You don't become Second Librarian of the Clayr's Great Library without growing accustomed to all kinds of library-related sounds (and not-so-library-related sounds too). It's not exactly like the carts she's used to push around, but the sound is similar enough to give her more than enough time to scurry a couple of shelves further down the line, eyes peeking carefully as to not be found and, Lirael assumes, scolded for wandering around. Her fears are short lived though, not because of Kai's presence, but the dog's.

He has a dog.

Envy hits her hard for a moment, leaving an aftertaste of remorse she intensely dislikes. Not a moment ago she was wandering the Great Library with the Disreputable Dog, which up to some point could have been considered her dog, although the animal didn't only talk back, but rarely followed orders. Her best friend in the world wasn't here though, but this...man had managed to kept his. Of course, even though it seemed to be an intelligent enough animal, it was no Disreputable Dog (who Lirael was fairly certain was no dog at all anyway). Had she been there, the Dog would have most likely forced her to go and talk with this man, Lirael was certain.

What Lirael hasn't quite noticed just yet though, is that her hiding technique is actually rather poor and she's pretty damn visible from where she 'hides'.

..maybe he won't notice?