The study was quiet, save for the faint scratching of rain against the high arched windows.
Aurelius turned the small brass device over in his hands. The metal was cool, etched with fine silver conduits that converged on a cloudy crystal lens at its center. He tapped the casing with a fingernail, tilting it toward the oil lamp on his desk to catch the light.
“Are you certain this functions as intended?” Aurelius asked, his voice measured.
Maelis leaned back against the bookshelf, her arms crossed over her chest, dark circles ringing her eyes. She scoffed, shaking her head.