The heavy silence of the underground chamber lingered in Lira's ears as she climbed the winding staircase back toward the upper library. Each step felt heavier than the last, the glowing scroll pressed firmly against her chest. When she finally emerged into the familiar rows of books and lantern-lit arches, the air felt brighter, lighter, like she had left part of herself below, tested and reshaped.
She wasted no time. Clutching the scroll, she hurried across the echoing corridors until the tall doors of the Grandmaster's study rose before her. She hesitated only a heartbeat before knocking.
The voice that answered was calm, patient. "Enter."
The room smelled faintly of parchment and incense. The Grandmaster sat at his high desk, sunlight spilling across maps and records spread before him. His dark hair gleamed in the light, and his sharp eyes lifted the moment she stepped inside.
"You've returned quicker than I expected."
