Eleanor entered level eighty-three without guidance. There was no record of this stage in the academy library. From here onward, she knew she would be moving blind.
The light was blinding when she stepped through, forcing her to shield her eyes with her left hand. When her vision adjusted, she realised she was lying in a lavish bedroom. Four great pillars rose at each corner, supporting a high ceiling from which a golden chandelier hung in regal splendour. The whole place looked like a set pulled straight from a medieval castle.
Before she could make sense of anything, a knock sounded at the door. She hesitated, unsure how to respond, but the door opened on its own. A woman stepped inside… delicate, light blue hair cascading down her back, pointed wolf ears, golden eyes, and a lithe frame of about five foot eight. A rare beauty at first glance.
