Page 167 of The Starlight Savior

Once Saige was strong enough to be interrogated, Tobin and General Zathos requested any and all information on the healing of the land. They were both aware Saige used starlight, considering the way the sky had pooled into her body. They spoke of recreating her magic, but there were no words to describe the power of starlight. She tried her best to explain the basics, leaving out the Starlight Queen’s book, as well as Ameris’s impact and the strange mind-altering abilities infused with her soul. Yet there were still too many questions without answers.

King Vospella continued, breaking Saige away from her drifting thoughts.

“One group returned from Tiranos this evening. They tried their best to document their land, but the water-wielders remain hostile and uncooperative. From what our men and women saw, the mist still exists over the eastern sea but is causing no direct threat.”

Saige cocked her head, fighting the urge to scowl. The mist hadn’t left the eastern islands? During the mere moments of her consciousness floating above the land, the island seemed most impacted.

“Not only would I like to honor the courageous individuals in each task force, but also the catalyst to the land healing.” King Vospella raised his goblet, making eye contact with Saige. He nodded for her to rise. “The daughter of Oscar Nerestel, a great and deeply missed warrior, was able to utilize a rare and ancient form of magic to penetrate through the layers of chaos. Saige Nerestel, we thank you for your continuous support and courage for Opela.”

Saige could barely make out the crowd as her vision clouded with tears. Each of them raised their goblets, face split with smiles and pride. It felt so different being up here when she was once in the dark, once a prisoner. Now she stood on the same ground as the king, the general, Tobin, even Conor.

It was as if she were an imposter. She still had so much to learn. Nonetheless, Saige allowed herself to smile, lowering back into her seat.

King Vospella continued on. There were no mentions of Eva, even as he raised his cup once again in honor of the dead. Saige tried to ignore the flip of her stomach at the thought of her aunt, focusing on the continued hopeful updates from across Opela. But her mind drifted off.

Her memory veered back to all she had seen connected to the stars.

The memories of her loved ones, Opela split in half, and the Starlight Queen lingering on the island.

She wished her mother and father could be here. To see that she never needed to hide herself. That she was taken care of, despite her father’s wishes.

When the feast was over and music thrummed to life, Saige was thrown into the crowd. They still waited on the final task force to return, but the party was impatient to begin. Every witch and warlock wished to dance in Saige’s arms. Althea galloped throughout the crowd, just as Saige expected. Niana accepted a graceful offer from Baron, Saige’s mouth tugging into a grin at the sight of her two friends drifting through the dance floor. Niana’s signature black dress flowed in the air around them. The air sung in celebration, buzzing with joy and gratitude, the land finally healing after so many years.

Saige’s head was light upon her shoulders as she danced and danced until her body fell into familiar arms.

“There you are.” Conor tugged her close to his body. His hand rested firmly on her lower back as they spun across the square, narrowly missing stumbling magic-wielders, wine sloshing from goblets. “How are you feeling?”

“Good,” Saige breathed. Better than she expected. Maybe the tears she had allowed to fall in the meadow had unlodged something inside her.

His hands lingered on the two strands of white hair. “I like these.”

“I think I do too,” she exclaimed with a genuine smile. It was a reminder of all she had sacrificed.

“I’ve been meaning to speak with you.” Conor sighed, diverting his eyes.

Saige’s brows tugged together.

“Nothing too serious,” he reassured, sensing her shift in emotions. “Just…you said something when you first woke up…when I asked to start over.”

“Ah,” she said, smiling. They had been tiptoeing over this topic for days now. She was sure Conor didn’t want to open a door, just to discover an answer he didn’t like. And Saige appreciated time to think. To grasp what her life would be like now.

“You said no,” Conor murmured, lips tickling her hair.

“I did,” Saige agreed.

“I will be sorry as long as I breathe for the pain I’ve caused you.” Conor’s voice cracked, his body shuddering.

She pulled away far enough to see his mournful face. He looked out of place, considering the evening was supposed to be filled with celebration.

“Do you know why I said no?”

“Because I’m undeserving of your trust?” Conor croaked, forcing a shy smile.

“No.” She smiled. “Because why would I wish to erase my time here? If we were to start over, I wouldn’t have the memories of you helping me accomplish my magic, saving me in the moments I fell, keeping me safe when I didn’t deserve it. All you did tonight in the meadow. I cannot accept the safety and warmth you bring forth, without grappling with the cold and fury that comes with it.”

Conor’s eyes softened as he pulled her closer to his body.

“I’m sorry, Conor,” she murmured, “for not believing you.”