‘You’re nervous.’ It wasn’t a question, more a statement laced with surprise.

‘Wouldn’t you be?’

‘I guess. I’m just surprised.’

Sapphire didn’t meet Claye’s gaze.

‘Is that so?’

‘No matter how untraditional your past may be, you are a Canmore, princess. Women born from the magic of the Elders. The Princeps boy doesn’t stand a chance.’

Sapphire wanted to thank him but let the moment pass. And she wasn’t sure how to admit that while she was nervous for the duel itself, it was Ashes’ warning that really set her on edge. The witch spoke in riddles constantly – but it was as if she knew something was coming. Something bad.

Outside, Kip offered her a small smile, and Araxia reached out for her hand, guiding her up the steps into the carriage. Sapphire tried to focus on the passing landscape. The shimmering lakes soon gave way to tall buildings that reached towards the sky. Merchants lined the streets, and temples with colourful stained glass were seemingly on every corner.

She begged time to stand still. But the Elders ignored her when she called upon them. And before long, the duelling arena, set in the city centre, came into sight.

She wasn’t entirely sure why she was so surprised to see hordes crowding the entrance. They lined the street, and as the carriage rolled over the stone, guards worked to hold them back as they attempted to get a closer look.

And while she heard the cheers, she couldn’t miss the whispers.

She understood it, truly. But it still left her feeling overexposed, her nerves buzzing under the thick fabric of her training suit.

They had shown up to watch it all unfold. To watch her be defeated, proving she had no right to the Canmore name. Like a child, she looked to Araxia, feeling overwhelmed. The queen took Sapphire’s face in her palms.

‘You are a Canmore. My daughter. My joy. They do not get the luxury of seeing you falter.’

The words were a command, and Sapphire fortified herself. Claye took her hand. As her feet met the ground, she turned her face to the sun and smiled.

Araxia and Kip flanked her as they walked towards the opening of the arena, and Sapphire was careful to greet everyone she could. Bowing her head in gratitude to those who called out her name.

The arena was simple and domed, with large arched windows lining every wall. A small pool was in one corner, and a youngling tree in the other. Their weapons. She watched a man summon air, pushing the top of the dome up so that the arena was open to the sky.

It was real. It was here. And there was no escaping it.

Kaian and Sapphire were summoned to the centre of the arena.

‘Both of you have accepted these rules with an Elder’s oath?’

‘We will obey,’ they answered in unison.