Selene arrived at the door of Lucas's chamber and, without knocking, pushed it open. The faint glow of lamplight spilled across the floor, casting long shadows that flickered against the walls. Inside, Lucas was still at the desk, completely absorbed in the contents before him, the crystalline Core of Dominion resting delicately in one hand, Sage Raph's handwritten notes spread out neatly on the table. His eyes moved rapidly over the pages, his brow slightly furrowed, his breathing calm yet deliberate. The faint hum of energy from the core seemed to merge with the quiet rustle of parchment as he turned another page.
She stepped closer, the familiar soft click of her boots barely breaking the silence. "Xavier," she called softly at first, her voice carrying a blend of warmth and expectation. There was no response. His head remained bowed over the notes, the golden glow from the core reflecting faintly in his eyes.
