The archive doors sealed behind Selenne, and the sound lingered through the chamber long enough for Marisse to watch the final trace of violet light disappear from the frame.
She kept her attention upon the doorway for another breath.
Selenne always left as though the conversation had ended precisely where she intended it to end. She offered neither haste nor triumph, only that measured calm which made every challenge directed at her seem poorly prepared. Even her accusations arrived disguised as observations, leaving the other person to decide whether taking offence would prove the point.
Marisse lowered her gaze to the folio still resting beneath her hand.
'Infuriating woman.'
The archivist completed the seal upon her final examination record and slid it into its appointed tray. The ward closed over it with a muted shimmer, while his quill entered her name and the hour into the broad ledger beside him.
"Your records will reach the registrar before the evening bell," he said.
