Ancient Book

Cough Cough!

Noel released a series of coughs as she waved her hands before her, trying to get rid of the dust and stuffy air. The storage room was way bigger and larger than she had expected. It was like a whole new library on it's own.

The shelf's and lines of books looked very much in shape aside from the dust coating them. She couldn't help but stare in amazement.

How had she not been here?

But then again, it was in the basement. Given the size of the room, it could be said that the present library was built on top this one and not many were aware of that fact.

....

She strolled down the halls through the rows, as she lightly stroked the dusty books sitting a top the shelf's. The bright orange light from the sconces earlier lighted by Marilyn shone, reflecting the whole room.

Each section of books were meticulously organized and clearly labeled, making it easy for one to navigate and find their desired titles. In between the sections on Chinese history and Korean culture, her eyes shone with light as she spotted Japanese history.

Her heart skipped a beat as she quickened her pace, her footsteps echoing off the shelves. She ran her fingers over the titles, taking in the unfamiliar names and authors:

'The Tale of the Heike'

'A History of Japan' by Gideon Raschuert.

'Bushido: The Soul of Japan' by Inazo Nitobe

'The Autobiography of artist Hinata Watanabe."

Jackpot.

Eyes glimming, she pulled out the book from the shelf. Using her hands, she removed the dust from the cover of the book, a bright smile rested on her face. She scanned through other shelf's for more books on art and history of Japan from different eras and dynasties.

.....

As she delved deeper into the section, her eyes landed on a title that made her breath catch: "The Chronicles of the Empire". It didn't look like it was meant to be on this section, maybe a misarrangement or something.

It wasn't the book she had been searching for, but something about it drew her in. The cover was old and worn, with intricate gold lettering that seemed to shimmer in the dim light of the library.

Despite her initial intention to focus on her original search, Noel found herself reaching out to touch the cover of the book. She felt an inexplicable pull, as if the book was beckoning her to take it down from the shelf.

Along with the other books she had already selected, Noel carefully lifted 'The Chronicles of the Empire' from its resting place and carried them to a nearby table.

...

As she sat down, Noel's plan was to quickly scan the contents of the books she had gathered, focusing on the one that had brought her to the library in the first place. But her eyes kept drifting back to the old book she had taken from the shelf.

The title seemed to be calling to her, urging her to open the cover and delve into its secrets. Her curiosity eventually getting the better of her. She pushed the other books aside and opened 'The Chronicles of the empire', feeling a sudden chill run down her spine.

The air around her seemed to have grown colder, as if the very life force had been sucked out of the room. Time itself appeared to stand still for a moment, leaving Noel frozen in a state of eerie....

.....

The moment passed, and the world around her seemed to have snapped back into motion. Shrugging off the strange sensation, she told herself it was just her imagination playing tricks on her. She pushed the book aside, deciding that it was not worth making a big deal out of.

Gathering her books, Noel headed to the circulation desk to register them with Marilyn, so she could take them home and read them at her leisure. After registering the book and exchanging a few words with Marilyn who had raised an eyebrow at the unusual book; she walked out of the library, her arms laden with books, en route home.

Making her way home, her mind was already focused on her research project. She had found few of the books she'd need and she was determined to make progress.

....

After a warm bath and a satisfying dinner, Noel headed straight to her study. She settled into her favorite chair, surrounded by books and papers, and began to read. The words blurred together on the page as she delved deeper into her research.

A piercing headache struck, like a knife stabbing through her brain. Noel gasped, her eyes watering from the pain. She tried to focus, but it was no use. The agony was unbearable.

With a sigh, Noel pushed back her chair as she stumbled to her medicine cabinet. She popped two aspirin into her mouth and washed them down with a glass of water. She tried to focus her gaze, shutting her eyes tightly in pain and opening it as she pressed on her forehead. It was clear that she wouldn't be getting any more work done tonight.

Dragging herself to bed, her head still throbbing, she fell into a fitful sleep, her dreams fragmented and unsettling.

.....

The next morning, Noel woke up to the same pounding headache. She lay in bed, trying to gather her strength. Every light in the room seemed to have been amplified by a hundred fold and were attacking her eyes at such. Struggling, she attempted to rise from the bed but...

.....

"I see you are finally up, good morning."