Drevenica's library stood at the edge of the town square. It was a small brick building with vines crawling up its sides and narrow windows that looked like they were always frowning. Most people didn't go there anymore — not unless they were researching something old or avoiding someone.
But Adrian knew it had something better than books.
It had Mrs. Vela.
The town's oldest librarian.
And the town's biggest memory.
She had worked there since before he was born. Quiet, sharp-eyed, and polite in that way where you could never lie to her. If anything strange had happened around Eva, she would know.
Adrian walked through the creaky glass doors. A bell above jingled softly. Inside, the place was silent and smelled like old paper and lemon polish.
Mrs. Vela sat behind the front desk, her grey hair tied in a bun, reading a thick book with tiny letters.
She looked up slowly when she saw him.
"Adrian Varek," she said, her voice calm and clear. "Ten years and not a single postcard."
He smiled a little. "Still sharp as ever, Mrs. Vela."
She raised an eyebrow. "What brings you back? Or should I guess?"
He paused. "I'm looking for answers."
She nodded, as if she expected that. Then motioned to the table by the window. "Sit."
Adrian did.
She closed her book, stood up, and joined him. Her hands moved slowly but with purpose.
"I always thought Eva's story was not finished," she said. "I saw her the day before she vanished. She came here."
Adrian leaned forward. "She never told me."
"She didn't tell many," Mrs. Vela said. "But she left something behind. I kept it."
She reached under the desk and pulled out a small, sealed envelope — brown, aged. She placed it in front of Adrian.
He stared at it. It had Eva's initials written on it.
He opened it slowly.
Inside was a small newspaper clipping and a handwritten note.
The article was about a missing boy — ten years ago. Same week Eva disappeared.
Name: Niko Sarev.
Adrian didn't recognize it. He looked at the note:
"Niko followed us.
He watched from the trees.
He wore a coat like yours.
But his eyes… I'll never forget his eyes."
Adrian looked up. "Do you know this name?"
Mrs. Vela nodded slowly. "Niko was strange. Quiet. His family lived in the woods near the west border. They didn't talk much. Then he vanished. No one cared much. Everyone was focused on Eva."
"Is the house still there?" Adrian asked.
"Yes," she said. "But I'd be careful if I were you."
"Why?"
"Because if Niko is alive," she said softly, "he might not want to be found."