Ellie sat her down in the kitchen. Rook pushed his head through the window. Juniper coiled herself around a jar of dried sage and watched like a malicious aunt.

Veronica set the apple on the table. Ellie pushed it immediately to the far edge. “I don’t eat from strangers who have a reputation.”

Veronica lifted an eyebrow. “You’re right not to. It isn’t poisoned, but I like that you have character.”