Linh's fingers curled around the edge of the chair. The rules echoed in her mind.
Never read a book aloud. Never answer if a book whispers your name. Lock the doors at midnight.
Her throat felt dry. "And what if I break the rules?"
The old man didn't answer. Instead, he placed a small brass key in front of her. "Your first task," he said, "is to return a book to its rightful place."
Linh hesitated before picking up the key. It was ice-cold in her palm. "Which book?"
The old man turned and walked toward a shelf near the desk. He ran his fingers along the spines before pulling out a thin, black leather-bound book.
It had no title.
No markings.
No author.
He placed it in front of her. "This book has been searching for its reader for a long time."
Linh stared at it. The cover seemed to breathe beneath her fingertips, pulsing faintly. A wave of unease crawled up her spine.
"Where do I take it?" she asked.
The old man pointed toward the endless shelves. "It will guide you."
Linh didn't like that answer.
But something deep inside her—curiosity, or maybe something darker—made her pick up the book. The moment she did, a soft whisper brushed against her ear.
"Linh."
Her heart stopped.
She dropped the book, scrambling backward. "Did you hear that?" she gasped.
The old man didn't look surprised. He simply bent down, picked up the book, and placed it back in her hands.
"Do not answer," he reminded her, his voice calm but firm. "Take it where it belongs."
Linh swallowed hard and clutched the book tightly. Without another word, she stepped into the maze of shelves.
As she walked, the candlelight flickered, casting long, twisting shadows. The book in her hands grew heavier with each step.
And then—
"Linh," the voice whispered again. This time, closer.
She gritted her teeth, forcing herself to ignore it.
But then the whisper changed.
"Help me."
Linh's steps faltered. Her fingers trembled.
It sounded… human.
Desperate.
She bit her lip. No. It's a trick.
She took another step forward. The whisper turned urgent.
"Please… don't leave me here."
Her heart pounded against her ribs.
And then—
The candlelight behind her went out.
Darkness swallowed the library.
And something breathed behind her.