The second level of the east archive matched exactly what Elaine described. Cosy and private. A space created intentionally for discreet access. Tall shelves lined three walls, filled with bound volumes and sealed document cases. The air smelled of old paper and leather binding, dust and something faintly sweet, like aging preservation wax. A single mana lantern sat on the central table, its gentle glow casting a warm amber hue that gave the room a timeless, inviting feel.
Elaine was already there when Leo arrived.
She did not look up right away. She stood at the far shelf, her fingers gliding over the spines of bound volumes, as if she had been waiting and had filled her time with work. Her black hair was loose, the white tips catching the lantern light. Her glasses had slipped down her nose, and she seemed content to leave them there.
