EMBER
I finished my portion of the farm work just as the sun crested the horizon, my back screaming and my hands raw with new blisters. Every muscle ached from yesterday, but I pushed through, determined.
After that, I joined the morning cleaning crew for a few hours, scrubbing the floors. The moment no one was watching, I slipped away.
My heart raced as I hurried towards the eastern tower.
Nara had told me about the Arcane Archive, and I was desperate to find it. I needed answers. For Azai's poison. For the terrifying voices in my head in that strange dream. For the truth about who I really was.
When I finally pushed open a heavy wooden door and the unmistakable scent of old books, dust, leather, and ink washed over me, relief flooded my chest so strongly that I nearly cried.
Books!
