The silence inside the Vault lingered like fog.
Ethan stood still, hands loose at his sides, head slightly tilted as he stared up toward the endless swirl of floating shelves above.
It wasn't a ceiling, just a void filled with glowing books and distant light, but somehow, it felt like something was watching him.
Not just the Librarian.
Not just the others.
The Vault itself.
He didn't speak.
Didn't move.
Until soft footsteps echoed behind him.
Lilith stepped forward first. Calm on her face, as usual, but it was thinner now. Not broken, just… strained.
Her arms were folded, but her eyes were moving, watching Ethan, the floating book, and the silent woman beside him, who still hadn't moved since calling him "Master."
Elowen followed, then Seraphina, Isabella, Liliana, and the twins. All of them gathered now. Silent, but awake.
Finally, Lilith spoke.
