"No," she addressed the Beast's question, cool and immediate. The witch held no registry of alarm or tension in the morbid smoke of her eyes, even when the Beast whirled around to face her. What was there for her to fear in a beast? She could have just as well turned him into a mouse as this creature of claws and teeth.
"I'm not here to gloat." Her words were soft and assuring, although the witch made no attempt to explain why she was here.
Her attention lingered briefly on the Beast, but was more hard pressed to connect with the young woman beyond him. Her expression was keen and neutral, almost friendly with such innocent interest. "You live here as well, maiden?"