For several seconds, no one moved.
The ancient book rested on its stone pedestal, surrounded by a faint silver glow.
Evelyn stared at it.
She could feel the same strange pull she’d felt moments earlier.
It wasn’t calling to her with words.
It felt more like recognition.
As though the book already knew she was there.
Lucas squeezed her hand.
“You don’t have to touch it.”
Evelyn looked at him.
“I think I do.”
Kael stepped closer.
“Then we stay with you.”
One by one, the others moved forward.
Seven Guardians.
One circle.
⸻
Professor Ashcroft remained near the doorway.
His eyes never left the book.
“Evelyn.”
She turned.
“Yes?”
“Before you open it, understand something.”
He walked toward them.
“That book belonged to the First Guardians.”
Nyx’s eyes widened.
“How do you
