He had gained valuable information today, but the cost had been higher than expected. The library held secrets, but accessing them would require patience and preparation. He could not afford reckless mistakes.
He carefully placed the book back inside the cabinet and sealed it once more, making sure the locks were restored as closely as possible to their original state. He stepped back and studied the cabinet for a long moment, his eyes scanning every detail until he was satisfied that nothing appeared disturbed.
Only then did he turn away, moving toward the staircase leading back down to the first floor.
As he descended, the soft creak of the wooden steps beneath his boots was the only sound in the otherwise still library. The mana lamps along the walls burned low and steady, casting a warm amber glow across the polished stone.
He was still lost in thought when his eyes caught a movement near the main door.
