Page 85 of The Starlight Savior

“Tell me what is going on,” she demanded.

“We have a meeting,” Conor explained, “that thankfully you don’t need to attend.”

“Thankfully?” Saige squeaked. “With who?”

“King Vospella and all your favorite people,” Conor replied lightly. “I promise I’ll give you all the details later—”

“Well technically, Conor, you can’t tell her—” Tobin began, but she wouldn’t hear it.

“Why can’t I come?” Saige demanded.

The two warlocks quickened their pace as they walked towards the dining hall. People moved all around, some even frantically running. Heads were bowed, whispers exchanged. Two words struck her deep, rattling her core.

The mist.

She grabbed hold of Conor’s arm and stopped him in his tracks. Tobin kept moving, not even noticing his companion was tugged away. “Did something happen?”

Conor’s gaze met hers, his eyes overcome with emotion. “I told you I would never lie to you, and the simple answer is yes. Things are always happening. But I must get to this meeting, Saige. I swear I will tell you what you need to know after—”

“And why do you keep deciding what I need? If it involves the mist, aren’t I a part of this?”

“Saige. Please.”

“I want to go with you,” she said, squeezing his forearm. “I deserve to know—”

“Conor!” a booming voice called. He looked up, pulling his arm away from Saige’s grasp. General Zathos approached swiftly, not batting an eye at her presence. Conor’s back was straight, one hand pushing back the curls that had fallen on his forehead. “Get in here before we lock you out!”

Conor gave his father a curt nod. With one last look to Saige, he strode forward and followed his father into the dining hall. The grand hall was suddenly empty of the quickened steps and whispers that once filled the silence.

Had everyone gone but her?

Before Saige could grasp another thought, she followed them. She couldn’t believe they had locked her out, leaving her alone with the risks of the mist and Tiranos gripping them tightly. King Vospella wanted her to weave her way into Etrane? To embody the role of a witch? She wasn’t even invited to a castle-wide meeting.

The unguarded doors were open just a crack, voices swelling beyond. If she simply snuck in, Saige was sure no one would notice. She contorted her body through the crack, wincing as the hinges creaked.

The room was filled to the brim with people, some of the more important wielders at the front. She spotted King Vospella, Queen Leana, and Markus. General Zathos, Lady Zathos, Conor, and Sebastien. In front of them, she could make out Niana’s bright hair and Eva standing alongside each other. On the outer edge of the room, guards and handmaids filled the space.

How could they have all kept this from her?

She ignored the twisting feeling in her chest and squeezed between two witches. She kept her head down as the king bellowed out a shout, urging everyone to quiet down.

When she lifted her head, she felt a pair of eyes on her.

Conor.

His jaw was set, gaze heavy. One eye twitched at the sight of her. But they couldn’t punish her for simply being curious. Witches attended their kingdoms meetings. Saige deserved to be here.

“What are we supposed to do?” said a voice from the front. “Wait until we all die?”

The general held up his hands. “Every day crews are sent out to inspect the surrounding lands. Sebastien only found minor evidence of the mist in eastern Etrane.”

Saige’s mouth went dry.

But…Sebastien and Markus had claimed there was minimal movement. King Vospella threw a whole gala in celebration of their return. But the information before her contradicted all they had boasted about.

“Heading directly towards us!” another voice cried from the back.

“You are correct,” said the king in a slow and melodic voice. “The mist drives north and west. Our wards can only hold such ancient magic back for a certain amount of time unless wielders work in shifts. We will continue to harbor any refugees, and we hope our allies will come to aid when we may need it.”