Page 160 of The Starlight Savior

“Saige is strong. She’ll move past it.”

There was a wet sound as the dagger was pulled out from Saige’s stomach, a gush of blood flowing from the wound. Althea immediately packed it with a mixture of herbs, her hand resting directly on her belly.

“Everything she once knew of herself is a lie. It’ll take time for her to adjust, to realize why some people may have hidden things. And why she herself hides as well.”

A soft glow emanated from Althea’s hands. He could feel Saige’s body getting stronger, her breath being taken in easier.

“She heals herself quickly. I suppose that is the wonders of this starlight magic.”

Conor lifted Saige’s shirt, revealing her soft olive skin. Where the dagger went clean through, only a faint scar remained.

“I like you, warlock,” Althea said, rising to her feet. She brushed her hands off on her skirts. “But if she ever lets you in again, I recommend keeping your word. She has gone through enough.”

Conor could only nod, emotion sticking to his throat. If he had a chance at even being her friend, he wouldn’t give it up. Not even to protect Opela.

Chapter 61

Conor

Rays of sunlight rose over the horizon as King Brennus and his general treaded back. A crowd of mortal soldiers followed them. None of their faces revealed any sign of their decision. Even if Terrus’s king demanded trial for Saige’s magic, he’d slit their throats with the very dagger she was stabbed with.

Damn the consequences.

Saige deserved to live joyfully. Especially after this evening.

“We’ve come to a decision.”

King Brennus licked his lips, relishing in the heavy anticipation lingering in the air.

“Due to the unusual circumstances, she will be pardoned for her executable crimes of using magic in Brevil.”

A murmur carried through the crowd. Conor didn’t even have to touch the mortals to feel their emotions. Fear, surprise, gratitude. It shifted heavily in the air.

“But,” the mortal king said loudly, “she is banned from stepping foot in Brevil again. Not without permission. If any man, woman, or child sees her on our lands without being accompanied by a Brevillian diplomat or soldier, Saige Nerestel will be executed on sight.”

Conor exhaled slowly, looking down at Saige’s unconscious face. She was pardoned, thank the deities, but banned from Brevil? The fear of magic-wielders would remain instilled. Unity of Opela would be impossible with the weight of execution looming on one’s shoulders.

“My offer will expire any moment,” the king said dryly, annoyed by the sudden silence. “Do you, Conor Zathos, accept on behalf of Saige Nerestel?”

“Yes.”

There was no hesitation. His mind raced with all the possibilities of how they’d harm his starlight-wielder. She’d be killed if not hung in Yethor for all of Brevil to see.

“Very well,” King Brennus said, “we will begin forming the parchment now. But I must add, Brevil wants no part in this feud with Tiranos. Ensure it stays separate, warlock.”

The mortal king and his army retreated. Hadeon hobbled at his uncle’s side, head bowed. Even with the pardon forged and the guides outlined, Conor knew Saige’s lack of safety still lingered.

“Father?”

“Conor—”

He could hear it instantly. Claim she broke the laws, should be tried for treason, whatever the fuck was going through his head.

“No,” Conor snarled.

He pointed to Saige’s arm where the blood bond tattoo remained, a reminder of her bondage to the king. “Are you going to go against the blood bond? She did nothing to defy it. She did exactly what she was commanded of, becoming your pretty little weapon.”

His father’s face was red, neck veins bulging. But there was a glimmer of pride. It reminded him of the heated arguments growing up, especially when Conor didn’t exhibit Silva’s magic.