The deeper I moved into the library, the quieter it became.
The grand openness near the entrance slowly gave way to narrower aisles and taller shelves, the sunlight dimming as it struggled to reach between rows of knowledge that had likely stood untouched for years. The air felt different here—heavier, older, like it carried the weight of every thought ever written down and forgotten.
Eventually, I reached a section where an entire wall had been dedicated to organization.
It was… impressive.
Carved neatly into polished wood were categories, arranged both alphabetically and by subject. The lettering was elegant but clear, each section labeled with careful precision—romance, history, politics, economics, arcane studies, healing arts, warfare, philosophy, theology…
And more.
Much more.
My gaze moved slowly across it, scanning, searching.
Maribel remained a step behind me, quiet for once, watching as I studied the wall like it might reveal secrets if I stared hard enough.
