Sapphire wanted to tell her of the nights in the forest, in the clearings. Of a blade to her neck and promises on her lips. She wanted to tell Evera everything.

So she did, and when she finished, Evera picked at the non-existent dirt on Sapphire’s quilt.

‘I hope you understand that I can’t –’ Evera took a deep breath, closing her eyes. ‘I am struggling to find the balance between being your friend but also a voice of reason. Kaian is much better at the latter.’

Sapphire gave her a half-smile and Evera spoke again.

‘You have your whole future ahead of you. You know that, right?’

She nodded absentmindedly, looking out of the window. The whole world ahead of her – a world she would improve. A brighter future. She just hoped Evera would understand.

CHAPTER FORTY

It had been a long time coming, she mused while walking along the shore, staring up at the circling clouds. Her mind had been made up weeks ago. Her next step was the only way to push the world forward. It was the only way for her to learn who she truly was. It was – the only way …

A new world where there was no barrier, no hunting, no anger, where different people could coexist.

A world where respect flowed naturally and people understood. A world where she could love Ashes.

The prophecy had called for a better world.

One she would deliver.

Still, a piece of her selfishly wanted to watch the barrier crumble under her hand. She longed for that feeling – like the weight of the world was in her palm again. Saviour or ravager. Lamb or lion. Her path was hers to command.

The prophecy will come to fruition. Your magic cannot be kept from the world.

The witch was right. Every day the dull ache, the pressure, and the nerves all increased, pushing her towards the edge. She wanted Araxia – she wanted to ask her to make sense of what was happening.

But after the night in the forest, the two men with their spiteful grins and the royal crests, trust had been just out of their reach. And deep down, she feared if she admitted it all, she’d break the promise they had made that day by the lake.

Footsteps interrupted her thoughts, and she turned to find Kaian standing behind her.

‘I owe you an apology.’

She returned her eyes to the lake, not wanting a conversation.

‘I swore to myself I wouldn’t be my father. That I would treat you as an equal; and when we last talked, I didn’t. You didn’t deserve that. But I will always tell you what I think is best. I hope you do the same for me.’

‘Sit,’ she said with a sigh. ‘I think this whole arrangement might have been easier if we hadn’t been friends. Maybe that’s why your parents sought a duel between us, hoping we would become enemies.’