The witch stepped over the body to where Sapphire stood and pulled her into an approving kiss. When she pulled away, Sapphire set fire to the two bodies. They stood there, watching the flames grow. ‘You kept your word.’

‘I was told it’s dangerous to make false promises to Shadow Witches.’

‘Wise advice.’ Ashes bent down, gathering the bones in the same way as she’d held the brush the day the two had lain together in the forest.

At that exact moment, the familiar trace of an unwelcome touch ghosted up Sapphire’s back and laughter followed.

Very good, my child.

They were going to kill her.

Tell me, how many lives will you take before you can no longer stand the guilt?

‘You look ill.’ Ashes stared at her with a concerned look.

‘I’m fine,’ Sapphire replied.

Bring down the barrier and prove there is nothing to fear. It is the only answer, for everyone.

Ashes turned to face her, and she was struck by a potent emotion that she couldn’t ignore. Longing – longing for moments with Ashes that weren’t … this. That weren’t illuminated only by the moonlight and hidden amidst the trees.

That emotion quickly faded as Sapphire took in the bones gathered in Ashes’ arms. Bones that had belonged to two living, breathing men only moments ago. Before she had killed one and allowed the other to be killed before her eyes.

She had killed him. She looked at her hands, which were stained with blood that was not her own.

Mercy, she had taken a life.

She sucked in a breath, but the panic grew too quickly, causing her to stumble. Ashes noticed, dropping the bones to steady her, but the sound of the pile hitting the forest floor sickened her. It was a rattling, unnerving ensemble of death. Ashes gripped her tightly as her body shook.

‘Sapphire, I need you to look at me.’

Ashes’ tone was commanding, cutting through the panicked haze that clouded her mind. Her eyes found the familiar haunting gaze of the witch.

‘You did what was necessary.’

‘I killed him.’ Her voice was strangled.

‘He would’ve done the same to me. To you. If he had the chance.’

‘There is blood on my hands.’ Sapphire’s breathing was laboured. ‘Please, get the blood off my hands. Please.’

Ashes guided her to sit on a fallen log before she disappeared into the forest. Sapphire’s panic intensified. What if –?

But then Ashes reappeared, the skirt of her dress ripped to make a cloth that she had wet. She crouched in front of Sapphire, taking her hands. She placed a gentle kiss on her bloodied palms before beginning to wash them clean of the blood. They remained silent until she was done.

‘There,’ she whispered, pressing a cold hand to Sapphire’s cheek. ‘It is gone.’

‘We killed them,’ Sapphire repeated. ‘How are you so –? Why are you not –?’