Evera sent Sapphire a warning look. ‘You asked me to take the day off. But if you don’t want me here, I’ll just –’

‘No. Stay. I apologize. I’m … in my own head.’

‘What a place to be.’ The two girls whirled around to see Kaian walking through the archway. ‘Ladies.’

Sapphire rolled her eyes, glancing between the two, who shared a knowing look.

‘You planned this?’

Evera and Kaian bit back laughs as they exchanged another knowing glance.

‘We’re getting you out of the castle for the day. We have a full programme planned.’

‘And what will we be doing?’

‘Enjoying all that Eriobis has to offer.’

She met their gazes, and knew she couldn’t risk being too obvious. She softened her expression.

‘Tell me we’ll be visiting Ciliria. I miss it.’

Kaian nodded with a smile on his face. ‘That’s where we’re having lunch. I have a picnic basket packed with all your favourites – including pastries and that roseberry jam you love so much.’

Sapphire bowed her head in gratitude as she began to consider her next moves.

‘Now, let’s get moving. The carriage is waiting.’

‘How did you –’

‘Claye agreed that you need a day out. He … pulled a few strings.’ Evera took Sapphire’s hand as they began to make their way to the front of the castle, chattering about something Sapphire was too distracted to take in.

As she stepped into the carriage, Ryvinika came to life.

Tell me, child, do you trust me?

Sapphire nodded as the world outside the carriage began to move past her.

A hint of satisfied laughter followed – the feeling of something brushing up against her mind.

Today, we change the world.

To Sapphire’s dismay, they stopped at the temple in the city centre.

‘Offerings first,’ Kaian explained, extending his hand for her to take.

Hand in hand, they slipped out of the carriage to find onlookers excited by their presence. Many reached out to them, asking for prayers and healing, while others expressed gratitude. Sapphire played her part well, nodding and smiling as she followed Kaian to the open gates.

Once inside, a pressure settled upon her. It was as if two hands were pushing her down. The presence was unwelcome and she shifted, trying to be free of it.

‘Are you OK?’ Evera asked. Kaian had dropped her hand now that they were out of view of onlookers, and Evera had taken his place.

‘I’m fine. Why?’

‘Are you sure?’

Sapphire nodded, shutting her eyes tightly and hoping to find some relief.

They want me to leave.

Sapphire stiffened. She looked around the temple, her eyes landing on a statue of the Elders looking down on her. She stared at them, challenging them to speak to her.

They remained unmoving, unwilling, and unaccepting of who she was.