Chapter 32

• Sebastian's head jerked up, his eyes snapping open as the loud bang echoed through the room. His glasses slipped down his nose, and he pushed them back into place, blinking away the haze of sleep. The dim lighting of the basement room slowly came into focus.
• The space was a fusion of a museum and an herb store, shelves lining the walls, packed with dusty jars of rare botanicals and ancient artifacts. The air was thick with the scent of dried herbs and old books. Sebastian's thesis, "Medicinal Properties of Newly Discovered Herbs," lay scattered across the wooden table, notes and diagrams covering every inch.
• As he sat up, his gaze swept the room, taking in the familiar surroundings. The faint sound outside the door grew louder, sounding like footsteps. Sebastian's brow furrowed. Who could be visiting at this hour?