Lelani pressed her lips into a thin line as her eyes narrowed.

Before her mother could continue the interrogation, Evera reappeared with a pile of clothing in hand. Sapphire pushed back from the table, needing to escape Lelani’s heavy stare.

‘Bathroom?’

‘Second door to the left,’ Evera answered with a small, sincere smile as she handed the pile to Sapphire as she passed. Once she clicked the door closed behind her, Sapphire felt herself coming undone and moved to grip the cold basin in front of her for support. A single sob shook her shoulders before she heard the whispers outside the door.

‘We have to take her to the kingdom, Evera. We have no idea who she is or what her intentions are.’

‘Can’t we take her tomorrow? She’s practically dead on her feet right now.’

‘No. You’ve heard the whispers about the Shattered Lands too, Evera. You saw her eyes. I fear she’s –’

Their voices turned even quieter, and Sapphire moved to the looking glass. Everyone seemed to want to talk about her eyes. When she saw her own reflection, she realized why. They were usually a muddy, chestnut brown, but now they glowed a vibrant violet. She stumbled away from the glass, trying to gather herself together.

This was not possible.

Eyes did not just … change, especially to a colour so unnatural and unsettling. Taking a few deep breaths, she summoned up the courage to look at herself once more. The violet was still there. She blinked, willing it to fade, but nothing changed – and as she stared, unable to turn away, a sick feeling began to settle into her bones.

She remained there for some time before a gentle knock broke her out of the trance.

‘Sapphire? Are you OK?’ Evera’s voice was worried.

‘Just a few minutes, sorry.’

Rushing, she forced herself into the odd garment Evera had given her. It seemed to be made of some type of heavy leather. She was too tall for the top half, causing the entire outfit to fit awkwardly. But still, it was better than what she had been wearing. When she finally stepped back into the main room, Evera went to gather her nightgown, but Sapphire snatched it away.

‘I need to keep this.’

Evera nodded, stepping back towards her mother quickly. Sapphire knew better than to lose the gown she had slept in for almost two years. Martia would never provide another.

‘Sapphire, I can’t, in good conscience, allow you to just stumble through Aleburn on your own. Why don’t you let us escort you to Astral – the queen’s city? I honestly believe the royal family can help you find your way home. They can certainly help more than anyone around here can.’

Just the mention of others put her on edge. ‘No. That won’t be necessary.’