The morning sun had barely cleared the horizon when Valmira approached me in the Academy's courtyard. She carried the ancient tome strapped to her back, its leather cover worn but resolute. Behind her, frost-lilies and flame-roses nodded in silent greeting as students and professors prepared for another day of unparalleled learning.
"Architect," she said softly, "I have found our next destination."
Her eyes glowed with the thrill of forbidden knowledge. I set aside the treaties I had been reviewing and met her gaze. "The Spiral Library," I said, finishing her thought. "Do you believe it still exists?"
Valmira inclined her head. "It opened last night in the rift beyond the east wing. The Codex recorded a faint echo of its summons. We must go before it closes again."
