The stench of dust, chilly stone, and lost spirits pervaded the ancient library.

Its shelves were so tall that the moonlight was unable to penetrate to the uppermost levels, where it vanished into darkness. Silver dust particles shimmered like fading stars with each stride we took. The location felt abandoned by time itself rather than being old.

Selene stepped in front of Maya and me, her candle illuminating the glyphs etched into the walls with long, flickering shadows.

Maya rubbed her ...