A torrential downpour ripped into the arena. It soaked the dirt floor, turning the terrain into mud. Sapphire remained planted in place, stretching out her hands until her palms pressed against the wall of rain. It reacted in step as she pushed it forward towards Kaian.

She could see Kaian’s fear, raw and feral, as she moved in closer to him. For only a moment, she considered that maybe she understood Ashes more than she thought.

My shadows could devour you whole.

Her magic longed to be set free.

So, she gave it what it begged for.

The storm shook the foundations below them, making her wonder, if only for a moment, whether she could cleave the arena in two.

She found Sadara’s gaze once more, now panicked and strained as her son disappeared inside the storm.

Sapphire smirked.

She returned her focus to the monster before her – the monster of her own making – as it moved towards Kaian, pressing him firmly against the back wall of the arena.

It was only a few seconds before his knees buckled, and at the sight of his body on the ground, something snapped inside her. She gritted her teeth in an effort to control the storm, to make it stop, but it did not relent. Unforgiving and unyielding.

A heartbeat passed before the voice answered.

Oh, my child, this is simply the beginning.

She watched as the water began to spin, creating a cyclone – a roaring, raging sight, with Kaian as the target. It danced around him, mocking his fear.

‘I said stop.’ Laughter followed her demand.

You do not command me.

Water filled his lungs, and Sapphire fought to take control. She fought to close her hands, to end the storm she had created. She begged for it all to end – but it wouldn’t. Her magic was entirely out of reach as she battled for control, its presence pushing against her. It pressed heavily on her chest. She watched in horror as the walls of the arena began to crack.

‘Please,’ she whispered.

Another sinister laugh followed.

‘Sapphire Canmore. Pull out.’

Araxia’s voice was sharp, and it finally shattered the hold the presence had on her. She dropped her hands and the cyclone collapsed, washing over Kaian before it disappeared. She stepped back, staring at her hands.

The arena was silent, and as she looked around, she realized many people had stepped back from the viewing windows. She saw terror in the faces of those who remained.

She felt the same when she noticed Kaian still collapsed on the ground a few feet away from her. His chest was not rising and falling. His smirk was gone.

‘Do not touch him, Canmore.’ Sadara bared her teeth, blocking her path. ‘Crazy, just like that mother of yours. I should have seen it.’

She felt a strong hand on her shoulder as Araxia guided her away, her face tight with an emotion Sapphire couldn’t read.