Sapphire retracted her hand quickly, stumbling over the rock behind her. She hit the ground hard, a yelp escaping her lips, though her eyes never left the dancing flame.

Evera’s gaze remained on her for a few more moments before she extinguished it.

‘Sorry. I thought you were going to –’

‘Attack you?’ Sapphire got up, brushing the dirt off her nightgown. ‘Well, if I was thinking about it – I definitely won’t now.’

A small smile played on Evera’s lips. ‘What element do you belong to?’

‘Element?’

‘Yeah, I’m Fireborn, obviously. What are you?’

‘I have no idea what you’re talking about.’

Evera frowned. ‘Are you OK? Maybe you hit your head and you’re confused.’

‘Where I’m from, people can’t casually ignite a flame in their palm.’

Evera’s eyes lit up. ‘Are you a mortal?’

A mortal. Sapphire had only heard that word used in discussion of the Beasts and their prey. Her fear reignited as she realized she could very well be in the presence of a monster. Yes, she was a mortal, and mortals ended up dead when they found themselves in the presence of a monster.

‘I –’

‘But if you are a mortal, breaking the barrier would be impossible. How did you end up here?’

‘That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out.’

‘This doesn’t make any sense.’

Sapphire almost chuckled. Finally, something they could agree on; but the fear she still felt caused the laughter to die on her tongue.

An uncomfortable silence followed until Evera finally spoke. ‘I think you should come with me.’

‘I’m fine on m–’

‘You’re barefoot and in a nightgown,’ Evera quipped back, taking in the girl’s appearance once more, her eyes softening in sympathy. ‘My mother will be able to help.’

Martia’s voice rang out in Sapphire’s mind: Never trust a stranger, my girl. The woodlands are full of creatures born of deceit.

‘All I need is a change of clothes, then I’m on my way.’

Evera nodded. ‘Yes, of course. Follow me.’

The walk seemed to last for miles. Sapphire began to pant under the hot sun, Evera tossing her worried glances as they journeyed towards her home. Finally, rows of small stone houses came into view: a village bustling with life. But Evera opted for the path that led around it. To their right was a large canyon, water glistening at its bottom. Further on stood an incredibly tall mountain with a fire burning at the peak.

Finally, her guide turned towards a small stone cottage that looked identical to the couple of hundred or so that they had already passed. Pausing at the gate, Evera gave Sapphire a half-hearted smile.

‘Just wait for a moment. I need to let my mother know you’re here.’