‘Of course I have. I was a newborn when she went missing, but it is something that is talked about often.’

Another deep breath.

‘Well, it appears I have returned.’

Evera’s mouth fell open, and Sapphire dived into the events of the last few days. Evera didn’t interrupt her until she arrived at the point in the story that still haunted her. The Shadow Witches who had arrived to perform the familial charm.

‘They were terrifying – red hair, nearly silver skin. I was told they were Shadow Witches.’

‘Shadow Witches,’ Evera whispered, like she couldn’t believe the words leaving her mouth.

‘Why do you seem so shocked?’

‘They are … citizens of Eriobis – but the history surrounding them is complicated. But they do practise other types of magic – forbidden magic.’

‘The queen mentioned they practised magic we can’t understand, but didn’t explain what that entailed.’

‘Shadow Witches push the limits of what is possible. Many moons ago, their magic was something to be marvelled at. But as time passed, they were consumed by a darkness. They passed that darkness down through generations and it carries a cost. It eats away at their souls and their physical bodies. I can’t believe the queen and king would invite such an evil presence into the castle.’

Evera frowned. ‘Shadow Witches are bad omens.’

Sapphire shrugged, but her mind was racing, her thoughts returning to the ripped-out pages of the book she had read and the harrowing story of her disappearance only moments after her first breath. She wanted to tell Evera what the queen had told her about the witches’ involvement in her birth, and disappearance, but decided against it.

‘If the Shadow Witches are so … Well, if they are citizens, then where do they reside?’

‘They are known to move around but usually stick to the forest in Ciliria.’

‘Ciliria?’

‘It is the territory where those who control earth reside.’ Evera shifted in her seat. ‘It is the most uninhabited land, so it makes sense the coven would reside there.’

‘And have you … ever seen a Shadow Witch?’ She knew it was a fool’s question – but she half hoped Evera had seen one. Maybe she too had met Ashes? The image of her unreal beauty burned in Sapphire’s mind.

‘No. And I pray it stays that way.’

The two sat in an awkward silence. Not enemies, but not friends. Acquaintances, she supposed was the word to describe them – she hadn’t had many of those, and she wasn’t sure how to proceed.

Evera leaned back against the chair and closed her eyes. ‘What are they like? The king and queen?’

‘They’re nice. Emotional … always on edge. I can’t bring myself to trust them.’

‘I think that’s understandable, just so you know.’

Sapphire gave her a grateful smile and looked out of the window.