"I'm trying to hate you, and you're really helping a lot," she retorted.
"Just like you're helping a lot," I replied, matching her tone.
She glared at me, and I returned the same intense gaze, staring into her forest green eyes. After a while, the defiant expression on her face softened, and a smile slowly spread across her lips.
"Leilani. Nice to meet you," she said, offering a handshake.
I averted my eyes from hers and looked down at her hand, feeling confused. Hadn't she just said she hated me moments ago? She was suddenly being friendly, but I suspected she must want something from me. It was better to keep her close and observe her. After all, witches were known to hate humans.
I hesitated for a moment before finally taking her hand. "I'm Alanora. It's a pleasure to meet you," I said, breaking the contact.
She sighed and took a seat. The expression on her face conveyed that she didn't want to do what she was about to do.
