Inklock

When you see a tome with this heavy metal mechanism attached to it to keep it close, you might want to reconsider attempting to read its contents. These devices are used by scholars, scribes and wizards to protect their studies from prying eyes. The Amaranthine Archivists have used inklocks often when transporting important or dangerous tomes from one archive to the other.  

I just tried to take a peek in her notes, just to make sure I was on the right track with my studies... My face was blue for weeks, WEEKS!

— A student who attempted to cheat

Secrets kept, Cheaters revealed

There are different types of inklocks, but their mechanism is roughly the same. A metal clamp keeps the book closed, attached to this clamp is a vial or receptacle of some kind which holds a dye or ink. Any attempt to open the book causes the vial to break and spill the ink. Usually the ink sprays the person attempting to open the book, making their crime clear as day for the world to see.

Self Destructive

There are instances of this type of lock which soak the book itself in the ink, turning the pages midnight black and rendering it illegible. These types of inklocks are more common for people who would rather wish to destroy their secrets than have them fall into the hands of others. They are also used by wizards with the talents to return the pages back to their former state. Which is usually done through a combination of Transmutation and Divination.

Poisonous

Others have also put poisons in these locks to further harm the individual trying to steal the information from the tome. Popular choices are Emerald Smog, Miasma Necrotis and Dromnovyl. Substances that put the victim to sleep (such as Dream Vapors) are also a favorite of people who wish to catch the thief red handed, but rendered unconscious.

Unlocking

The mechanisms to unlock these devices can vary wildly. From simple keys or combination locks, to command words or specific spells. Some enchanted inklocks can only be opened by the individual who locked them. Dark tomes that were locked with inklocks sealed with an enchantment of Hemomancy have also been found in various locations around the world. These locks could only be opened with an offering of blood of the person who sealed them, or someone who descended from them.