Jack returned to his chamber in Caeloria. The massive bed dominated the space, its silk sheets still rumpled from his week of unconsciousness.
The air inside carried the staleness of rooms sealed away from the world, undisturbed by passage or breath.
Afternoon light filtered through the windows, casting long shadows across the stone floor that seemed to stretch like fingers reaching for something just beyond its grasp.
He moved to the table beside his bed and placed the tome down carefully.
The leather binding felt warm beneath his palms, as if the book itself was alive with contained knowledge waiting to be unleashed.
Jack's entire body ached as he positioned himself in the chair, each movement sending sharp reminders of injuries still healing beneath his skin.
His hands trembled slightly as he opened it.
