When they arrived at the Monroe residence, a maid greeted them at the door. The woman froze the moment she saw Aeliana. Her eyes flicked briefly toward Silvanus, uncertainty flashing across her face, before she silently gestured for them to step inside—but only as far as the foyer.

Aeliana took in her surroundings, her gaze drifting across the grand interior—the marble floors, the sweeping staircase, the gilded chandelier above. She never imagined that on this very day, she would set foot ...