Despite her exhaustion from a day packed with rehearsals and planning, Sapphire tossed and turned, unable to escape the vivid nightmare that consumed her every time she closed her eyes. She saw Ashes bruised and bloodied. She smelled smoke, heard the scream. Oh, mercy, that scream. She needed to see Ashes, to feel her touch, and hear her voice. She needed to know that she was OK.

So it was really no surprise when she stumbled up the shore of Ciliria. She searched the dark forest, longing to simply see Ashes in the flesh. She just needed a moment of relief from the images of her death that were so vivid in her mind. She fingered Ashes’ white stone in her pocket.

‘I’m flattered you’re still carrying that stone, princess.’

Sapphire whirled around to find Ashes leaning against a tall oak tree. She rushed towards her, wrapping her arms around the witch. Ashes pulled her close, raising her slightly off the ground in an embrace.

‘I’m so happy to see you.’ Sapphire breathed in the girl’s familiar scent, her mind instantly slowing.

‘Were you not expecting to?’

She considered telling Ashes about the visions of death … her death … that had been haunting her mind for days now, but she didn’t want to ruin this precious stolen night.

‘Of course I was. I just – can I not just be happy to see you?’

‘I suppose it’s better than a knife to my neck.’ Ashes’ lips quirked upward, her eyes playful as she pulled Sapphire closer. ‘Maybe.’

Ashes kissed her and the world fell away like it always did. The witch’s magic might be powerful, but her ability to make Sapphire feel like the only person in the world was beyond any power this world could offer.

‘Now, to what do I owe the pleasure?’

Sapphire frowned at the question.

‘Do I always need a reason to seek you out? Can I not just visit?’

‘You can do whatever you please, Sapphire. Your presence is always welcome to me.’

Sapphire took a seat and tried to brush off her lingering irritation. She leaned against the witch, and Ashes wrapped her arms around Sapphire. It was peaceful, exactly what she needed, but her mind could never halt entirely.

She and Ashes had hardly confessed any secrets about themselves and their pasts, always too focused on unravelling the next mystery around them. But right now, Sapphire wanted to know more – even more than that, she wanted Ashes to know more … to want to know more. She sighed loudly, and Ashes tightened her hold.

‘Go on. Tell me your thoughts.’

Sapphire shifted to look the girl in the eyes.

‘I hardly know anything about you.’

Ashes tilted her head slightly.

‘That is because my past is entirely unimportant.’ Sapphire stared at her and Ashes sighed. ‘I was born and raised into a coven of fierce women. My father … well, he’s not pertinent.’

‘Why is he not important?’