Page 44 of The Starlight Savior

“He was raised by the general. Of course he was bred to be involved in everyone’s business, like a pack leader.” Niana shrugged. “Doesn’t make it any less annoying.”

“I suppose I’m glad I’m not the only one.”

“Yes, we all must suffer the tight grip Conor has on all of his friends.” Niana laughed under her breath. “He means well though. Doesn’t know any different.”

“Ah.” She nodded, as if she understood something as complex as friendship. “Where is he anyways?” She craned her head, searching for the dark haired warlock who seemed to always leave her on her toes. His spot at the table was missing.

“Called out to the border with my father’s crew,” Niana said, as if it were as casual as returning to work or heading to bed.

“For what?” Saige asked before clamping her mouth shut. Of course he was summoned to the border, what with the mist traveling through the lands.

“There are always displaced families to transport or crews trying out different magic or elixirs on the land. Anything to help Etrane. Conor is often the first to volunteer.”

“Is that why he came to Brevil?”

“To find you? Sure, he had always—”

“Niana!” cooed Eva, her face leaning over the table. “Will you pass me the bread rolls?”

Niana obeyed, smiling warmly as she passed the piping basket to her.

“And my magic…it’ll be tested on the land?” Saige looked between Niana and Eva. It was still difficult to compute how all of this would work.

“That’s the goal, my dear.” Eva nodded. “We think the kind of power you possess hasn’t been used against the mist yet. Tobin didn’t recognize your kind of magic. It’ll be a great help to have someone like you added to our forces.”

“How exciting.” Niana beamed. “Has Tobin tested your magic yet?”

“Not yet.” She sighed.

“She needs time to adjust,” Eva said.

“So,” Saige said, turning back towards Niana. “What’s your family’s role in the kingdom?” A glistening serpent was embroidered on her black dress, similar to one of the banners hanging on the stone walls.

“You becoming educated on the workings of the kingdom, eh?” Niana patted Saige’s hand. “My family has always been one to teach and aid when needed. My mother ran a school in our village until things went poorly with our climate and all.” Her hands waved in the air as she spoke. “We were transported to the capital, but it wasn’t too big of a deal. Most of us trained here anyway.”

Saige chose her next words carefully. “What do you do though?”

“Are you asking what kind of magic I possess?” Niana said with a grin. “Mortals are so modest.” Niana pointed her fork towards Saige’s lap. “I suppose you’re not a mortal though, glowing hands and all.”

Saige was surprised to see that her fingertips had begun to softly glow. Instinctually, she hid them under her legs. “I-I don’t know how to control it,” she murmured, looking towards the king to see if he noticed.

“Your aunt’s right. Doesn’t look like any magic we have here.” Niana leaned forward, lowering her voice. “But don’t worry. Magic tends to be amplified around each other, especially if the energy matches well. That is why they often fear witches who come together.”

With a smile, Saige brought her hands out from under her skirts and began to rub the skin on her wrist back and forth.

“I wield ice. It’s a mixture between storm and water bloodlines. Not sure how I ended up with that, but you should’ve seen my mother’s look of surprise when I froze the bath water. A fire-wielder had to melt me out of it!”

Choking on a piece of sweet roll, Saige barked out a laugh.

“Tell me about your home.” Niana smiled. “We’ve all been dying to hear.”

“Mine?” Saige gaped.

“Sure. The Famous Saige Nerestel, daughter of the missing warlock. Can only learn so much from the whispers.”

Famous Saige Nerestel. “The kingdom knew of me?”

“Eh.” Niana shrugged. “Not of you exactly. But most were aware that your father found love and had a child in Brevil.”