Nearly three hours slipped by without anyone finding an answer.
The initial confidence that had filled the library gradually disappeared, replaced by an oppressive silence broken only by the endless ticking of the enormous clock suspended high above us.
Tick...
Tock...
Every swing of the pendulum seemed louder than the last.
Most of us had already abandoned any hope of randomly discovering the correct book. Instead, everyone moved methodically through the endless shelves, carefully examining titles that constantly shifted depending on who observed them.
Then...
Movement caught everyone's attention. One of the Noctari stepped confidently from between two towering bookshelves.
Unlike before, there wasn't the slightest hesitation in his stride.
A satisfied smile rested upon his shadow-like face as he carried a thick black volume tucked beneath one arm.
Even Shade looked toward him.
"You've found it?"
"I have."
The Noctari's voice carried absolute certainty.
