‘Aylara was always known as a reminder of hope and promise,’ the queen started with a soft sigh. ‘A promise of a better, brighter future. She was a gift from the Elders … and to me, my daughter … you … were, are, my very own gift from the Elders. There was no other name that suited you.’

Sapphire paused, and a warmth she wanted to bottle up and hold on to forever settled inside her. A few peaceful moments passed as the two women simply sat there together.

‘Can we try again?’ Sapphire finally asked, standing up. She extended her hand to the queen to help her off the ground. And the moment was right, good … but Sapphire didn’t miss it: the queen’s cringe when Araxia caught sight of the slender, raised scar across her palm.

CHAPTER TEN

Sapphire headed for the library the first free moment she got. Throwing open the doors, she stormed into the tranquil space. Searching the aisle, she finally caught sight of a familiar face.

‘Princess? Hi.’ Evera placed a book back on the shelf. ‘I’m sorry. No one told me you would be visiting. Is there a text you’d like me to pull?’

‘No, I just wanted to see you.’ Sapphire leaned against the shelves. ‘And it’s not “princess”. Call me Sapphire.’

‘Ah, yes.’ Evera returned her focus to the shelves.

‘I’m sorry I didn’t visit sooner,’ Sapphire continued.

Evera offered a gentle smile. ‘I’m just happy you’re here.’

‘How is your mother?’

Evera’s smile grew. ‘She’s my mother. Busy, worried, incapable of resting for even a moment.’

‘That sounds about right,’ Sapphire replied with a soft chuckle.

Evera laughed softly and crossed her arms, studying Sapphire closely.

‘Something is bothering you.’

Sapphire arched a confused brow while Evera levelled a stare at her.

‘You haven’t stopped fidgeting since you arrived.’

Sapphire closed her eyes, trying to decide if it was safe to be honest, to unload her burdens. As she opened her eyes again and looked at the girl, any doubt faded. Since the moment they had met, Evera had offered her nothing but honesty and kindness – and, mercy, Sapphire was desperate to talk to someone that wasn’t hired to help her or related to her.

‘If I say everything is bothering me, is that too dramatic?’ Evera laughed and Sapphire relaxed. ‘I have all these questions. Not only about my disappearance but just about … everything.’

‘Including Shadow Witches?’

‘That too.’ Sapphire wasn’t sure why but she felt embarrassed admitting it. ‘I just – I feel like there is more to their story.’

‘Shadow Witches are devils among men. Not a group you want to become entangled with.’

Sapphire mused, looking out of the window. ‘I just want to understand them. Understand more about my disappearance. That’s all.’

Evera looked at the floor for a moment before sighing.