Chapter 185: Lydia Theodore’s Sanctuary.
Library, Theodore Mansion.
Critic Arley, Critic-Ishire.
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With a final glance down the dimly lit hallway, Dorothy turned the brass doorknob and pushed the door open. The library greeted them with a hushed, almost reverent silence. Moonlight streamed through the little gaps in the tall windows, casting a gentle glow on the rows of mahogany bookshelves. The scent of old paper and leather bindings filled the air, a familiar and comforting aroma.
Joyous closed the door behind them, and they both moved deeper into the room, their footsteps muffled by the thick Persian rug that covered the wooden floor. Dorothy led the way to their lady’s favourite reading nook, a cosy corner with a plush armchair and a small table, where a teacup and saucer still sat from her last visit.
Joyous narrowed her eyes, "Dorothy we cannot sit on that chair" she pointed out.
"I was only going to check it out" Dorothy lied with an embarrassed grin.
"Refrain from doing so," Joyous said pointedly before walking away. "What should we read?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Dorothy scanned the shelves, her fingers trailing along the spines of the books. "How about this one?" She pulled out a well-worn volume with a vibrant cover. "It’s one of her favourites. ’The Secret Garden’."
Joyous smiled, recognizing the title. "Oh, I’ve always wanted to read that." they hadn’t been able to read it because she would want to read something new whenever she was reading with them.
They settled into the reading nook, Joyous perched on the floor resting her back on the armrest of the chair while Dorothy sat cross-legged on the floor. Dorothy opened the book, and as she began to read aloud, Joyous closed her eyes, letting the words transport her to another world.