She slipped the thick strap of Sapphire’s dress from her shoulder, tracing kisses over her collarbone.

Sapphire’s head lolled back, and she closed her eyes tightly. But it was a mistake as she instantly saw the images of fire and shadows, a barrier crumbling, and bodies strewn across the land.

‘Stop,’ Sapphire sighed. ‘Please, Ashes. I need –’

Ashes stepped away abruptly, bowing her head.

‘What do you need?’

‘I need … I need to talk about this.’ Sapphire realized she was on the verge of a panic attack. Ashes seemed to notice at the same time, pulling Sapphire to her chest and holding her there until her breathing gave way to a normal pace. ‘I’m afraid that the prophecy is real,’ Sapphire finally admitted. ‘I’m afraid that this is the beginning of the end.’

Ashes gave her a dreamy smile.

‘An ending is necessary for a new and better beginning.’

‘And you think that if I bring the barrier down that it will be a better beginning? Eriobis can exist in harmony with whatever is beyond it?’

‘It’s written in the prophecy – prosperity for the nation of Eriobis, unity to be found.’

‘Why wasn’t I told that?’

‘Because these are decisions you should be making on your own. Not for the greater good – but because you believe in a better world for the coven.’

‘Will you get in trouble for telling me?’

‘No. The ritual broke all bonds that held me.’

Sapphire nodded, studying the world around her.

‘Have you considered,’ Ashes began, ‘that with this prophecy … it could mean our story might end much differently than we ever expected?’

Sapphire arched an eyebrow in confusion.

‘You are the Anointed One, Sapphire. You and only you can bring me and my people out of the darkness we have been forced into. Only you can break the Elders’ hold. You can make the world different – what we both wished for.’

‘But at what cost?’ Sapphire whispered.

Ashes took that cue to swallow her words, kissing her once more, and Sapphire let go of her questions and worries, allowing herself to indulge in the one thing that made sense.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

It was a warm night. The glow of the stars overhead was enchanting as she approached the water’s edge. It was late. Kip and Araxia were asleep, and the workers had gone home for the night. She was alone. And as she stared up at the sky, she couldn’t shake the question: Why?

Why me?

As she looked out at the water, the faintest glint of violet caught her attention. She looked closer, tracking it as it made its way towards her. She did not shrink in fear; instead she remained on the shore, a few feet away from the water, waiting for the monster to visit her.

Ryvinika appeared, a ghost of her former self.

‘Evening, my child.’

‘Ryvinika.’

The figure stopped at the water’s edge.

‘You do not run from me?’