‘That’s enough, princess. Rid your mind of such poison and recite the prayer of forgiveness in hopes the Elders take pity on your wandering thoughts. This lesson is over.’

Fyra marched out of the room, leaving Sapphire alone as she leaned back in her chair, looking around the room.

She would not pray for forgiveness. She would not apologize for curiosity. No matter what Fyra did. No matter what she said.

She could not stop Sapphire’s growing obsession with the darkest souls of Eriobis’ past.

And Sapphire would not stop until she had answers.

CHAPTER NINE

That night, Sapphire walked languidly among one of the gardens, pausing to look up at the sky.

‘Do you often find yourself outside, alone and vulnerable, at night?’

Sapphire jumped, whirling around to find a familiar face.

‘Do not speak to the princess, witch,’ the taller of the two guards grunted, jerking the visitor by her arm, dragging her away.

‘Wait.’ The word left Sapphire’s mouth before she could think it through. The guards halted and Ashes looked over her shoulder with a smirk. ‘What are you doing here?’

‘Does my presence offend you?’ Ashes shrugged off the guards and turned to face Sapphire. ‘That someone of such low status would sully the ground you walk upon?’

‘Answer my question.’

‘I am simply following orders and returning home.’

Sapphire stared at her, searching her face for a flicker of deceit, but could find none.

‘Whose orders?’

‘My king and queen’s. They call, I answer.’

‘Why would they call upon you?’

‘To protect you, of course. Isn’t that what we all were put in this world to do? Protect the beloved princess? What a blessing she has returned.’

‘I don’t –’

‘As lovely as I find your violet eyes,’ Ashes winked, ‘those around you don’t agree. My poor hands are cramping from crafting so many vials of potion.’

Ashes leaned against the stone wall as she took in Sapphire’s confused expression, a lazy smile formed across her face.

Sapphire racked her brain – faintly recalling that Araxia had told her a potion would be coming. Sapphire had learned in her studies that members of each elemental faction had a specific eye colour. Earth was blue; fire, red; air, silver; and water a brilliant green. They had explained that something about Sapphire’s disappearance must have affected her eyes – and that the potion would help her avoid prying questions about something so insignificant.

At the time, it had made sense. She certainly wasn’t looking for a reason to field any more questions. But now, knowing that Ashes was the one who created it, she wasn’t so sure any more.

‘You made that potion?’

‘Of course I did.’