The sun had barely crested the rooftops when Elynara slipped out from her room, her notebook tucked neatly under one arm. The warmth of the covers still clung to her sleeves, but the quiet resolve in her steps kept her from turning back. Another day had begun, and today, she intended to start it with answers.

There was still a half-silence throughout the rest of the church, shifting between morning chores and full activity, and the early light cast a soft gold glow down the hallway. Rather than wait to be swept up in tasks, she made her way to the library.

The small wooden door yielded with a familiar creak. Inside, the same faint scent of dust, ink, and wood polish drifted around her like a greeting. The nun behind the desk offered a mild nod over her reading glasses but said nothing as Elynara moved past her usual spot.

She didn’t reach for anything specific. Just took down a handful of the older-looking books, some cloth-bound and frayed at the edges, others with cracked leather. Their spines creaked in protest as she set them gently onto the desk. One by one, she opened them, squinting at the faded ink and narrow script.