I pulled my cloak tighter against the biting wind as we approached the ancient monastery. Its weathered stone spires rose like skeletal fingers against the gray sky, partially collapsed yet somehow defiant against time itself.
"This is it," I said, glancing at Alaric beside me. "The Library of Vellum—or what remains of it."
Alaric nodded, his eyes narrowed with concentration. The journey had been long, especially considering I'd given birth merely three months ago. Our youngest daughter, little Seraphina, remained at Lockwood under the vigilant protection of Alistair and a contingent of our most trusted guards.
"You should have stayed with her," Alaric had argued when I insisted on joining this quest. "You're still recovering."
But I would not be swayed. "The trial of Wisdom requires my presence," I'd countered. "You need me, Alaric. This isn't about strength of arm but strength of mind."
