‘Good intentions she brings. She speaks to you from a place of pure heart and guidance. You surely are blessed, princess.’

‘I don’t – I don’t understand. Please – I just –’

‘The Shadow Moon. Then, I will answer every question you have.’

Esadora stepped away from the coven as they gathered dirt from the ground, throwing it on to the fire and muttering words Sapphire could not understand. The fire was strengthened, and Sapphire was entranced by the growing flames.

She blinked a few times and found Ashes hovering over her. The witch pulled her up and pressed a firm hand against her lower back, forcing her to walk.

‘Have a safe journey home.’ Sapphire turned to meet Esadora’s gaze, seeing a playful look in the woman’s eyes. ‘We’ll see you again soon, Sapphire.’

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Resentment wormed its way into Sapphire’s heart as the light of the flame faded, the darkness of the forest swallowing them.

Resentment of the witches, of wasted time, of unanswered questions. Of Ashes.

Sapphire marched ahead, pulling the hood of her cloak up once more, this time in an effort to conceal the hot tears that stubbornly fell.

‘You’re not very skilled at masking what you feel,’ Ashes said bluntly, something like genuine surprise crossing her face.

Sapphire huffed as another tear fell. ‘We can’t all be like you. Some of us feel things – deeply.’

Ashes chuckled, shaking her head as she stepped closer. ‘I feel many things, princess.’ The girl’s eyes tracked down her body slowly and Sapphire felt her stomach clench. ‘I’ve just never had the luxury of doing so without inhibitions. Being able to conceal your emotions is as good as any weapon.’

Ashes’ gaze lingered on her, and Sapphire felt it again, the tug to reach out for her. To trace the small scar that ran through her brow. To finger her curls.

She responded with venom despite herself.

‘I think you knew I wouldn’t get answers. I think you enjoy wasting my time.’

Ashes, to her credit, did not flinch. She did not furrow her brow in irritation. She just remained still – the detached mask she wore never faltering.

‘I could think of much better ways to waste your time,’ she said with a smirk. ‘If you no longer seek my help, then feel free to find your way back to your friends. Magic requires intention. Rituals demand met conditions. If we do not handle the situation with care … things, people, you – could be impacted.’

Sapphire turned away from Ashes and continued walking. No footsteps came after her.

When she turned to look behind her, she realized that she was alone.

Immediately, the forest seemed larger, more sinister. ‘Ashes?’

Silence answered her, and she clenched her fist as the fear inside of her grew.

‘Ashes, please?’

A brush of wind shook the trees around her, and she whirled around, feeling once more like prey.