Chapter 11
The Temple Library dominated the square, its entrance flanked with fluted columns of grey-veined creamy marble. The building was crowned with the golden dome that Esme had seen from atop the Keeper’s Tower.
‘Thanks for showing me the way,’ said Esme. ‘I can take it from here.’
‘Nonsense. I’m staying,’ said Lillian. ‘But don’t you need to go and get ready for your trip tomorrow, Daniel?’
Daniel rolled his eyes. ‘You’re really not used to having me around, are you?’
A mass flapping of wings interrupted them. A nearby flock of pigeons had taken off in a startled rush.
‘Oh no,’ cried Lillian, as a rumble came up from the ground below.
It sounded like an enormous subterranean beast, making strange noises in its sleep. The sounds came intermittently at first, before joining tog
