Heartbreak and rage were a toxic combination. Rapid. Suffocating. And begging to be released. They rippled through her and did away with any sense she had left.

She watched as the pond in her room began to steam. And then, an angry flame erupted from her hand.

Ashes’ eyes locked on her open palm, while Sapphire’s eyes locked on Ashes’. They were frozen like statues in Sapphire’s room.

‘That’s new.’ Ashes’ voice was steady. ‘How long have you been able to do that?’

Sapphire opened and closed her fist a few times, trying to douse the flame, but it persisted. ‘It’s none of your business.’

When the flame went out, leaving only her clenched, warm fist, the two girls were left alone.

‘You’re right. It’s not.’

Sapphire deflated, the secret heavy inside her. She wanted Ashes to press her for answers, but the witch remained silent by her side.

‘That’s all you have to say?’ Sapphire asked.

‘What else is there?’

Sapphire shrugged. ‘I don’t know. I just thought –’

‘I am your enemy.’ The witch arched an elegant eyebrow, and Sapphire looked away quickly.

Sapphire knew Ashes should be her enemy. But still, the lingering memory of a soft hand on her lower back, lips against her own.

‘You’re supposed to be.’

The way the witch looked at her made her core warm, and she clenched her jaw in an effort to slow the building force within her. Ashes was entirely transfixing, consuming, and mind-numbing. Every time Sapphire met the girl’s gaze, she felt whole and untethered at the same time.

Ashes didn’t feel like home. She didn’t feel like a safe place to land. But she did feel like power. Like rain on Sapphire’s skin and magic throbbing in the tips of her fingers.

Ashes felt like being alive.

‘If you only knew,’ Ashes whispered as she inched closer, her breath warm against Sapphire’s neck, ‘how devastating you are when you look at me like that.’ The witch’s eyes roamed her face before landing on her lips, setting Sapphire’s nerves aflame.

‘Tell me, princess. How strong is that oath you took when they placed a crown on your head?’

Ashes’ hand found its way to her thigh and Sapphire shivered. The touch of her skin was icy and jarring. Sapphire’s eyes lingered where the hand rested.

She clenched and unclenched her fist, unable to cling to her resolve.

Instead, she leaned forward, pressing her own lips against Ashes’. The witch hummed in satisfaction, pulling her closer.