"And besides….the collar said you were a prisoner," she said. "But that could've been a trick. A deception. So I brought you here to see for myself."
I tilted my head slightly, studying her face. A gentle wind brushed past us, lifting a few strands of her black hair. They swayed around her face before settling again.
"So then," I asked, "what's your conclusion?"
She didn't even pause. Her eyes stayed locked on mine.
"It's not a deception."
I blinked once.
"Oh? And why do you think that?" I asked.
I wasn't sure what answer I expected, but something about the way she spoke made me feel like she'd already made up her mind long before we started talking.
She turned around and spoke to the beasts.
"Ragnor, we'll head inside and talk. You all can rest for now. Things should stay quiet."
