Elyra’s protective barrier shimmered and dissolved, the oppressive atmosphere of the infinite library pressed in once more. Vishura stood before Jack and Elyra, her form a mesmerizing tapestry of shifting symbols and patterns. The absence of eyes on her face rendered her expression inscrutable, but the subtle curve of her lips suggested a knowing amusement.

  “Have you reached a decision, mortal?” Vishura’s voice was a melodic whisper, echoing through the vast expanse of the library.

  Jack exchanged a glance with Elyra, who gave a slight nod, her emerald eyes reflecting determination. They had worked out their negotiating strategy before the barrier dropped. Drawing a steadying breath, Jack met Vishura’s eyeless gaze. “We have considered your offer, but we require more information before proceeding.”

  Vishura’s smile widened, the motion slow and deliberate. “Information comes at a price, as does everything in existence. What is it you wish to know?”

  Elyra stepped forward, her posture regal and unyielding. “You seek a vessel in our realm. What assurances do we have that your presence will not bring harm to our world or its inhabitants?

  The symbols on Vishura’s skin pulsed rhythmically, a silent testament to her contemplation. “A fair question. My existence in your plane would be bound by the limitations of the vessel you provide. I seek experience, sensation—not destruction.”

  That made Jack’s brow furrow in confusion. “Bound by the vessel? Explain.”

  Vishura’s form shimmered, and for a brief moment, the visage of a young woman appeared—a fleeting glimpse of what she might become. “The vessel determines the extent of my influence. A simple creature would grant me limited interaction, while a more complex being would allow for greater engagement with your world.”

  Elyra’s eyes narrowed. “And what of the vessel’s soul? Its consciousness?”

  Vishura’s smile remained unchanged. “The vessel’s essence would be… displaced, but not destroyed. It would reside within the depths of the Psychic Plane until my departure.”

  To say Jack was unenthusiastic about this proposal would have been an understatement.

  “So, you would possess an innocent being, casting its soul aside for your own desires?”

  Vishura’s tone remained serene. “Possession is such a crude term. I prefer to think of it as a symbiotic arrangement. The vessel experiences the world through me, and I through it.”

  Elyra’s voice was cold. “We cannot condone the displacement of an innocent soul. If we are to consider this bargain, the vessel must be willing.”

  Vishura’s head tilted, the motion almost serpentine. “Willingness is a rare commodity. Few would volunteer for such an arrangement.”

  Jack’s jaw tightened in concentration as he tried to think of a solution. A memory of watching Terminator flashed in his head as an idea struck him.

  “Then perhaps we can offer an alternative. A vessel without a soul—a construct, an artificial form.”

  The library seemed to hold its breath as Vishura considered this proposal. The symbols on her skin shifted rapidly, reflecting her deep contemplation. “An intriguing proposition. However, a soulless vessel would lack the depth of experience I seek. It would be akin to viewing the world through a fogged lens.”

  Elyra’s gaze was unwavering. “It is the only ethical option we can offer. We will not sacrifice an innocent life for this bargain.”

  Vishura’s smile faded, replaced by a contemplative expression. “Ethics are a construct of your realm, not mine. Yet, I acknowledge your stance.”

  Jack stepped forward, his voice firm. “If we provide such a construct—a golem, perhaps—enhanced with sensory capabilities, would that suffice?”

  Vishura’s form shimmered once more, the symbols slowing their dance. “It would be… acceptable, provided the construct allows for genuine interaction with your world.”

  Elyra nodded. “We can provide such a vessel. But in return, we require full access to the elf’s memories and a binding oath that you will not seek to harm our realm.”

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  The smile returned to Vishura’s face, a hint of admiration in her tone. “You drive a hard bargain, old friend. Very well, I accept your terms.”

  Jack released a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. “Then we have an agreement.”

  Vishura extended her hand, the symbols on her skin glowing softly.

  “Seal the pact, and our bargain is struck.”

  Jack hesitated for a moment before grasping her hand. A surge of energy passed between them, solidifying the agreement.

  As they released their grip, Vishura’s form began to fade, her voice echoing through the library. “Prepare the vessel, and I shall fulfill my end of the bargain.”

  As Vishura’s form began to waver, her voice echoing through the vast expanse of the library, Jack felt a surge of panic. It could take him months or even years to get a proper vessel for Vishura. He couldn’t wait that long to get those memories.

  “Wait,” Jack called out, his voice firm, cutting through the ambient whispers of the library. Vishura’s fading form halted, the shifting symbols on her skin pulsating rhythmically as she regarded him.

  “Yes, mortal?”

  Her tone was laced with mild curiosity, though an undercurrent of impatience lingered.

  Jack squared his shoulders, meeting the eyeless gaze with unwavering resolve.

  “Before we proceed with preparing your vessel, I need you to extract the memories from the elf. I must ensure that your intentions align with our agreement.”

  Vishura’s smile remained, but there was a subtle shift in her demeanor—a tension that hadn’t been there before. “Our agreement was clear. You provide a vessel, and I grant you access to the memories you seek. To alter the terms now is… unorthodox.”

  Elyra stepped forward, her presence commanding. “Unorthodox, perhaps, but not unreasonable. You never specified that we would have to provide your vessel before you gave us what we want. We are entrusting you with a form in our realm. It is only fair that you demonstrate your commitment to our accord by fulfilling your part first.”

  The air grew dense, the weight of unspoken words pressing upon them. Vishura’s form flickered, the symbols on her skin accelerating their dance. “You question my honor?”

  Jack’s gaze hardened. “Honor is earned, not given. Show us that we can trust you.”

  A silence stretched between them, taut and fraught with the potential for conflict. Vishura’s smile faded, replaced by a contemplative expression. “You are bold, mortal. Few would dare to challenge me so openly.”

  Elyra’s voice was steady, unwavering. “Boldness is born of necessity. We cannot proceed without assurance.”

  Vishura’s form solidified, the ethereal quality diminishing as she seemed to anchor herself more firmly in their presence. “Very well. I shall extract the memories you seek. But know this: trust is a two-edged blade. I expect you to uphold your end of the bargain without further hesitation.”

  Jack nodded, relief tempered by the gravity of the situation. “Agreed.”

  Vishura’s attention shifted, her eyeless gaze seeming to pierce through the very fabric of reality. “The elf’s memories are entwined within the threads of this library. To access them, we must locate the tome that holds her experiences.”

  Jack exchanged a glance with Elyra, who gave a subtle nod. “Lead the way,” he said.

  With a graceful motion, Vishura extended her hand, and the labyrinthine shelves of the library responded, shifting and rearranging themselves. The air hummed with energy as pathways realigned, guiding them deeper into the heart of the repository.

  As they walked, Jack couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer magnitude of the library. Endless rows of books stretched into infinity, each volume pulsating with a faint, otherworldly glow. Whispers filled the air, fragments of forgotten stories and lost knowledge intertwining in an ethereal symphony.

  “How is it possible for this library to contain the memories of individuals?” Jack asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

  Vishura’s voice was a melodic murmur. “The Realm of Memory is a tapestry woven from the thoughts, experiences, and emotions of countless beings. Every memory leaves an imprint, a trace that finds its place among these shelves.”

  Elyra’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “So, by locating the specific book that corresponds to the elf’s memories, we can access her experiences directly?”

  “Precisely,” Vishura replied smugly. “However, the process is not without its challenges. Memories are fluid, subjective. They intertwine with perceptions and emotions, making them elusive.Without my expertise you could look for a thousand years without finding what you seek.”

  They continued their journey through the shifting corridors until they reached a secluded alcove. Here, the atmosphere was different—charged with a palpable intensity. A solitary pedestal stood at the center, upon which rested a book bound in deep emerald leather, its surface adorned with intricate silver filigree.

  “This is the tome we seek,” Vishura announced, her voice tinged with reverence. “Within its pages lie the memories of the elf.”

  Jack approached the pedestal cautiously, his gaze fixed on the book. “How do we access the memories?”

  Vishura extended her hand, and the book responded, its cover slowly opening to reveal pages filled with shimmering script. “By reading the words inscribed within, you shall witness her experiences as if they were your own.”

  Elyra stepped forward, her expression a mixture of curiosity and caution. “Are there any risks involved?”

  “Delving into another’s memories can be disorienting,” Vishura admitted. “Emotions may bleed through, and distinguishing between your own thoughts and those of the subject can be challenging. But fear not; I shall guide you.”

  Taking a deep breath, Jack nodded. “Let’s proceed.”

  Vishura’s fingers danced over the pages, and the script began to glow brighter, the symbols shifting and rearranging themselves. As Jack and Elyra focused on the text, the world around them dissolved, and they found themselves immersed in a vivid tapestry of sights, sounds, and sensations.