“I don’t believe we’ve met,” the redhead said, “At least not… officially.”
Ravyn felt unease first in her chest, an instinctive tightening, like her body recognized danger before her mind could catch up. The strange lady stood across from her desk, her posture relaxed, with hands loose at her sides, eyes far too sharp for someone who claimed to be there to help.
“I’m sorry,” Ravyn said carefully, lowering her voice as customers milled about behind them. “If you’re looking for assistance, I can—”
“I’m not,” the woman interrupted again, still calm, still smiling. “Don’t look so confused, darling. We both know you’re not as innocent as you seem.” Her smile grew even larger, creepier. “I know exactly who you are, Ravyn.”
Her breath caught. The sound of her name, spoken so casually by a str
