18
A flickering light appeared behind us. I turned and watched as the candles along the walls on either side of us were lit by invisible hands. The trail of illumination traveled to the center of the library and around the balconies, giving us a look at the familiar countless rows of books that stretched up and down the many levels of the majestic Mallus Library.
A figure draped in shadows stood before the railing that surrounded the center of the library. Their hands were clasped behind their back and their glowing yellow eyes were glued to us.
I tapped on Xander’s shoulder. “Um, Xander?”
Xander turned. His eyes fell on the figure and his hand moved to grasp the hilt of the sword clasped between my shaking hands.
“There is no need for that, King of Alexandria,” Crates called to
