Ryvinika’s voice cut through the madness, so clear and poignant. Sapphire closed her eyes tightly, trying to end the nightmare.

I said, do you love her?

Did she love Ashes? She knew –

My child, if you love her, you must wake up. You must go to her. Danger is born of the night.

Sapphire looked around wildly. Ashes’ eyes were still locked on her own, but she could not find the source of the voice.

Wake up and save your witch, Sapphire.

Sapphire was in her room, covered in sweat and gripping the covers so tightly her knuckles had begun to ache.

Go to her.

She was up and moving, grabbing her cloak and her dagger. Her gut twisted and it struck her that something was terribly wrong. But she did not take time to consider what she was doing. She immediately dived into the water and began to swim towards Ciliria, towards Ashes.

When she stumbled on to the shore, she did not call out for her witch. Instead, she moved into the forest, trusting Ryvinika would guide her.

‘Take me to her.’

Then the world shifted. Sapphire was reduced to an onlooker in her own life as she was led by a mind that was not her own. She moved through the woods with confidence, taking sharp turns, with a precision that could only come from someone who knew the way.

The forest moved past in a blur of darkness, the moon obscured by an incoming storm. She tried to memorize the path Ryvinika led her, but she could not.

When they finally slowed, Ashes was only a few paces ahead, walking away from her.

‘Ashes!’

The witch whirled around, and by the light of the flame in Sapphire’s hand, she saw a look of relief wash over the girl.

‘Sapphire, you never visit this late. I –’

‘I know.’ Sapphire cut her short, pulling her into a kiss. They lingered for a few seconds. ‘I apologize. I – fell asleep.’

‘Another nightmare?’ Ashes tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

Sapphire opened her mouth to speak, but the sound of movement nearby caught their attention, and the words died on her lips.

‘Sapphire, I need you to hide among the trees. Now.’

At the urgency in Ashes’ voice and face, Sapphire moved quickly, tucking herself behind a tree. She watched as the witch brought an orb of light to life in her palm.

‘Sister, it is only me. No need for alarm,’ Ashes muttered.

No response came and the uneasy feeling in Sapphire’s stomach grew.

To her horror, two figures stepped into view. Not witches of Ashes’ coven, but two men, their colours displayed – earthborn. Ashes didn’t move, towering over both of them.

‘Quite late for a midnight stroll through the forest. You never know what’s lurking among the shadows,’ Ashes mused.

The shorter man gave her a crooked grin.