C6 The missing hour

Vespera dropped from the low stone balustrade of the second-story balcony, landing in a crouch on the damp grass of the library garden. Above her, muffled, raised voices echoed from Director Alistair’s office windows before the glass doors clicked firmly shut. She pulled her hood low, clutched the heavy VANCE ledger beneath her arm, and sprinted down the dark gravel path toward the public square