James headed to the door, opening it for her. Sophie was careful to keep as much distance between them as she could while she passed in.

“You can leave it here, you know. That stone, I mean. In the kitchen there are knives, cleavers, everything you can wish for,” James suggested.

His expression was deadly serious, and Sophie could not tell if he was joking.

”I’d rather keep it, thanks.”

“As you wish.”

Sophie followed James into the kitchen: ...