ELENA

The mansion was massive, like something out of a dream—or a nightmare. I wasn’t sure which yet. The few maids who stayed back after the others had left were kind enough to show me around, and I was grateful because without them, I probably would’ve ended up wandering aimlessly, completely lost.

“This way, ma’am,” one of the younger maids said softly, gesturing toward a long corridor. Her voice was polite but hesitant, like she wasn’t sure how to address me.

“Elena,” I ...