‘I want you there. And Araxia and Kip actually made the decision before I even asked.’

Evera’s smile grew, but Sapphire’s shoulders sagged – the burden of all she had learned becoming too much. Evera noticed the uneasiness and escorted her quickly up the stairs to her small room.

As they settled into their usual spot, a couch hidden from view of prying eyes, Sapphire lay back and stared at the ceiling, unsure of where to begin.

‘I spent some time in Ciliria. Well, the entire night. I’m exhausted.’

‘To what end?’ Evera asked, slightly taken aback by her statement.

‘I was – I was with a Shadow Witch. Her name is Ashes. She’s the witch who proved my legitimacy. I needed her assistance to get to the barrier.’

‘Shadow Witches do nothing out of the kindness of their heart. What did it cost you?’

‘She wanted to see the extent of my magic.’

‘Shadow Witches cannot be trusted.’

Sapphire jutted out her chin, frustrated at hearing the same warning for what seemed like the hundredth time. ‘But what else was I to do? I needed to get to the barrier.’ She sat up, leaning against the wall. ‘And I did eventually get there.’

‘Was it worth it?’

‘It was like –’ Her throat constricted as she recalled the crippling feeling the barrier had brought. ‘Like every inch of my body was set aflame. My nerves fully exposed. My chest was unable to bear the impact. But I couldn’t walk away.’

Sapphire felt a bit better. Sharing the secrets consuming her allowed her more room to breathe, and she fought the urge to reach out for Evera’s hand.

Still, she wasn’t done.

‘Afterwards, I had a conversation with Claye and he told me something.’

Evera waited for her to continue.

‘Was Shadow Witch magic ever part of your studies?’

‘To an extent,’ Evera mused. ‘I studied it a little as I prepared to graduate as a scholar but it was never my focus. Why do you ask?’

‘I just … want to understand what they are capable of, I suppose.’

Evera nodded, and disappeared momentarily. When she returned, she had a thick book in her hand. She flipped through the pages until she found what she was looking for.