Chapter 31: A Place to Think
A few minutes of silence passed between them, their footsteps the only sound echoing through the wide, stone-lined halls as they approached the library. The door that greeted them was grand—towering and made of polished mahogany, its surface etched with intricate carvings of owls, scrolls, and stars. Above the arch, a bronze plaque gleamed under the corridor light, clearly marked: Library.
Maria stepped forward, placing her hand delicately on one of the ornate door handles. With a gentle push, the heavy door creaked open, revealing a breathtaking sight within. Towering bookshelves stretched up toward a vaulted ceiling lined with golden beams.
The air held the faint scent of parchment and aged wood. Some books floated lazily through the air, flipping their pages mid-flight before returning to their places, guided by an unseen enchantment. Soft glows from enchanted lanterns hung overhead, casting a cozy warmth over the vast interior.
Scattered throughout the space were velvet armchairs and long wooden tables, most of them occupied by students quietly conversing or poring over thick study tomes—some of whom Silas recognized from his earlier classes.
Silas stepped in behind Maria, following her into the sea of knowledge. As the door slowly swung back, he caught it with one hand and closed it gently behind them, the click of the latch muffled by the hushed ambience inside. The soft thud felt oddly grounding—like crossing a threshold into a different world.
"Where should we sit?"
Maria's whisper softened further, almost reverent in the library's hush.
Silas let his gaze drift, eyes scanning quickly and efficiently. He wasn't just looking for a place to sit—he was calculating sightlines, proximity, and isolation. Finally, he found what he was searching for: a table tucked away in the far corner of the library, partially hidden behind rows of tall shelves.
The corner held a modest table meant for four, flanked by high-backed chairs. A large arched window loomed just beyond it, offering a serene view of the courtyard below, where the afternoon sunlight filtered through gently swaying leaves. Golden light pooled on the marble floor like warm silk.
"How about there?" he said, pointing.
Maria followed his gaze, and upon spotting the table, her expression brightened with subtle delight. She offered a faint smile and raised both thumbs up with exaggerated approval.