Meeting

The gentle chime of the bell above the door sang a light, nostalgic tune as Elius stepped into the bookstore.

Inside, the air was warm, steeped in the subtle aroma of aged paper, sandalwood, and old memories. Dust particles danced in the sunlight filtering through high windows, bathing the wooden shelves and polished floor in a calm, golden hue. The place was quiet, save for the soft hum of a ceiling fan and the occasional rustle of a turning page.

Elius had changed again.