‘Now, has no one taught you how to speak to a lady? Or am I going to have to teach you myself?’

Ashes’ eyes found Sapphire’s and she smirked – her hand tightening around Kaian’s neck.

‘Hello, princess.’

‘Let him go,’ Sapphire demanded.

‘I’d love to see you make me,’ the witch said, tightening her grip again. Kaian’s face was red with effort as he fought against her, his hands wrapped around Ashes’ slender wrist.

‘Please,’ Sapphire breathed.

She watched the familiar unreadable emotions cross the girl’s face before her hand finally began to loosen. Kaian crumpled at her feet and sputtered as he struggled to refill his lungs with air. Evera rushed to his side, her eyes burning as she looked to the witch, but she said nothing.

Ashes watched them both, lip curled in disgust.

‘Have no fear, high blood. She won’t be alone. She will be with me.’ The witch’s eyes pinned him where he sat. ‘And nothing touches her in my presence.’

‘Over my dead body, witch. Like hell we’ll just entrust her to you.’

‘Oh, Kaian,’ Ashes teased, her voice lilting in a laugh, ‘you don’t know how easily that can be arranged.’

Kaian clenched his jaw, his gaze flicking between the witch and Sapphire.

‘You must know,’ the witch said, finally turning towards Sapphire, ‘they are not welcome in the coven. Only you, princess.’

There was no room for argument or bargaining, and Sapphire took another step towards Ashes with a timid nod.

Kaian reached for her once more.

‘Don’t walk into this alone and unprepared. What if –?’

‘Ah, how I wish we were the monsters you and your family think we are, high blood.’ The witch’s eyes were wild and more unreadable than ever as she placed herself between Sapphire and the boy. ‘No matter what the whispers in the wind have told you. Stay here, watch over us like a faithful little hound. But follow, and you will be treated as an intruder.’ Ashes gave him a taunting smile. ‘I almost wish you would. I’d love to see how terror twists that perfectly handsome face of yours.’

Sapphire tugged at Ashes’ hand, not wanting her to push him any further.

‘Are you sure you want to do this?’ Evera looked at Sapphire with a worried expression.

‘It’s the only way,’ Sapphire countered, more doubt in her tone than she wanted.

‘No,’ Evera pleaded. ‘No, it’s not.’

‘It is for me.’

Evera stared at Sapphire, her eyes screaming everything her voice failed to say.

‘You’ll be here then, when it’s done?’ Sapphire asked. ‘You’ll wait?’

For a few heartbeats, Evera stayed silent, then her arms fell to her sides, defeated. ‘You are my heart, Sapphire Canmore. My friend. I couldn’t leave you if I tried.’