"Hello, Rose. May I come in?" Aysling asked softly, and Rose nodded, motioning for her to take a seat.

"Hello, Miss Allen. How can I help you?" Rose played dumb, sitting down across from her.

"Call me by my name, Rose. We’re family. First of all, I want to apologize. Truly, I’m sorry because I know I was completely rude when you were just confused and afraid," Aysling began, reciting the words she had prepared.

"In my defense, I can only say that I was—and still am—desperate. Rose, you’re the o