“NOW, my dear ladies, your time begins.”
At once, the candidates moved toward the shelves, their eyes scanning the shelves before selecting manuscripts and scrolls that caught their interest. Some quickly settled at the desks, quills in hand, already beginning the arduous task of transcription. Madam Luwig, however, remained upon the podium. Her gaze lingered on Thalia, steady and intent, until it stirred a sense of unease in the young woman. To Thalia’s surprise, the Madam descended the steps, approached her in silence, and gently took her hands. Without a word, she slipped a small object into Thalia’s palm. Then, with a swift turn of her heel, Madam Luwig strode toward the doors and departed from the hall.
She ran her fingers over the dry, smooth paper before unfolding it. The gracefu
