7

The six of you fit in the carriage Verity hired, though it's just shy of uncomfortable. You're pressed between the peacefully-restrained Meredith and Min, with the others tucked along the opposite row of cushions. The carriage driver raised his eyebrows at the extra passenger, but made no objections once Verity pressed a few more coins into his hands, looking as though it pained her to do it. The silence is awkward for the first few miles, until Verity says, "Jun, if you're going to interrogate this creature, get started with it."

"I'd lower your expectations," Alvis says. "She said she'd answer questions. She didn't say which ones."

"I do mean to give you information," Meredith says, eyebrows set low. "I don't enjoy being difficult. It would be much easier for the both of us if we could trust each other. But there are things it might yet be dangerous for you to understand."

"Do demons take classes in carefully avoiding making promises?" Alvis asks.

"I've had very good teachers," Meredith says, unblinking, "in more than just that."

She seems genuinely resolved to offer you something, but there's a wariness in her posture, even beyond the stiffness from the ropes. If she's still persuading herself to trust you, you suspect what you say next will go a long way toward determining how much she's willing to say.