Stakes in the forest

Julie felt the palms of her hand slightly sweat at the older witch's face. Before she could say anything, Magnus said, 

"It would be better if you don't lie, considering we are providing shelter for you two here. It is the last thing you have to think about." 

Julie looked behind her, in the way where Opaline and Melanie had left. She looked for the little girls who were now playing outside the house, their voices and laughter audible. She said, 

"It is complicated." 

"Nothing is simple when it comes to a witch's life, Ms. Winters. But complications can be solved by letting one of the ears hear. The last thing I need is to find out that you are a witch who has come here to disrupt the peace of the witches who are residing here," he stated, his eyes shrewdly looking at her.