A fire burned brightly in the dark as the coven came into view. Each witch wore a dress of pure white, with an oversized ruby hanging from her neck. An altar had been constructed in front of the flames, covered in huge jewels and hung with a garland. Large tomes were stacked neatly at its foot.

As Sapphire looked to Ashes, the witch clipped her own jewel around her throat, the glimmering stone flush against her pale skin.

As they stepped into view, the coven – and even the flames – seemed to still.

Ashes cleared her throat, signalling for Sapphire to remove her hood and step into the circle.

‘Princess,’ Esadora called out, walking towards her. ‘You came.’ Sapphire bowed her head in respect as the woman continued. ‘The ritual is about to begin.’

Sapphire followed the woman, expecting to take a seat near the outer circle, but instead, she was led to the altar.

‘Tonight, you are the Anointed One, princess. Gifts and offerings will be bestowed, and stories will be told. Are you ready?’

Sapphire blinked, only half following what the woman was saying. Still, she hadn’t waited this long to turn back now. So, she nodded, and Esadora helped her take a place on the altar.

The fire doubled in size as she settled in and Esadora smiled.

‘My sisters, tonight is the night prophesied since the beginning. A thousand years in the making. This child is the answer to the prayers you have been sending to our beloved Ryvinika. Bestow the prophetic offerings to the Anointed One. It is time.’

Sapphire watched with wide eyes as they lined up in front of her. One by one, they bowed their heads and placed their offerings at her feet. She searched for Ashes, finally finding her. The witch stared straight ahead, though – Savina watching her closely. When they arrived, Savina and Ashes did as the other witches had done, falling to their knees. A necklace, art, a bottle of wine: Savina offered it all before bowing her head, muttering words of gratitude for Sapphire’s bravery and arrival.

Soon, it was only Ashes who knelt before her.

‘You are the only queen I will ever bow to,’ Ashes whispered, placing a small, smooth stone that was as white as the moon atop the pile of gifts that surrounded her.

Sapphire wanted to reach out for her, her fingers desperate to feel the girl’s skin against her own, but Ashes simply bowed her head once more and moved aside, allowing others to pay their respects. The gifts grew – wildflowers and sparkling potions in jars. And she remained still, her eyes tracking every move.

Finally, Esadora arrived. With shaking hands, she placed a small floral crown atop Sapphire’s head. The red clashed with the blue dress she wore.

‘Do you accept these offerings?’

Sapphire scanned the piles that surrounded her.

‘Yes. I accept.’

Esadora smiled and patted her hand.