The library was quiet in the way dangerous places often are.
Nyx didn't slow until they reached the far corner—half-hidden behind tall shelves, one dim lamp flickering overhead. She pulled out a chair and dropped a thick book onto the table with a muted thud.
Lucien raised an eyebrow. "You chose the most boring section in the building."
"Boring is safe," Nyx replied, sitting beside him. "And safe doesn't get overheard."
She opened the book and slid it toward him.
Lucien glanced down, then back at her. "Why this book?"
"Because it's lying," she said.
That got his attention.
She flipped pages quickly, fingers precise. "Look here. Aurelius was founded decades ago. Scandals, restructurings, power shifts—everything's documented. Until 2009."
Lucien scanned the pages. "It doesn't stop."
"It pretends not to," Nyx said quietly. "But it's fake. No controversies. No board changes. No deaths. Universities like this don't suddenly become saints."
Lucien leaned closer. "So someone rewrote history."
"Or replaced it," she corrected. "The original exists. Somewhere."
He studied her face. "And you think I can help you find it."
"I know you can," she said. "Your reach is wider than mine. And since we share an office, we'll cross paths anyway."
Lucien smirked faintly. "You don't waste time."
"Time wastes people," Nyx replied. "I don't let it."
A pause.
Then Lucien said, "Before we go any further—I should warn you."
She didn't look at him. "About?"
"If Elias suddenly shows up beside me—don't be alarmed."
She finally turned. "Your bodyguard?"
"My manager," he corrected. "Same way James is yours."
Nyx's gaze sharpened. "Does he know what we're doing?"
"He knows enough," Lucien said. "And he knows not to interfere. He's part of the department."
She shut the book. "Good. Because if anyone gets in my way—manager or not—I remove obstacles."
Lucien met her stare, unflinching. "I figured."
She stood, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "Five p.m. Our office. I'll be there with James."
Lucien nodded. "Sharp?"
Nyx's lips curved—barely. "I don't do late."
She walked away, footsteps silent against the marble floor.
Lucien watched her disappear between the shelves.
Partners.
Not allies.Not friends.
Just two people standing too close to the truth to walk alone.
And somewhere deep inside the library, history stayed quiet—for now.