CHAPTER FIFTY NINE - Through The Looking Glass Darkly

The Shadow Crest library took Aria's breath away. Three stories of floor-to-ceiling shelves lined with ancient tomes, scrolls, and modern volumes. A spiral staircase wound through the center of the circular room, connecting the levels. "Impressive, isn't it?" Victor gestured to the expanse. "Knowledge collected over centuries. Much of it rescued before the Kanes could burn it." A guard stood at attention nearby—not close enough to hear their conversation, but positioned to intervene if necessary. "The historical documents are in this section," Victor led her to a collection of leather-bound volumes. "Pack treaties, territorial maps, council proceedings from before the wars. Feel free to browse." Aria ran her fingers along the spines. "Thank you." "I'll return in an hour. Do enjoy yourself." Victor's smile didn't quite reach his eyes as he departed, leaving her with the watchful guard. Aria began with the territorial maps, comparing boundaries from different eras. Indeed, Shadow C