Eleanor's loyalty Questioned

They reached the damaged eastern wing, where the full extent of the destruction became apparent. What had once been Denise's laboratory was now an architectural wound in the castle's side—blackened stone, collapsed ceilings, and lingering traces of conflicting magical energies that manifested as occasional flashes of light in the shadows.

"Impressive what the combination of ice and blood magic accomplished," Vincent remarked, surveying the devastation. "Denise's laboratory represented decades of research and experimentation. To see it reduced to this..." He glanced at Shane. "It gives one pause regarding the potential of our proposed collaboration."

"Creative and destructive applications often arise from the same principles," Shane replied diplomatically.

Vincent smiled. "Precisely why Eleanor values you, I suspect. You see both possibilities simultaneously."