Page 165 of The Starlight Savior

When it was only her and Conor, silence filled her quarters. Her head would swarm with endless questions that couldn’t possibly be answered. Every time she looked in the mirror, she’d see Eva’s eyes. Eva’s hair. She wished she knew more about the letters, her aunt Lyla, or the final breaking point of falling into Queen Anya’s hands. It was just Saige now. Part of her wondered if there could’ve been something any of them would have done differently. Eva had already been on that path before the storm-wielders arrived in Denholm.

But as her strength grew, she didn’t know what she’d do next. If what Conor spoke was true and Saige was granted her freedom, she had time to decide exactly what she wanted now.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

The day each task force returned to Athalos, King Vospella threw an extravagant gala in honor of Saige. Ten groups had been sent across Opela, taking in detailed accounts of the impact of the mist and Saige’s magic. There was no correspondence since they left Etrane’s borders. Most had been instructed to minimize communication out of risk of infiltration. Whispers of war and invasion continued throughout the land. Turns out, the mist had become its own sort of ward, preventing any kingdom from sieging. Now that the land was free, each of Opela’s kingdoms were vulnerable.

Saige’s gala was held in the heart of Athalos, right where the full moon festival transpired. It had been Niana’s idea, considering Saige loved the festival so much. But it would be the first time she’d be emerging from her quarters. She wished she could match the energy buzzing through the air, but fear gripped her throat every time she drew in a breath.

Kira dressed her in a deep blue dress that cinched at the waist, silk flowing around her hips. A black mantle rested on her shoulders, resembling her mother’s cloak so much that her heart surged. It had the same silver embroidery on the edge, but this time, stars and moons had been incorporated. Glittering opals and sapphires adorned her neck and ears. Her hair was left wild down her back, revealing the two silver strands. It was the most extravagant she’d ever felt.

Her closest companions and a league of soldiers accompanied her from the castle to the gates lining the stone building. Instead of continuing to the cobblestone streets, they turned towards the forest brimming beyond Athalos. Kira and Mika held onto the ends of her dress to prevent it from getting soaked with snow.

Arm interlocked with Conor’s as her companions followed closely behind her. The forest was quiet as they walked towards the meadow. Snow fell lightly around them, dusting their hair and clothes. Trees rustled in the distance as wind kissed their pink cheeks. A family of bunnies leapt across the path, scurrying out of the group’s way.

She’d been right about Eva being deemed a traitor of Etrane. Whispers had traveled quickly across the land. Not only did the kingdom know of Saige’s success, but Tiranos’s role in trying to take her and the individual who fed Queen Anya information.

But it didn’t sit right with Saige. Just like her mother and father, Eva deserved a moment to be recognized for the individual she was before the mist consumed her heart and soul.

Sadness pressed against her skull, throbbing in her chest. Every step she took, tears burned her eyelids. Thankfully, Kira and Mika had brought along their cosmetics, just in case.

When they reached the enchanted meadow, luscious grass and colorful flowers greeted them. Pine trees stood tall around them, reaching towards the night sky. Her veins glowed softly beneath her skin as starlight descended into her.

The group stopped in the middle of the clearing. Saige stepped forward, clutching her hands until her skin turned white.

“I don’t know how to start,” she admitted, peering back at her companions. Baron and Althea were dressed in the fine greenery gifted to Brevillians. Baron’s high collar hugged his neck tightly while flowing sleeves swallowed Althea’s arms. Sebastien and Niana stood with their hands crossed behind their back.

Conor stepped forward, interlacing his hand into hers. “Whatever feels right for you.”

When she was informed of the gala in town, she knew she couldn’t celebrate without taking a moment to honor her aunt. But she didn’t know much about honoring the dead in Etrane. In Brevil, they were often buried back into the earth where their flesh would be consumed by Terrus’s land.

But they had no body.

General Zathos and his legion brought Eva’s crumpled form back to Etrane, not allowing any traditional burial services to transpire. She tried to ask Conor to retrieve it, but he had theorized it was burned. It was the biggest tragedy to be denied the right to return to the rawest forms of Opela, to not allow your magic to seep into the earth.

One of the soldiers passed her a leather knapsack. Reaching inside, she knew a stack of paper lanterns awaited her. Her hands shook as she passed them behind her. Even her handmaids picked one up, unfolding them. Each person held their palms out, ready to summon their light. Sebastien stepped closer to Althea while Niana stood by Baron’s side. Neither of them could light their own, but their eyes glimmered with intrigue.

Saige peered at each person, shadows crossing their faces.

“I know I’m supposed to feel angry,” Saige began, wind pushing back her hair. “But I’m exhausted. When my parents were murdered, all I felt was anger. Fear. But I refuse to feel such things any longer.” She looked towards Conor, meeting his silver eyes. “I’ve been hurt by all who kept secrets, even if their intentions were kind. But I’ve kept them my whole life. I must forgive if I am to move on.”

Conor’s eyes widened in understanding, but he said nothing, allowing her to continue.

She looked back towards her wielders and mortals before her. “I knew my aunt for only a handful of months, but I do not regret a moment of spending time with her. I only wish I would’ve known her for the witch she was instead of what she became.” A tear fell down her cheek. “Tonight I’ll be remembering her for what could’ve been, instead of the very secrets that ended her life.”

Opening a palm, she let out a slow exhale. A warmth built in her chest as starlight plunged into her veins, bringing forth a fiery orb of power. Just as she watched dozens do in Athalos’s square, she placed the orb into the bottom of the paper lantern, gripping the sides tightly. It threatened to break free, to soar into the night sky.

Sebastien stepped forward. “Eva was like family. Caring for my brother and I when our parents were busy fighting wars. I wish I would’ve known the thoughts that plagued her mind.” Lightning flickered in his palm as he lit his lantern. “But I hope she is at peace.”

“I didn’t know Eva,” Althea murmured from beside Sebastien, “but in a world where you may have nothing, family is everything. I can’t hide my anger for betraying the land in such a way. But I hope she can heal with Caelum.”

Sebastien reached for Althea’s lantern, striking it with storm. His purple magic reflected in Althea’s widened eyes.

Tears silently fell down Niana’s cheek as she held out her lantern. “I can’t fathom why Eva chose this path, but I agree, Saige. I can’t be consumed by all that could’ve been. She cannot take this back. But I will miss her. She was more of a mother to me than my own. She always wanted kids, but I imagine…losing Oscar was too much to move forward with her life. We’ll meet again.” An icy ball of magic rose from her hand, nestling into the paper.

“I agree with my sister,” Baron said. “Family is everything. But family doesn’t always mean bloodlines and heirs.” His dark eyes met Saige’s. “Just because you’re the last Nerestel doesn’t mean you’re alone. Not with us by your side.”

Saige mustered a nod as her vision blurred. She didn’t realize how badly she needed to hear such words as she gave a final goodbye to her last relative. It seemed there was no one else but her, but that didn’t feel true as the swell of her people filled her heart.