The Observatory seemed larger in the early morning light, its brass dome gleaming like a second sun. The streets of the Scholars' Quarter were quieter now, the usual bustle replaced by an eerie stillness. I glanced at Lyra as we approached the entrance, the relic still heavy in my hand.
"You think she's going to hold up her end of the deal?" I asked.
"She'll help," Lyra said, though her voice carried a note of reluctance. "But not without more strings attached."
The door creaked open as we stepped inside, and the cool air of the Observatory greeted us. The faint hum of magic filled the halls, accompanied by the quiet murmur of scholars poring over their charts and instruments. Cerys was waiting for us in her upper chamber, seated at her desk with an expression that shifted between curiosity and impatience as we entered.
"Well?" she asked, leaning forward.
Lyra pulled the relic from her pack, setting it carefully on the desk. "We found it."
Cerys' eyes lit up, her hands hovering over the cylindrical object as if she were afraid to touch it. "So, it's true," she murmured, her voice filled with wonder. "I've read about artifacts like this, but I never thought I'd see one."
She studied the relic intently, her fingers tracing the etched runes without actually making contact. "The patterns are faint," she said, almost to herself. "The magic is dormant, but it's there—buried beneath centuries of decay."
"Is it what you were looking for?" Lyra asked, her tone sharp.
"Oh, it's more than I hoped for," Cerys said, finally tearing her gaze away from the relic. "This is a piece of the old world, a fragment of what existed before the Shattering. The power contained in this artifact could change everything."
I shifted uneasily. "Change everything how?"
Cerys smiled faintly. "That depends on how it's used—and by whom. But don't worry, I have no intention of misusing it. My interest is purely academic."
"Good," Lyra said. "Because now it's time for you to hold up your end of the deal."
Cerys sighed, leaning back in her chair. "I always honor my agreements, Lyra. But getting you access to the Grand Archive is... complicated."
Lyra's eyes narrowed. "You're stalling."
"No, I'm explaining," Cerys said calmly. "The Archive isn't just a library; it's a fortress of knowledge guarded by layers of bureaucracy and magic. Even with my connections, I can't simply walk you in."
"Then what was the point of this?" I asked, gesturing to the relic.
"The point," Cerys said, her tone hardening, "is that I can still help you—but it will take time. The Archive is restricted to members of the Arcanum Concord or those under their sponsorship. And as luck would have it, I need an assistant."
"You want us to work for you now?" Lyra asked, her voice incredulous.
"Not both of you," Cerys said, her gaze settling on me. "Just him."
I blinked, taken aback. "Why me?"
"Because you've already shown promise," Cerys said, her eyes flicking to the pendant at my chest. "You might not understand it yet, but the magic you carry is significant. And more importantly, it will give me the leverage I need to justify bringing you into the Archive."
Lyra folded her arms, her posture tense. "And what happens if he refuses?"
"Then we're at an impasse," Cerys said simply. "But if you're serious about finding the answers you're looking for, this is your best chance."
I looked at Lyra, her expression a mix of frustration and uncertainty. The idea of staying here, of working under Cerys, didn't sit well with me. But neither did the thought of leaving without the knowledge we needed.
"What does being your assistant involve?" I asked cautiously.
"Mostly busywork," Cerys admitted. "Cataloging records, assisting with research—enough to convince the Concord that you're a legitimate scholar-in-training. You'll also need to pass their novice evaluation to be formally recognized."
"Novice evaluation?" I repeated, my stomach sinking.
Cerys nodded. "A basic demonstration of magical aptitude. Nothing too advanced, but you'll need to show control and understanding of foundational principles."
"And if I fail?"
"Then the Concord won't recognize you, and I won't be able to get you into the Archive," she said bluntly.
Lyra stepped closer, her voice low. "Aric, this is a trap. She's tying you to her."
"Maybe," I said quietly. "But she's right—we don't have another way in."
Lyra's jaw tightened, but she didn't argue.
Cerys rose from her chair, crossing the room to retrieve a thin, leather-bound book from one of the shelves. She handed it to me, her expression serious.
"This is a primer on basic magic," she said. "You'll need to study it before your evaluation. The test won't be easy, but if you focus, you'll pass."
I took the book, the worn leather cool beneath my fingers. "When is the evaluation?"
"Three days from now," she said. "That should give you enough time to prepare—assuming you don't waste it."
As we left the Observatory, the weight of what lay ahead settled over me like a lead cloak. Lyra was silent as we walked, her eyes scanning the streets with a wariness I'd come to recognize.
"She's playing us," she said finally, her voice tight.
"Maybe," I admitted. "But if this is what it takes to get into the Archive, I'll do it."
Lyra stopped, turning to face me. "You don't have to do this alone, Aric. I can help you. We can find another way."
"I know," I said, meeting her gaze. "But this is the way we have now. If I don't try, we'll never get the answers we're looking for."
She studied me for a moment before nodding reluctantly. "Fine. But don't trust her any more than you have to."
"I won't," I promised, though the words felt hollow.
The book in my hands felt heavier with each step, its pages holding the key to a path I wasn't sure I was ready to take.