Climbing into a boat on the night of the Shadow Moon, Sapphire settled in for the ride. It was a much slower process than swimming, but she didn’t mind. She needed time to think, to gather her courage, and wanted to preserve her strength … just in case.

‘Prompt as ever.’ The voice didn’t startle her as she looked up to see Ashes stepping out from the shadows when she finally arrived on the Cilirian shore. ‘I’m here to be your guide.’

‘I could’ve made it on my own.’

‘I don’t doubt it. But indulge me and my selfish vices.’

The witch stepped forward, closing the distance between them. When Ashes pressed her lips to Sapphire’s, her body warmed at the touch. She deepened the kiss, her hands finding their place in Ashes’ hair, and the girl smiled against her mouth.

‘I have half a mind to keep you to myself tonight,’ she whispered against Sapphire’s lips.

‘You’re going to make me late.’ Sapphire pulled away, her tone steadier than her feelings.

‘Who am I to deny an opportune moment when it presents itself?’ Ashes kissed her once more, her tongue dancing playfully along Sapphire’s lower lip before pulling away and taking her hand.

‘Follow me and stay close.’

From every direction, a creature stirred, birds called out, and small animals ran across their path, but Ashes never wavered.

‘Can you tell me what’s waiting for me?’ Sapphire felt a rush of relief as she finally asked the question she had been thinking about all day.

‘A ritual.’ Sapphire halted and Ashes tugged on her hand, urging her forward. ‘You won’t need to use that dagger you have strapped to your thigh.’

Finally, the darkness broke, revealing too many witches to count seated in a circle around a large fire. They were about twenty steps away when Ashes dropped her hand.

‘Pull your cloak up and follow me closely.’ She searched Sapphire’s face in the dim light of her orb. ‘Breathe, Sapphire. Your questions will be answered tonight.’

‘I’m not sure I can –’

The witch pressed her hand to Sapphire’s cheek, instantly calming her erratic heart.

‘You can and you will. I will be there. I won’t let anything hurt you.’

‘I’m still scared,’ Sapphire confessed.

‘Of what?’

‘The truth, I guess,’ Sapphire whispered.

‘Good,’ Ashes murmured back. ‘That means you’re not a complete fool.’

‘I feel like one.’

‘You’re brave,’ Ashes sighed, running her thumb gently across her cheek, ‘and beautiful.’

Sapphire found Ashes’ eyes and leaned into the girl’s palm for a bit longer before pulling back.