‘Shadow Witch magic manifests in many different ways. Obviously they can bring shadows to life, create creatures born of nightmares – but they also have their natural witchcraft. The magic they held before they sold their souls to the darkness. Healing magic, potions, protective barriers. There are accounts of witches being able to inhabit the bodies of those whose lives they stole – taking on their bodies with little effort.’ She pointed towards the page and Sapphire leaned forward to read it with her friend. ‘The ability to shift bodies wreaked havoc during times of war. Witches would kill citizens, take their form, and live among the townspeople. This ability is one of the reasons they were eventually able to rebuild a coven. The Elders failed to uncover every witch that remained.’

Sapphire stared at the page until Evera closed the book.

‘It makes you wonder why with such power they would sell their souls to the dark. Doesn’t it?’

‘People do many inexplicable things for power.’ Sapphire’s response felt distant – like someone was pulling the strings, forcing her to speak. ‘Have you ever heard that their magic is generational?’

‘Yes. Though that’s not an exclusive Shadow Witch trait – it’s actually simply a witch trait.’

‘Well, the witches that performed the spell with my blood were descendants of the one that was involved in my disappearance.’

‘That would make sense seeing that the spell performed was not Dark Magic but witchcraft. They would need that tieback.’

Sapphire chewed her lip as she considered the conversation. While the need for it made sense, bringing witches near her once more … after everything … she wasn’t sure why the king and queen would allow it.

‘What if they had followed in the footsteps of their ancestor? What if –’

Evera reached out for her hand, and the dam broke inside her, the tears spilling over with an unstoppable force. They remained silent until Sapphire dried her final tear and turned her puffy eyes to her friend.

‘I think the king and queen … well, it’s a terrifying thing to realize your parents don’t know exactly what they’re doing – but I think they have always done what they thought was best.’ Evera patted her back gently. ‘No matter what has happened, no matter what others believe or say, I do think they have loved you fiercely.’

Sapphire paused, dragging her eyes upward to meet Evera’s.

‘What do others say?’

Evera looked caught off guard, sitting up a bit straighter. Sapphire could tell her tongue had slipped.

‘It’s gossip, Sapphire. Not worth you worrying over.’

‘I still need to know, Evera.’

The girl closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her nervousness made Sapphire’s anxiety grow. The panic in her chest swelled uncomfortably.

‘They say … Well, they say you are not truly of royal blood. That you were born of another womb, another element.’

‘But I control water, just like my parents.’