When the shadows dropped away, she looked to Ashes.

‘We must go now. I can – I will bring it down tonight.’ Her voice shook as she spoke, betraying her.

Ashes shook her head, caressing her cheek.

‘I must warn my coven. We need time to prepare to protect you. Time to prepare for the shift. Two days. I need you to wait two days. Can you do that for me?’

Sapphire nodded, taking a deep breath. ‘Go. Warn them.’

Ashes pressed her lips against Sapphire’s, kissing her as if it was the last time. Sapphire mirrored her desperation.

She couldn’t lose this. Not now.

‘For a better world, Sapphire.’

‘I – Ashes, I –’

‘I know,’ the witch whispered, squeezing Sapphire’s hand. Sapphire pulled her into a tight embrace, trying to memorize every curve, every scent, every last detail of her. As the witch turned to go, Sapphire desperately reached out for her. Reached out like she had been doing for years before she realized who Ashes was.

The witch turned to face her.

‘I promised you once that I would always find you, did I not? I have a habit of keeping my word, princess.’ She untangled her fingers from Sapphire’s and closed her eyes for a few heartbeats before returning her gaze. Something about the witch’s unguarded expression didn’t suit her. ‘Fate is a cruel and ruthless mistress, but the oaths I take are unbreakable. I will always find you, Sapphire.’

Sapphire felt a lump form in her throat as she struggled to find words. When she felt she could respond, Ashes’ mask of indifference had returned.

‘I must go, princess. Return to the castle and remain there. This forest will be unsafe in the days to come.’

She went to argue but Ashes was already blending into the shadows. Sapphire remained on the shore, allowing her tears to fall without shame. The Princeps … with the insults, their sneers, their blackmail.

She smiled.

Ryvinika had always said: ‘It’s the monsters you know.’

She almost pitied Sadara and Tyden for not realizing that.

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

Two days later, Sapphire awoke and slipped on one of her favourite dresses. It was a deep blue that reminded her of the waters at night – a representation of herself to the rest of the world.

Her hair was pulled back from her face. Jewels were secured at the crown of her head, and curls spilled down her back. She looked entirely the part of the Princess of Eriobis.

A fitting day for the prophecy.

The bringer of justice, the prophecy had called her.

But she decided to be the bringer of peace, of a new world, and equality.

That shift helped her breathe as she moved down the corridor. And it prevented her from coming completely undone when Evera walked into the parlour.

‘What are you doing here?’ Sapphire’s voice was harsher than she intended, her teeth clenched.