Page 68 of The Starlight Savior

People from every part of Opela traveled through the streets. Shoulders brushed against Saige as they walked through the sea of the crowd. Her body tightened instinctually, but she reminded herself of where she was at. If she did burn someone, she wouldn’t be dragged to the gallows or whipping post. She had the general’s son and an ice-wielder by her side to explain her ignorance if needed.

As the streets widened, Conor walked alongside her. He’d abandoned his usual uniform, replacing it with a black short sleeve tunic with a wolf embroidered on the breast, revealing corded muscles along his pale forearms. A silver dagger, intricately forged, jutted out of the weapon’s belt hung on his hip. Conor placed a loose arm around her shoulders, pulling Saige in. “Isn’t this great?” he said, a grin spreading ear to ear.

Saige grimaced, but didn’t shake his arm away. The weight of it was comforting, knowing she wouldn’t get lost in the mass of growing people.

“Yeah.” She breathed, chest constricting as she took in everything before her. Just outside the capital, a village had been destroyed. People had been injured. Killed. And yet everyone here continued to take one step forward, not allowing the anguish to bleed their lives dry.

“Don’t worry.” Conor’s arm loosened around her. “We’re almost there. You’ll see.”

“I don’t even know where we’re going,” she grumbled.

Since receiving Conor’s invitation, Niana and he were quite secretive about tonight’s plan. All she knew was Athalos often gathered during the full moon no matter the position of the mist or Tiranos.

“You don’t need to always know what’s next, y’know?”

Saige scoffed, looking up at Conor’s towering frame. He was smiling as they continued to walk, his single dimple sending her stomach plummeting. “Don’t act like you know me.”

This time he looked down with a twinkle in his eyes. “I don’t know if you’ve figured this out yet, but I’m a bit entranced by you. So yes, I’m quite determined to learn more of the mystery of Saige Nerestel.”

“Because I’m the great warlock’s daughter? Or because I have unexplainable power?”

Those words had been thrown around too much recently. She was as expectant and eager as the rest of the castle, their curiosity breathing down her neck.

“I couldn’t care less about that.”

“Oh,” Saige said, intrigued.

“You seem surprised.” Conor raised a black brow.

“I suppose I’d expect more from the general’s son.” Considering she had clearly been his assignment at the start of her stay, she’d assumed otherwise.

“Stop arguing with me and look ahead.”

Walking downhill, she noticed the road was twice as wide now, making room for the large number of people piling through. Niana still trailed ahead of them in a shimmering black dress, silver laced throughout it. With each step, Saige’s knot of fear loosened. Tall wooden columns were set around the border of the capital square, illuminating flowers and streamers of every color braided from each pillar. Wielders stood on the edge, using magic to blow away stray snow fluttering in the air. Food vendors roasted meat and fresh baked bread, herbaceous scents filling the lively space. In the corner, a three person band was playing cheerful music. People danced through the faded stone square. She spotted the sun and moon painted on the ground, the creation of Sydera before them with her silver gleaming hair and bright eyes. Farther down, a small lake and sandy beach was beginning to descend into darkness, illuminated only by small lanterns. The full moon mirrored on the water’s glassy surface.

“Come on!” Niana squealed, waving her hands at Conor and Saige.

Saige broke away from his arm, running towards Niana. “What is this?” she exclaimed.

“Ah.” Niana laughed. “I forgot he wanted to keep it a secret.”

Conor caught up with them, smiling. “Well isn’t it better as a surprise?”

Niana placed two fingers on her chin, pausing. “Well, I suppose if you have never gone to one of the full moon celebrations, it’s a nice surprise to walk into.” She took Saige’s hands, dragging her to the crowd. “Let’s dance!”

Niana’s body immediately flowed with the music, her hands raised and legs moving along with the quick beat. Her head fell back, hair shimmering under the moonlight. It was the most natural state she had seen Niana in, despite only knowing her for mere weeks.

Saige tried to move her body in similar ways, but instead felt stiff. In Denholm, she never attended any balls or celebrations. Only the one or two person band in the taverns. Compared to Etrane, Brevil was a dreary place. They valued honor, order, and rules. The sight before her depicted nothing of that. If anything, the people of Athalos were absorbed with joy.

Shimmying out of her mother’s cloak, she prayed to whatever deity peering over her that she’d finally feel loose. A midnight blue dress hugged her body, sleeves flowing down her arms. Originally she planned to wear her training clothes. They were more comfortable than the elaborate dresses she squeezed into during supper. But tonight her wardrobe had called to her, every piece perfectly tailored to her size.

“You look like you’re having a terrible time.” Conor stood beside her, a smile on his face, with three mugs of ale balanced in his large hands.

“I’m having an amazing time,” Saige said half-heartedly. At least she was trying to.

“Really? I can tell by the way you’re awkwardly swaying.”

Saige hit his arm, letting the ale slosh over the side of the mug and onto his hand. He didn’t scold her though, laughing under his breath as an already sweaty and quick-breathed Niana ran over. She took one of the mugs, bringing it to her lips. It was gone in one sip.