After Freya said goodbye with a tight hug and one last sparkle of excitement in her eyes, Helena followed Leofrik down a hallway illuminated by large windows, where the morning light filtered through linen curtains and reflected off the polished wooden floors.
They climbed an oak staircase with railings carved in motifs of branches and crescent moons, reaching a quieter floor where the air held the hush of a place meant for focus.
“My office is here,” Leofrik said, opening a double door of dark wood adorned with wrought iron fittings.
Helena paused at the threshold, letting out an involuntary exhale that carried away some of the tension she had been carrying. The room was spacious, with high ceilings and large windows letting in light that illuminated the walls, which were nearly entire
