The worry slipped away for a few blissful moments as she rejoiced that both Evera and Kaian could exist with her in her room. But then the cold rushed back in. The reminder of Ashes, bloodied and bruised. The girl’s panicked eyes as realization set in. Her fear. Her desperation.

‘If the barrier fell, what do you suppose the world would be like?’

Evera and Kaian snapped their attention back to her and then exchanged a worried look that she did not miss. Neither hurried to speak.

A tense pause followed, but finally, Kaian cleared his throat. ‘If the legends are true – if the monsters still linger beyond the barrier – then war. I believe it would be a world full of war.’ The three stared at each other and Kaian stood, shaking his head. ‘My parents are growing worried. It seems there’s a darkness in Eriobis that no one can shake.’ Evera looked to the ceiling.

‘My parents won’t even allow me to go on my usual rounds in the forest. Two men disappear and it’s like suddenly everyone is a target.’

Sapphire moved away from Evera, trying to appear busy tidying her room. The skirt of her dress was making it difficult to move and she cursed silently. She felt their eyes on her, like they were waiting for her to speak but she couldn’t find the words so she continued to pace.

‘Why are you acting so … standoffish?’ Evera asked. ‘Please take a seat – you’re putting me even more on edge.’

Sapphire obliged and sat in the empty armchair across from Kaian.

‘I can trust you both, can’t I?’

Evera smiled at her. ‘You shouldn’t even have to ask that.’

But she needed to.

‘I want to tell you something. But I need you both to swear to me that your loyalty is unconditional.’

Something in the atmosphere shifted, and the two nodded in unison, sharing a worried glance. She wanted to believe them. She knew this honesty might cost her more than she’d like to admit – but she needed to talk to someone because she was teetering on the cliff of insanity.

‘I have befriended Ashes.’

They both frowned. ‘The Shadow Witch?’ Evera’s voice was small.

‘Yes.’

Kaian rubbed his face in frustration. ‘Sapphire, you know those witches –’

‘I need you to let me finish.’

He clamped his mouth shut and leaned back in the chair.

‘I was spending time with her a few nights ago, and two men stumbled upon us in the forest. They attacked her. Threatened to kill her. And –’

‘Do not say what you’re about to say.’ Kaian’s voice was low with warning, and he grabbed her roughly by the arm. ‘Don’t, Sapphire. Don’t admit it.’

‘But –’

‘There are eyes and ears everywhere. Places you can’t imagine. Do not.’

Sapphire swallowed the confession and looked out of the window, suddenly unable to meet either of their gazes.