The quiet stillness of the library was broken by the sound of soft, uneven footsteps.
Kael turned his head instinctively, his ears catching the faint dragging of something heavy being carried across the polished floor.
"Kael… where are you?"
It was a familiar voice.
He blinked, quickly setting aside the map book as he rose from his seat. The voice called again, louder this time, carrying across the shelves.
"Kael! Kaelll?"
"I'm here!" Kael answered, stepping out from behind a row of shelves.
He hurried toward the sound, and soon saw her—Professor Aelra.
Kael's eyes widened. Even from a distance, he could tell the weapon was far from light.
Aelra was strong—stronger than most ordinary people—but even she seemed to struggle with the weight of it.
Her shoulders tensed, and by the time Kael reached her, he noticed the faint sheen of sweat on her brow.
"Professor!" Kael exclaimed, rushing to take the sword from her hands.
