A weathered arcane tome bound in cracked, dark leather with intricate gold filigree. The cover bears a faded, embossed sigil, its edges scorched as if touched by fire. The pages, yellowed and brittle, emit a faint glow when flipped. Inside, inked runes shift subtly, resisting focus. A metal clasp, adorned with a ruby, locks the book shut, its surface etched with cryptic warnings. The spine is reinforced with tarnished silver bands, worn smooth from centuries of handling