Sapphire was tall, but Ashes towered over her in a way that made her feel small. ‘Wha-what could I offer you?’

‘Plenty.’ The witch smiled, looking down her sharp nose at Sapphire. ‘Do we have a deal?’

‘I don’t even know what I’m agreeing to.’

‘I suppose you’ll just have to trust me.’

Never trust a Shadow Witch – a devil among men. That was what she had been taught. But she felt a tug of curiosity about the girl who hovered over her.

‘You have a deal.’

The witch’s smile shifted to something devious, and Sapphire’s neck prickled.

‘You truly are your mother’s daughter, then.’

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

Ashes took her roughly by the arm and began to walk, pulling Sapphire along behind her. ‘Seek out your own history, princess. I have no …’ she said, throwing a veiled look over her shoulder, a weighted pause lingering between her words, ‘interest in being your governess.’

With a simple hand gesture, Ashes pulled the shadows from the trees, the moonlight providing enough light for her to see the lake in the distance. Sapphire sagged in relief, turning to say thank you, but Ashes was devoured by her own shadows.

Still, Sapphire whispered into the midnight mass before her, ‘Thank you.’

She was almost at the lake when she felt the ghost of a touch on her back, pulling at her nightgown. And when she wheeled around, she almost screamed. A shadow person hovered before her. She stood frozen as it reached out for her, placing a phantom hand to her cheek.

‘When I call for you, you come. Keep your word, princess.’

And then the shadows retreated to the forest, painting the treeline black.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Three weeks had passed since the lunch at the Princeps’ estate, and they hadn’t received word about the date of the duel. Sapphire didn’t mind. She was glad to take advantage of the extra time. But she knew she wouldn’t have much longer – and her dread was building every day.

She spent any free time she had in the library, poring over books and chatting with Evera until she had to return to Aleburn. Tonight, the candles had nearly burned out as they chatted.

‘Are you feeling any better about the duel?’

‘Yes and no,’ Sapphire said, leaning back in her chair. ‘Araxia thinks I can hold my own, and that’s got to mean something, right?’

‘Right.’

But Evera’s tone was distant, and she wouldn’t meet Sapphire’s eyes. Sapphire needed more. She needed to prove herself. She grabbed Evera’s hand and began dragging her towards the door.

‘What are we doing?’

‘I’m going to show you what I’ve learned from those books. I know you’ll be honest with me.’

Evera’s uncertainty lingered as they headed for the lake and it remained as Sapphire stepped into the water.