The lady in red

The people in the tavern immediately stopped chattering, and Madam Moonfrey became alert and defensive. She quickly closed the potions cabinet and ordered her helping hands to get busy.

Ezra turned toward the door as an enchanting female voice called out to the owner. “Good evening, my dearest Moony. It has been a while. How are things in your secret shop?”

There was hardly a soul in Ashton Alley to call Madam Moonfrey by her childhood nickname, but the woman who had just entered the tavern seemed to have a certain power over her.

The lady who had just stepped into the tavern was dressed in a dazzling red cloak draped over fine silk robes. Her eyes were fiery red, and her curly tresses the shade of burnt amber. She looked older than thirty, but her skin was dewy and smooth, and her cheeks rosy and devoid of any wrinkles or fine lines.

Some of the younger men blushed as they laid eyes on the beautiful woman in red while others looked away in fear.

“Welcome, Esme. It has been a while,” M