it to the Archivist to destroy.”

“Yes, I know.” Annabelle smiled, then grew serious. “All right, Tim. One straight answer, without the twists and tangles. You’ve certainly earned that. What does the Web want with you? Quite simply, it wants to be sure you know that the Archivist will not succeed without you there.”

“Really,” Tim said flatly.

Annabelle nodded. “You know that the Web sees…patterns. An Archivist on his own follows one path. An Archivist with his protector follows another. I’ve come to warn you that when the time comes, if you don’t go with him, it all falls apart.”

Tim stared at her for a long moment, then nodded once. “All right. Consider me warned.”

Annabelle smiled again, almost mischievously, and her eyes—fourteen in total now—glittered again. “It’s likely we won’t see one another again, so let me just say, it’s been a pleasure talking with you. Good luck, Tim. I think you’re going to need it.”

“Have a good life, Annabelle,” Tim said. “You’re also going to need it.” He gave her a crooked smile, then added, “Now, stay away from my people.”

Annabelle bowed theatrically, gave him a wink and a fluttery little wave, and faded back against the bushes. A moment later there was nothing left except spiderwebs draped over branches.

Tim took a deep, steadying breath and hurried towards Fadlan’s Falafel.

No more than fifteen minutes later he was approaching the Institute, bag in hand, when an alarm bell sounded in his head. Something had been in the Archives—not the Web, or at least not Annabelle, but something else. It only took one more step before he tasted the salt and cold and knew the Lonely had made an appearance.

Putting on a burst of speed, Tim charged through the side door and leaped the steps down into the Archives. “Melanie! Basira!” he yelled, heart pounding. Please, God, let him not be too late—

“Tim?” Melanie called, and some of Tim’s worry eased back. “Did you pass anyone coming in?”

Tim slowed to fast walk and came out of the shelves. Basira and Melanie were standing by the desks, scowling at one another, but both turned to look as he approached. “No, not coming in. Why?” He held up the bag and added, “Got lunch, by the way.”

“Thanks.” Melanie took the bag from him and set it on the desk, then began unpacking it, talking as she did so. “I was taking the statement from that guy Rosie called down about—I couldn’t get a straight story out of him, he was so terrified, but apparently his flat was overrun with spiders—”

“Of course it was spiders.” Tim sighed. “I did run into someone spider related, but it was a woman.”

“Well, this was definitely a man. I tried to calm him down with some tea, but he was just…he was really having a time of it. I went to get him some biscuits or something, and when I came back, he was just…gone.” Melanie frowned. “I assumed he’d scarpered. Basira said she didn’t see him leave, but it was so cold—was the door open when you came in?”

Tim pursed his lips. “No, but…hang on.” He reached for his phone and pressed a button he normally would rather have chewed off his own hands at the wrists than press.

Rosie’s voice chirruped down the line. “Mr. Bouchard’s office.”

“Hi, Rosie, it’s Tim,” Tim said, layering as much false sincerity into his voice as possible. “Is Elias available? We seem to have misplaced something.”

“Elias is in an appointment with an Institute donor right now, but I can have him contact you as soon as he’s free.”

“Not necessary, that answers my question completely. Have the day you deserve.” Tim hung up without further pleasantries and turned to Melanie. “Spider Guy is gone, and he’s not coming back. One of the Lukases came through and made off with him. I’ll explain some other time, but just know he didn’t run off.”

“Oh. Okay.” Melanie blinked at him. “Does that happen often?”

“Not while I’m around.” Tim bared his teeth at her in a grin. It actually made her laugh. “Come on, let’s wolf down this falafel and see how much headway we can get in these boxes. I don’t plan to think about them over the weekend and I’d love for Martin to come in Monday and be relieved we didn’t let the place go completely to shit without him to help.”