As Maeve left, I was left to my own thoughts. Her words were still fresh in my mind. It shocked me how quickly fear and suspicion could ruin someone's reputation.

I shook myself to focus on what I needed to do today. I needed to get back to Willow Grove. I had guests to look after. I couldn't let what happened with Maeve get in the way of my duties.

Back in Willow Grove, I sat down at the table. I felt the weight of loneliness, despite the black cat who seemed to be permanently attached to me. I felt Ebony nudge my leg before she jumped up onto my lap.

Her purring was soothing. I stroked her fur. It was soft. I could feel the tension of the day ease. Ebony was a comfort. It was amazing how she felt like an anchor with my raging emotions. I needed her, and she was offering me her support. She was definitely more intelligent than most cats I'd met.

I smiled as she reached out to play with a lock of my hair. "You always know when I need you most, don't you?" I said. I was grateful for her company.

I started preparing for our evening meal. Normally, I didn't provide a meal, but Elias had asked if I could prepare a little something for him.

The pasta needed cooking, a bolognaise sauce needed making and, as always, I had some tea brewing. The routine of it all calmed my shaking hands. I found comfort in the rhythmic chopping of tomatoes and mushrooms.

The last light of day was coming through the window, bathing the kitchen in a warm light. I arranged a Victoria Sandwich cake with fresh cream and strawberries on a platter. This simple domesticity made me realise how much I loved this job. I never expected to enjoy looking after people as well as plants.

Willow Grove wasn't just a building. It was a place where people came to find peace. I was determined to protect that peace, especially for myself.

There was a soft knock on the door. "Evening, Evie," called Elias Greystone from across the hallway. "Smells good, as always!"

I forced a smile. "Good evening! I'll have dinner ready in a minute."

Elias went off to freshen up before eating. I took a deep breath and looked at my reflection in the window. Who was I? I felt torn between two worlds, the one I knew and had been ripped from, the very human, traditional world and this new one. An identity full of secrets and whispers from the earth. Whispers I didn't understand, but if I didn't learn, could harm more than heal.

The clock on the wall ticked away. I was worried about what Maeve might say about me, but I knew I had to focus on my guests. I wanted to make sure they had a pleasant stay.

The door opened again, this time revealing Everett ready for his evening meal, although I hadn't expected him to be joining us. It was a good thing I tended to cook too much food. "Good evening," he said.

"How was your day?" I replied.

Everett didn't bother to answer me, but focused his attention on Elias, who had joined us. The sound of cutlery and chatter filled the conservatory, which was growing warm in the evening sunlight.

Elias was sharing something about one of his travels when he was a younger man. Everett scoffed, telling Elias he spoke complete rubbish, as there was no way his story could be true, unless he was claiming to have been alive in 1584.

I heard voices from a couple of villager as I opened the window, their voices low until I caught a few words.

"Not surprising, is it? She's eating with two men, you know what that leads to."

The other villager replied, "I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Nothing good comes from a young woman running a brothel like this. Did you hear what the Eldress said about her?"

I didn't want to listen. The Eldress's words were meant to be guidance, not gossip, but I knew the guidance was already twisted before it was shared.

"Just you wait," said the first villager with a hint of glee. "I bet she's the one who did that dead body they found in her inn."

My heart skipped. It was a ridiculous accusation. How could they think I was capable of such a thing? The villagers continued their conversation, oblivious to their audience.

"Everyone's been talking about it," the second villager said. "They say the police haven't ruled her out as a suspect. I bet she's into some kind of dark magic or something. She's been spending time with that Fiona. Nothing good comes from spending time with that one."

The first villager snorted. "Dark magic? Don't be daft. But I wouldn't put it past her to be mixed up in something she shouldn't. She's not from around here, you know."

I crossed to the table, knocking a jug of water harder than I meant to, sloshing liquid over the rim as I sat. Elias and Everett looked up, concerned and curious. I felt my cheeks burn with a mix of embarrassment and anger.

Elias looked at me with concern in their eyes. I swallowed hard and forced a smile.

"I'm just a bit clumsy, I guess. It's been a long day," I said. I hoped my voice didn't give away my nerves.

Elias nodded, but his brow remained furrowed. "If you say so, Evie."

I refilled their glasses, wanting to block out the voices from outside. But I caught another snippet of conversation.

"And you know Captain Wolfhart will never hold her to account," said one villager to the other. "He's sweet on her. Everyone can see it."

The other villager chuckled. "Maybe, but I heard it from Enfys herself that the pack Alpha told Gethin he had to arrest Evie."

I froze. Arrest me? The thought sent a jolt of fear through me.