But I knew how important that house was to Ella, as well as her mother’s only belongings, which were likely nothing but ashes now. Ella probably already knew about the fire and was devastated.
Without hesitating, I stood and went straight to her room. Despite everything, this was a devastating blow. I wanted to comfort her and assure her not only that I was unrelated to this incident and would even help her look into it if she wished, but also that I was here for her. It was the least I could do.
However, when I arrived at her room, it was empty.
The guard’s mouth went slack when I opened the door to reveal that Ella was gone. “I—I don’t know how that happened, Sir!” he exclaimed. “The maid, Lilith I think her name was, said there was an incident in the west wing—”
“So basi
