Page 119 of The Starlight Savior

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Voices ebbed and flowed through the councilroom’s doors as Saige paced the hallway. Every time she tried to press her ear to the wood, there would be a whisper among the king’s court. Then silence, as if they felt her presence eavesdropping beyond.

King Vospella asked her to wield the elements and so she did. What else was there to debate? Whether she could be morphed or shaped into a weapon? Every time her heartbeat quickened, she reminded herself of Tobin’s words. There was no other hope besides Saige. It would be unwise to send her away now.

Saige jumped as the door opened quickly. Conor’s face revealed nothing, nodding for her to follow him back in.

“Why do you want to reside in Etrane?” the king demanded.

“Pardon me, Your Majesty?” Saige said, mouth agape.

“You wish to be part of this kingdom, and yet you were raised to hate and despise wielders, with morals and values to turn them in instantly. Why should you be allowed to stay in Etrane? In my kingdom?”

“I don’t see how I’d be expected to return to Brevil,” Saige said honestly. “I cannot return to my old life.”

“And if you were given the choice? Would you? If you could return to Brevil without the target on your back, I wonder what your decision would be.”

The correct answer was supposed to be no. But Saige thought about it. When her parents were alive, each day had a purpose. A reason to keep moving forward. But when she ventured to Denholm, what was she even living for? Her parent’s memories, yes. But the roots of her life were shallow, barely holding on to ground below.

“No,” she said honestly, “I would not return.”

“Why not?” King Vospella pushed.

“It has become clear to me that my purpose and path led me here. My father was born here. I was reunited with my aunt. And I’ve learned more about myself than I ever did in Denholm. I hope to use my magic to not only save your kingdom, but Opela.”

“And what of your companions? The few people you left behind?”

Saige’s eyes burned as she spoke honestly. “I miss them,” she admitted, “but my presence brought more danger than not. My companions and I are safer with me being here.”

“Huh.” The king tapped a hand against the table. “My court believes you are too powerful.”

Saige tried to hide the surprise that crossed her face. “Y-You told me not to hold back. And you take in wielders from every kingdom. It makes no sense to send me away.”

“None of us, even myself, expected you to be able to navigate all five basins. And you’re correct, I do accept the majority of wielders into my land. But none as powerful as you.”

Saige’s face burned. “Then what did you wish for? For me to fail?”

“To see what you’re capable of. Which is a lot. Maybe more than you are even aware of. My court wonders if you’re more of a danger than an advantage. If you should be locked up in the dungeons until you’re needed. But I believe you’ll be a powerful asset to my kingdom if you can prove you’re a loyal witch.”

Saige wondered if King Vospella found confirmation of Sydera’s magic in her. Had she revealed too much to the king’s court? Priestess Domina theorized that the majority of Opela believed starlight magic was a lost art gone extinct. Whether the king suspected such power, she couldn’t take back the trials. What was done was done.

“Of course,” she said, hoping her voice hid her nervousness.

“Have your instructors here explained blood bonds?”

“No!” Conor shouted, taking a step forward. But his father’s icy gaze pushed him to retreat back.

“General Zathos,” the king said, “does your son have something to say?”

“No, Your Majesty. An uncalled outburst.”

Saige met Conor’s gaze, trying to decipher the panic in them. But there was no time to question. The king was granting her permission to live here, to become a citizen of Etrane and use her magic against the mist. That was what she came here for.

“Very well,” the king said slowly, “a blood bond is a magic driven agreement that binds you. Nearly unbreakable. You would agree to never cause harm to this kingdom in exchange for total freedom and power.”

“Is this absolutely necessary,” Saige pushed. The idea of bonding herself to Etrane seemed trickier than she’d like to admit.

“Absolutely,” King Vospella said sharply. “I cannot have such power freely moving about my kingdom.”