Darkness had settled over Blinky's library again.

For nights, he'd sat beside the fire surrounded by books, candles burning low as he searched desperately for answers. But he wasn't studying anymore.

With his jaw clenched, Blinky tore a page from one of his brother's beloved history books and threw it into the flames.

The sound of hurried footsteps made all six eyes snap toward the door.

"Be gone with you!" he snarled, fury masking something far more fragile. "Go! You have no business being here!"

His hands trembled as the fire consumed the page. He couldn't let them see how badly he was breaking.