Page 71 of The Starlight Savior

“Hasn’t Tobin explained the whole emotional aspect of magic yet? That’s usually one of his first lectures.”

Saige shrugged, diverting her eyes. “Sure, but it was easier to…stay away from things.”

“That’s a lonely life, witchling.”

A heavy silence settled between them as they approached Niana standing on the beach. She rocked on the balls of her feet, slippers digging into the snow dusted shore. The two figures on the dock were still hidden, faces and limbs concealed behind robes. The beach behind Athalos’s square was crowded with people, anticipation buzzing in the air. Stars reflected across the smooth water. As the voices quieted down, the figures lowered their hoods. A witch and warlock picked up two wooden boxes from their feet.

“Welcome!” said the witch, silver hair glimmering from behind her hood. “We appreciate you all joining us on another blessed full moon.”

“That is one of Tonirus’s priestesses,” Conor murmured against her ear, pointing to the pale woman with amethysts drooping from her ears. “Priestess Domina.”

“We know the uncertainty of Opela grows shakier each day,” said the man next to the priestess. “Our greatest hope is that the hardworking wielders will find the cure to the mist. We pray to the deities to help us forge a world that is safe, supportive, and long lasting.”

“Priest Stefan.” Conor pointed out, referring to the man with the dark skin and braided beard. “Worshipper of Ignesa.” A red stone hung around his neck, glittering off the torches propped up on the dock.

“Do they run Athalos?” Saige murmured.

Conor shook his head, gaze trained on the glimmering lake. “Only Brevil appoints the clergy to run their villages and land. Etrane has Lords and Ladies; King Vospella rules Athalos though.”

His shoulder nudged Saige’s, chin jutting forward towards the celebration before them.

“As we pass out the lanterns, think of your prayers. Your intentions you’d like to share with the divinity,” the priest announced.

Domina and Stefan walked down the wooden dock and onto the sandy beach. Hundreds of small paper lanterns sat in the boxes. The murmurs in the crowd grew to a roar as everyone expectantly waited for their turn. Saige found herself clutching at Conor’s arm as giddiness stirred in her gut.

“Told you it was better as a surprise,” Conor said, leaning into her.

“What do we do with them?” Saige said, standing on the tips of her toes.

“You’ll see!” Niana grinned, clapping her hands.

Priestess Domina approached gracefully, the wooden box outstretched. “And what divinity guides you, wolfling?”

A calmness washed over Saige as she leaned into Priestess Domina’s melodic voice.

Conor bowed his head, a curl falling on his forehead. “Tonirus.”

The priestess pulled a paper lantern from the box and handed it to Conor. “May Tonirus and Silva clear your path as you grapple with the consequences of your past and future.”

Domina turned to Niana, smiling at her already bowed head, the light blonde hair veiling her face. “And you, strong witch?”

“Tonirus and Mara, Priestess.” Niana took the paper lantern.

“May your path to peace be worth each step they carve for you.”

Niana nodded, as if the vague declaration made sense to her.

“And you?” the priestess said, turning to Saige. “You are someone I have not met before.”

“She seeks sanctuary from Brevil,” Conor explained, “Saige Nerestel.”

“A Nerestel,” the priestess breathed, “I have not come across a Nerestel in many moons. Are the answers you seek truly sanctuary? Or will they be your prison?”

“I-I don’t know what you mean, Priestess.” Saige bowed her head as well.

“What divinity guides you this evening?”

She opened her mouth, but the answer stuck to her throat. She had never worshipped a deity, despite the hours training, dedicated to learning the ins and outs of the seven divine.