Their studies continued for hours, neither speaking, both lost in the wisdom of the past. Occasionally, the swords would pulse with light, as if approving of their progress.
The glow of the library's lanterns dimmed as time passed, but neither Athena nor Mors moved. They absorbed every word, and committed every lesson to memory.
Then, as Athena turned to the next chapter of her book, the letters shimmered and rearranged themselves before her eyes.
She gasped, gripping the book tighter. "Mors, look at this."
Mors looked up, startled by her voice. He glanced down at his own book and saw the same thing happening. The words were shifting, rewriting themselves into something new.
At the same moment, their swords reacted. Arthivian crackled with dark lightning, the air around it humming with power, while Elsienflora pulsed with warm, golden light.
