Page 59 of The Starlight Savior

The rest of the day was spent alone. Six guards stood outside her doors, keeping watch for any potential threats. The castle was too shaken up to attend a full blown supper, resulting in time in their quarters where the safety of confined walls could ease the nerves. The only thing distracting her from the weight of death on her shoulders were her books. But barely.

As Saige was readying for bed, a knock sounded from the door.

“Come in,” she said.

Eva strolled quickly into the room, draped in a dark blue robe with glittering jewels hanging off the edge. Her hair was a mess around her shoulders, eyes red-rimmed. “I wanted to see you before you go to sleep, if that’s alright.”

Saige sat up in her bed, one hand patting the soft blankets, but Eva didn’t follow. She lingered by the door, fiddling with the rings on her finger.

“How are you?” Saige asked.

Eva snorted lightly, her gaze widening. “How am I? How are you? You were almost taken prisoner today!”

Saige’s cheeks burned. “Yes, well. I suppose the adventure never stops.”

“You sound like your father.” Eva chuckled, looking down. The silence between them thickened as Saige peered at her aunt. Despite the beauty in her attire, her face had aged in days. Dark circles sagged on her hollowed cheeks. Scratches lined her hands as her fingers traveled up and down.

“Aunt Eva?” Saige said quietly. “How did that warlock know your name?”

Eva looked up. “What did you say?”

“The water-wielder. Myles. He said your name.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Her voice was suddenly cool.

“I heard him—”

Eva barked out a laugh, holding her hands up. “You’ve gone through so much today. Your mind is all twisted up! I’m so proud of you, my dear. I’m embarrassed that I didn’t even notice my handmaid was missing until the bells rang. But I’m just glad you’re okay. That you weren’t harmed.”

Saige hesitated. “Thank you, Aunt Eva. But—”

“You must keep yourself safe, my dear. Never walk the castle alone. Things must go right. You know this!” A tremor shook Eva’s body as she stepped forward. “I know I am not the warmest of companions. Grief has sharpened me. But I didn’t think I’d see him or you ever again. I’m grateful for your patience.”

A ghost of a kiss lingered on Saige’s forehead after Eva reached the bed.

“Eva, why don’t you stay?” Saige asked, sitting up.

“No, no. I must get back.” Eva waved a quick goodbye and slipped from the room, leaving Saige encompassed in warmth.

Chapter 26

Tiranos’s presence had rattled something deep inside Saige, something that couldn’t be calmed. The mist was no longer the only threat. And as she became more accustomed to her magic, there were no excuses for her lack of progress. She needed to progress. Now. Before it was too late.

There hadn’t been much sleep following the attack. Every time she closed her eyes, she’d hear the sickening cracks of enchanted blades descending into the servants’ bodies. Esme’s face would flash before her eyes. Saige watched over and over as the fear encasing her handmaid’s face faded with each twist of Myles’s weapon.

The air was coated in anguish as her two remaining handmaids got her ready. No one spoke, especially as Mika braided Saige’s hair. That once had been Esme’s role.

Stepping outside her quarters, Saige saw Conor hadn’t been exaggerating regarding increased security. The same six warlocks awaited, trudging by her side down the corridor. Their blades were sharpened, hands glittering with magic, as if the enemy was lurking behind any corner.

“I think there’s a block in your head,” Tobin said as Saige walked into the training hall, leaving her guards in the courtyard. He stood expectantly in the middle of the room, right on top of the cracks she formed.

“Good morning to you too.” Saige stifled a yawn.

“Are you even ready to train today?” Tobin snapped, his voice sharper than before.

“I’m sorry.” She sighed. “I’m sure you can imagine yesterday was difficult. Can’t we keep going with the deities?” The routine of firing off her gained knowledge was a welcoming blanket to the grief threatening to smother her.

“Absolutely not. You asked for your training to be enhanced, didn’t you? Don’t let the water-wielders set you back. And I’ve been thinking about it since we last met.” His words were quick and frantic, hands waving around in front of him. “Something is blocking your pathway to your magic. Your sight.”