An Anomaly

The study inside the manoir was dim, the shutters drawn despite the sunlight outside. Shelves lined with old texts and leather-bound volumes loomed over a dark wood desk scattered with papers, files, and sealed letters.

A faint scent of cedar hung in the air, mingling with something metallic beneath. Garrick sat behind the desk, his hands loosely clasped in front of him, elbows resting on polished