Page 137 of The Starlight Savior

She lifted her hood, the dagger firm in her grasp. Her magic was a whisper beneath her skin, but she begged for it to not reveal itself in such a treacherous kingdom. Luckily it obeyed, swallowed by the fear buzzing inside. Walking down the dirt path, alongside rolling green hills, Saige turned towards the village in the distance. Denholm.

The prospect of no plan was beginning to settle. She had been so quick to leave Etrane. Fueled by anger and betrayal, she hadn’t given herself a moment to think what was next. But there had been two thoughts that felt tangible.

Warn her companions about the mist and travel to the trigger point.

Maybe that was her plan. Accomplish the very goal that drove her ability to harness magic and move on from all the pain Etrane and Brevil brought forth.

By the time she reached the outskirts of Denholm, the sun was high in the sky. Sweat pooled under her cloak, though she didn’t dare shed it. There could be guards patrolling or neighbors bustling about. To avoid being recognized, Saige trailed the edges of the neighborhoods. Cresting over the hill, she was greeted by wilting flower fields and thick bramble. One cluster of thick leaves concealed her lonesome shack. Ducking low, Saige shuffled between the flora. Finally, her body pressed against the wooden structure.

The sight of her living quarters was jarring. It was small compared to her room in Etrane. Her bed was pushed into the corner. Pots and pans hung from the ceiling. Herbs and vials of medicine lined the shelves Judith once nailed to the walls.

Her boots echoed on the metal floor, concealing the burned handprints. When she pulled back the strips of metal, she flinched. There were dozens, some small, some big, marking Saige’s age. Nails were dug into the broken floorboards.

Gods, she had struggled for so many years. Alone. Being in Etrane, Saige felt accepted for the magic she had, the witch she was becoming. But had it all been for her to fulfill the role of Sydera’s witch?

Her mind and heart reeled in different directions. Living in Athalos, she learned to feel comfortable in her skin. To allow the development of her magic to flourish. Her companions had stood with her step by step, healing her, explaining her failures, and applauding her wins. She had nothing like that in Brevil.

But she wasn’t safe there. Nor was she safe here.

Saige waited patiently for night to fall, stomach grumbling even as she gnawed on a piece of stale bread. First she’d speak with Judith and then Althea. Once she provided them with the safety and knowledge they needed, she’d take the portal towards the trigger point.

Stars lit up the sky when she peeked out the window, sending a surge of magic through her veins. She tucked it away. She couldn’t show up in Judith’s home with glowing hands.

Saige crept low as she exited the shack. Judith’s quarters were dark as she approached the back door that led out to flower fields. It was often left unlocked. When she went to turn the doorknob, it wouldn’t budge.

“Huh,” she sighed quietly. She’d have to just go through the front or search for Judith’s hidden key.

Her heart thundered as she pushed her back against the wall of the cottage, moving towards the entrance. The road was peaceful. The homes across from Judith’s were quiet. No candlelight was spotted flickering through windows. No mortals patrolled the streets or trotted on horses.

Ducking at the front door, Saige breathed in the sweet smell of lilies. Judith planted them when she discovered they were Saige’s mother’s favorite. She may have denied her speaking of it, but Judith clearly still tried to honor her past.

Turning the handle, Saige was disappointed to find it was locked too. Her hand traveled across the stones. Finally, she clutched a loose rock, sliding it back. Yet it was an empty chasm. Running her hands over the cottage, she found the rest were snug and tight.

Rising quickly, Saige tucked her hood tightly around her face. It made sense Judith would lock the doors now, given the circumstances. She’d have to break a window in the kitchen or something. Sneak her way in. Etrane could repair it, given how much damage they already caused. And Saige was sure Judith would forgive her for her recklessness the moment she saw her.

“Halt!” a voice shouted from across the way.

Saige whirled to see a soldier stepping out of the darkness. At first she retreated, but something stopped her. Moonlight danced off the metal of his sword, illuminating his face. Her hands flew to her chest, unable to conceal the surprise and gratitude.

Hadeon stepped forward. Darkness clouded his features, wrinkles forming between his brows. He raised his chin. Opened his mouth. Recognition smoothed his face. “S-Saige? What are you doing here?”

“Hadeon!” she shouted as her arms flew around his neck, pulling him in tightly. Her body warmed from the heat pressed against her. She had wanted to do this countless times, but the threat of her magic always stopped her. But now she felt it under her skin, tamed. She was in control of her magic, and she wouldn’t let it hurt anyone or anything.

Hadeon held her tightly until his arms went rigid. Placing both hands on her shoulders, he pushed her back. He pulled her hood down quickly. Searching her face, he took in the mess of dark curls, red-rimmed eyes, and pinkened cheeks. “You can’t be here.”

“I know,” Saige said, “but I needed to see Judith—”

“Judith?” Hadeon cocked his head. “Saige, what are you talking about?”

Part of her wanted to spill everything to him now. He still gripped her shoulders, eyes filled with worry. But he was a soldier of the Brevillian kingdom. He wouldn’t understand. “I just need to see Judith. And I need to warn you. The mist is getting closer to Brevil. You must start evacuating the eastern and northern citizens. The capital—”

Hadeon took a step back, face contorted. “I think it would be best if you came down to the temple, Saige. There are things we need to discuss.”

“Discuss?”

Hadeon looked everywhere but her. “I don’t want to make this difficult, but…” He reached for Saige’s wrists, a set of iron cuffs sliding from his pocket.

Saige jerked back. “What are you doing?” She stumbled, her body hitting the edge of the house. She stared up at the boy turned man whom she used to admire. Used to imagine building a life with. But now he looked at her like she was diseased. A monster.