Julian reached for me. The face I remembered had grown gaunt during the three years apart.
"Eleanor. I found you. Let me make it right."
I stepped back. The old floorboard under my heel creaked. "The shop is closed, sir. You've mistaken me for someone else."
"No." His hand fell. "I would know you in any life. I spent every night for three years searching your ashes for a sign."
"I'm sorry for your loss, but my name is Nora. Please leave."
"It was a mistake." He moved closer. "A strategic error. I can return everything to you: the crown, your power, your place beside the throne. I will bind the Morning Star Ward to you alone forever. No one will take it from you again. Come home."
I almost laughed. "You still think this is about a crown?"
He stopped.
"You don't miss me. You miss the
