Page 58 of The Starlight Savior

“I believe so. War makes one more clever. And desperate.”

“They were here for me,” Saige murmured, head lowered. “Killed innocents. I can’t wrap my mind around how one could do such a thing.”

The leather shifted under Conor. “Yes, well. It appears their queen has set her eyes on quite the prize.”

“But they spoke of ancient magic. The servants…they call me savior. I didn’t realize they had known anything about me.”

“Most of us have grown up only knowing of the mist. The wards fell so long ago that people have been waiting for any sliver of hope. Most are aware that Etrane was seeking a different kind of power. That you’re Oscar’s daughter, a warlock whispered in stories and history lessons. Some began to hope you’d be the cure.”

“And Tiranos?” Saige shuddered.

Conor leaned back in his seat. “Before today, I’d say what they knew was minimal. Maybe they heard rumors of advancement in navigating the mist. But now…they clearly know much more if their queen demanded your presence weeks ago. They must be hoping for something we haven’t perceived yet.”

“Myles said their queen wished for me to help heal their land, but it felt like they wanted more than that. Like I’m some sort of weapon to be passed around the kingdoms.”

“Myles?” Conor said slowly, eyes darkening.

“The one you were fighting. He led the siege.” Saige explained everything that happened from the moment she woke up until Conor arrived, taking the very air out of the room. “I’d like to increase my training,” she demanded.”

A single dark brow rose on his face. “How so?”

“The only thing I could do was burn bright. They didn’t know what I was capable of. If anything, they underestimated me. But if you hadn’t shown up, I don’t know what would’ve happened.” The phantom touch of Myles’s blood-stained grip burned against her skin. He had grasped her so tightly, dragging her across the ground. “All I could use was their fear.”

Conor nodded. “You’re right. We didn’t expect the dangers to reach so close to you. But now they do, and I’ll make sure to inform Tobin to integrate combat usage of magic into your training.” Bringing the chalice to his lips, he drained it, staining his mouth. He rose quickly and turned towards the door.

“Wait!” Saige rose too.

Conor looked back, running a hand through his tangled hair.

“Thank you,” she said, “for coming.”

“Always.” He nodded, lowering his gaze and swallowing. “I…well, I also want to apologize.”

Her brows raised. “What, why?”

“I fear I’ve been an ass.”

“Conor—”

He held up his hands. “You’ve caught me by surprise, witchling. The girl we had all learned about is not who comes forth here. Who was believed to be a weak mortal, sheltered from the world, has presented themselves as so much more. But I mean no harm by that. I only knew what your father’s letters would say. Enchanting as you were, it was evident he sheltered you.”

“You read the letters?”

“Eva spoke quite highly of you. Her long lost niece.”

The familiar feeling of being alone, forgotten, was beginning to thaw as Saige’s chest bloomed. There had been people a kingdom away who knew of her, thought of her, and she never even realized.

“Go on with your apology,” she whispered, fingers shaking at her side.

A small smile appeared, revealing a single dimple. “I have been abrasive because I believed you needed it. I thought I was doing good by being part of the crew that stole you from your village. I knew Eva was your aunt, Oscar a strongly regarded warrior, and I did nothing to warn you because I thought it was better protecting you from the weight of that information. I had no right. Letters from a kingdom away does not excuse whether I know you or not.”

No adequate response could form in Saige’s mind. All she could do was stare at the storm-wielding warlock, mustering barely a nod.

“You need someone who will strengthen you. Help forge you into the best version of yourself. I hope I can be that person.”

Before Saige could respond, Conor opened the door and slipped out, leaving his words lingering in the air. She grasped at them, letting them tangle into her mind. She couldn’t make sense of the strange feeling unfolding in her chest.

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