Sapphire’s grip loosened. In one swift movement, the witch’s hand moved from her hair to the dagger, seizing it from Sapphire’s grip and pressing it against the princess’s throat, slowly backing her into a nearby tree.

Ashes leaned in, trapping Sapphire between her body and the tree.

‘Have they also not taught you to never lose focus?’

Sapphire stared down at the blade against her skin and tried to keep her breathing steady. The witch eyed her closely, the ghost of a smirk on her lips.

‘Are you scared?’

‘No,’ Sapphire forced out.

‘Liar.’

The blade dug deeper into her skin, but she did not bleed. Still, the pressure caused her to suck in a sharp breath. Ashes looked down at her, and Sapphire tried to stay steady, her knees buckling slightly. She told herself it was fear of the knife at her neck, but as she found the courage to meet Ashes’ gaze, she knew that wasn’t true.

The world around them darkened, Ashes’ shadows flaring, and Sapphire lost sight of everything except the girl in front of her. The witch licked her lips as her eyes tracked across Sapphire’s face, pausing when her gaze found Sapphire’s mouth.

The witch leaned in a bit more, her warm breath mixing with the feeling of cold steel against her neck, as Sapphire was overtaken by the familiar scent of honey and smoke. They were now flush against each other, exposed skin on skin, and Sapphire couldn’t ignore it. She couldn’t resist it. She wanted, needed, more.

‘What are you thinking about, princess?’ Ashes smirked, already knowing the answer. ‘Tell me,’ she urged. Her fingers danced lightly across Sapphire’s forearm. Ashes’ voice was throaty, and Sapphire heard herself whimper. ‘I want to hear you say it.’

Sapphire’s eyes flickered between the blade and the delicate fingers caressing her.

‘Would you like to know what I’m thinking about?’ Ashes purred, and Sapphire’s body betrayed her as her hips rolled against Ashes’ frame. The witch laughed. ‘Or would you like me to show you, Sapphire?’

Sapphire audibly whined, a high-pitched mewl escaping her at the sound of her own name slipping off the girl’s tongue.

Gods above, please.

To stop or to continue, Sapphire wasn’t sure any more what her silent prayer begged for. Ashes continued to look upon her, eyes narrowed, lips pursed like she was contemplating.

She took Sapphire’s chin between her thumb and index finger, forcing her face to angle up.

‘Damn it all,’ Ashes half whispered, her eyes darkening.

The witch’s lips met her own, and Sapphire heard the dagger clatter against the ground. One hand remained tightly gripping her chin, the other the curve of her waist, and Sapphire lost herself in the feeling.