Moving in front of the golden statue of the Elders, Kip and Araxia knelt before it. They asked for the Elders’ graciousness and kindness to return the two men home. But Sapphire did not bow. She stared at the gold-plated statue. And as she smiled at the Gods, the prayer she recited in her mind was not for them but for the girl who kissed her in the shadows.

‘I do not fear you. I do not bend to your will. I will tear the sky in two. I will destroy the world you built before you touch my witch.’ Some disembodied pressure struck her back, and her knees buckled, but she remained upright. ‘I kneel before no one but her.’

For a moment, she could have sworn that the eyes of the golden statue moved to her. She almost hoped they did. They would find anger, darkness, power, and the eyes of a Shadow Witch who she refused to let go.

‘Sapphire?’

She snapped her attention back to her parents. Their eyes shifted between her and the statue she had been staring at.

‘We just wanted to make sure you understood. No visiting the forest until we can figure out what is happening. We’ve already written to the Princeps.’

‘I understand.’

The monster you know.

Her parents would do well to heed that advice.

The wedding was approaching and it felt like a noose tightening around Sapphire’s neck. It was only a matter of weeks before she and Kaian were supposed to walk down the aisle and pledge their loyalty to one another and the country they served. Dress fittings were over, as were ballroom dancing classes – instead, she spent her time locked away in rooms being prepped for what came after that special day.

More responsibility to the crown she had grown to hate.

The Princeps spent most of their time at the castle as well – their presence was a constant reminder of the choices being made for her – but she knew she’d make her own choice soon, and that would be the only one that mattered.

She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts, trying to focus. Currently, she was sitting in her room with Kaian and Evera – the three of them sprawled out on the floor as Kaian spoke in a reassuring tone.

‘I would’ve heard if the barrier was weakening, Sapphire. I’m sure this is just another gossip scare.’

It wasn’t like she could admit that Ashes had been the one to bring her the news. She couldn’t risk anyone finding out about her nights spent on the shore.

‘Nothing has been said in Aleburn or the library either.’ Evera crawled to Sapphire, taking her hand. ‘You know I’d tell you if I heard even a whisper of this.’

‘I know.’ Sapphire gave Evera a small smile and squeezed her hand.