[Academy Library —]
"Ugh, why do these books weigh more than me?" Valkyrie muttered under her breath, clutching a wobbling stack of dusty tomes against her chest. Her steps were uneven, and every second book at the top threatened to topple.
The Academy library was massive—towering shelves, spiraling ladders, stained-glass windows that let in fractured sunlight.
But right now, it felt like a death trap. Each book smelled like a century of forgotten knowledge, heavy enough to crush her if she tripped.
She tried balancing the pile with her chin but ended up stumbling over the edge of a rug. With a muffled yelp, she swerved around a corner—
—and slammed straight into someone.
The books exploded like startled pigeons, thudding to the marble floor in a loud cascade. Valkyrie groaned, rubbing her hand against her forehead.
"Sorry, I didn't see you there."
