I draw a sign in the air with my fingers in front of the wooden leaf. Then the shelf full of austere architectural books transform into a series of heterogeneous works that look nothing like the other books in the shop. Leno looks around nervously but nobody reacts to the change.

I reassure him. "They can't see it. Don't worry."

"Can I?" He asks, extending his hand tentatively.

I nod and take one book myself. It's an interesting one. I already have it in Budapest, though. Not surprising. I have a lot of books. But my eye is drawn to a sheet of paper rolled like a parchment. It looks sophisticated but very recent. It is attached with a blue silky bow and lies on top of the books.

Intrigued, I untie the bow and open the paper. Leno put his own book back, his attention also caught by what I found, and we read the text, written in a beautiful but a little chaotic handwriting.

Dear fellow magician,

You are very lucky because you have in your hands an invitation to a treasure hunt. Yes, you read well: a treasure hunt.

The first person who will find this message can keep it and embark on an adventure they'll never forget. But if they do not dare to seize the opportunity, then it's quite simple: they can leave the message on the shelf and move on.

However, if you have the courage to face the unknown, then this quest is for you.

I cannot contain my excitement, and I lift my eyes off the sheet of paper for a minute. "Oh my god, a quest!" I whisper-scream to Leno, who seems as hyped as I am.

Are you still there? Wonderful! Follow the instructions that will lead you from one place to another. At each step, you'll have to solve riddles and mysteries to prove your value. And if you succeed, an incredible prize waits for you in the end, a true treasure.

All that's left for me is to wish you good luck.

V.

I crossed Leno's hopeful gaze and smiled. My lover is adventurous and curious and I love that so much about him.

"You want to try it?" I asked.

"It seems fun. You don't think it's dangerous?"

I shake my head. "I don't know why but I have a good feeling about this."

"So do I." Leno grins.

I activate the shelf's magical mechanism again to give it back its original form before storing discreetly the letter in my bag. Leno chooses one of the architecture books and buys it, still convinced he has to cover up our magical shenanigans by looking like a real customer. His bright smile looks so innocent, though, that nobody could think a bad thing about him.

Outside the store, scarf, beanie and gloves back on, I hug my favorite immortal and kiss his ear.

"It's going to be amazing!" I say.

He nods in my embrace. "Now, let's call Zoé."