They took a sharp left, and Sapphire nearly stumbled. Ashes grabbed her quickly, helping her upright. Sapphire stared down at the girl’s hand wrapped around her arm, her heart rate picking up at the sight. She could feel the warmth of Ashes’ skin against her own and she relished it. The slightest touch set her entire body on edge. She looked up at the witch and licked her lips, Ashes’ eyes tracking her mouth as she did so.

And for the first time since she had arrived in Eriobis, Sapphire knew exactly what she wanted.

But then something scurried through the forest around them, breaking the trance, and they jumped away from each other before Ashes continued the conversation.

‘The horror stories they created … Those monsters that came to life. Creatures born of dark intent, magic that would grind bones to dust – magic my people never wanted to use became their only armament. Every whispered lie had become a written truth. After months of fighting – after losing so much – my people were banished. To a land full of looming shadows. A purgatory and punishment for trying to survive. A land built by your people.’

‘If that’s true … how are you here?’ Sapphire asked quietly.

‘Our magic is older, deeper. It cannot be so easily forgotten. Slowly, the coven was reformed. A watered-down, apologetic, and fearful coven, but still – a coven. The original sisters practised in secrecy, descendants of those sealed behind the barrier.’

‘And that was allowed?’

‘Three hundred years ago, a treaty was made as a sign of goodwill. It allowed us to exist, but our magic was to be governed by strict rules. We are tracked and watched to ensure we are – abiding.’

Sapphire chewed her lip, considering the witch’s words. Questions raced through her mind, dancing on the tip of her tongue, but she knew that the time for her curiosity had passed. Instead, she focused on the path in front of her.

The world was so quiet it was unsettling. The witch always looked straight ahead. In the glow of the pale orb in her hand, Sapphire was struck by how unworldly she looked. Sharp features, long lashes, and lips that sat in a focused pout.

Striking. Fascinating. Wicked. And beautiful.

‘I would assume that, in your many etiquette classes, they would teach you that staring is not polite,’ Ashes snapped.

Heat crept up Sapphire’s cheeks as she looked away. ‘How much longer?’ she asked.

‘We’ll be there soon.’

Sapphire clenched her jaw and stared at her feet.

‘What is your plan? Are you simply going to see the barrier and return home?’

Sapphire ran her fingers gently over the embroidery of her corset, wondering how to come up with an answer. She didn’t have one. Her impulsiveness did not allow her to get that far in her planning. Ashes took her silence as enough of an answer and resumed their quick pace.

That was, until the air shifted.