Chapter 634: Wisdom of the Ancients
The library echoed the design of the Divine Throne’s Library of Light, but on a scale that stole my breath. I stood at the center of an immense circle, surrounded by hallways radiating outward like the rays of the sun. Delicate paintings of ancient spell weavers and mosaics of swirling constellations adorned the walls and floor. Glowing crystals, shaped like stars, were embedded in every surface, bathing the vast space in a gentle light.
From the central circle, the main hallways branched into smaller offshoots lined with bookshelves. Glowing runes, carved directly into the floor, marked each section. I craned my neck, gazing up at least ten more identical levels rising above us. More runes illuminated alcoves along the circle’s circumference, where I presumed floating platforms waited to carry visitors between floors.
Closing my eyes, I inhaled deeply. The familiar, musty scent of ancient pages filled my lungs, bringing tears to my eyes. Protective and preservative enchantments emanated from every stone and shelf, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere.
"He would have loved it here," I murmured, the words barely a whisper.
My eyes fluttered open, and I turned to find Emlica watching me, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"I-I don’t know what to say," I stammered, "Other than...thank you for bringing me here. It’s beautiful."
"Your expression says more than words ever could. The wonder in your eyes is all the thanks I need."
She appeared more solid than before, her aura swirling like distant storm clouds.
"You’re the real one?" I asked.
"In the flesh," she said, a hint of wry humor in her tone. "Or, at least, as close to flesh as a remnant can get."
A flash of gold caught my eye as another Emlica walked into sight over the railing of the third floor. They caught my eye and smiled, then vanished in a puff of stars.