Page 67 of The Starlight Savior

Her brows drew in. “Start over?

“Learn about one another outside of the perceived notions of the long lost daughter and general’s son.”

“Witchling and wolfing,” Saige murmured, watching the shadows cross behind Conor’s eye. The odd nickname was like poking at a sleeping bear, wondering if and when it would emerge.

He let out a low hum. “Tomorrow night? I think we should celebrate.”

She grimaced, shaking her head. “There’s nothing to celebrate. Not after…Tiranos.” Anytime a recount of the attack formed on her lips, it became lodged in her throat, threatening to strangle her.

“There is always something to celebrate, especially when a witchling gains control of her magic. Tomorrow evening is when the moon is fullest. We’re all going to town. I’ve heard you and Niana have been getting along quite well.”

She nodded. Niana had been helpful in ways Saige couldn’t imagine. As long as Niana wasn’t sent away, they met each day. Whether they strolled through the hallways or lingered in the plethora of gardens, Niana ensured she was never left alone with her consuming thoughts and worries. Especially after what happened.

One particular day, Niana showed her the western wing’s gardens, specifically designated for growing food, herbs, and even strange plants bursting with color. Some were used for healing, others for conjuring enchanted elixirs. Niana had explained the four kingdoms of Opela once worked in harmony, trading goods and providing essentials to the neighboring kingdoms. But trading between Tiranos and Brevil had come to a halt years ago, requiring each of them to become independent. Etrane was at an advantage though. A mixing pot of wielders ensured there was always the right kind of witch or warlock to ensure essential resources.

Niana had never shown her beyond the silver gates lining the castle.

Before, Saige simply didn’t want to get lost on the roads she didn’t recognize, in a kingdom that was merely a stranger to her. She herself was a stranger, and each piece she discovered was something new. Unwalked territory of not just her past, but her mind and heart. Now she didn’t know what she’d do if she was ever held hostage again.

But being with Conor and Niana, she imagined she wouldn’t have much to worry about.

“Okay,” she finally said, “I’ll come. But what’s happening in town?”

Conor’s face split into a grin as he rose. “It’s a surprise, of course. So we both better get some rest.”

“Fine,” she mumbled, stifling a yawn. She didn’t have the energy to press him, so she allowed him to walk her to the bed, tucking her into the blankets. He bent over, lips brushing against her forehead before he pulled back in surprise.

“S-Sorry,” Conor muttered, “late night.”

“I don’t mind,” she said, surprising herself. She didn’t. “See you tomorrow,” she said before her eyes fell heavy and sleep took over.

Chapter 28

As the guards opened the castle gates, a knot formed in Saige’s stomach. She didn’t know what to expect venturing into the streets of Athalos. Despite everything, the castle had begun to transform into a sanctuary, just as Niana had foreseen. Walking onto the capital’s stone streets, Saige would be vulnerable. No warlocks trailed behind her as Niana and Conor were deemed protection enough. Yet she couldn’t imagine the three of them being able to fight off an army of water-wielders. What if Tiranos used this mysterious celebration to their advantage?

“Are you sure this is safe?” she blurted. Conor and Niana looked towards her with furrowed brows and widened eyes.

“Of course it is,” Niana exclaimed, “you’ll be with us.”

Conor paused midstep, reaching for Saige’s arm. “Is everything okay?”

“I just…” She looked back towards the stone castle looming behind her. Beyond the gates, foliage trailed up the edges of the structure. Multiple spires jutted into the sky from the eastern and western wings. “After everything that happened with Tiranos, how can we just go out like this?”

“The full moon is a tradition here in Etrane. The capital will be heavily guarded, ready for any sort of infiltration. But it’s important we keep these traditions going,” Conor explained, lowering his head until their eyes met. “You’ll be okay. But we can leave anytime you want. Just say the word.”

“Well,” Niana said ahead of them, “it’d be better if she stayed for the whole thing.”

Saige stepped out of Conor’s grasp, following Niana down the hill. She rolled her shoulders back, hoping to shake the unease buzzing across her spine. “I’ll be fine,” she said aloud, more for herself than Conor’s sake. “Let’s go.”

As they reached the bottom of the hill, the land transformed. Snow was brushed away from the tightly wound roads, lined with structures of different hues. Gray, blue, and purple all crammed together. As the sun set over the horizon, street lamps glowed with magic. Runes were carved into the silver metal. She learned in her studies that in some parts of Opela they no longer needed to burn wax or tallow to keep a space alight. Skilled wielders learned to enchant basic objects to operate on their own.

Some of those enchanted objects sat on wagons lining the stone road’s edge, along with baked goods, bottled potions, and jars of spices. The scent of sweet rolls lingered under Saige’s nose, smoothing her jittered nerves.

“Pears shipped right from Nasala,” one merchant shouted, waving around hard-skinned fruit in their hands.

A woman held up necklaces and rings. Her wagon was adorned in drawings of jewels and symbols. “Any rune you’d like carved onto the metal. Need a lover? Protection? Beauty? I can forge it.”

Conor waved them off, even the older woman with delicious smelling treats, as they continued through the heart of Athalos. The three of them weaved through the crowd, sticking close together. Denholm had been a populous village, larger than Oswan, but it wasn’t anything like this.