Eleanora’s mansion appeared to be frozen in time from the moment I’d left it two years ago. Positioned between the elite’s grandest estates, its splendor dwarfed even its most opulent neighbors. Despite its majesty, however, the building stood eerily silent and devoid of warmth. This was a consequence of my first act as Eleanora—releasing all of the household staff from their employment. There hadn’t been many of them to begin with, as Eleanora had been the type to rely on her magic more than other people.