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Vanya raises an eyebrow, intrigued. Inez reaches for another saffron cookie.

“Dragon magic is drawn from meditation and peace of mind. Often, this went hand-in-hand with their religious practices, like praying,” I continue, pleased at having someone, other than Theo, who listens to my ramblings.

“So, their magic is drawn from the Saints?” Vanya probes.

“Correct! Or at least, it is widely believed to be so. This whole county used to be populated with dragons, in fact, before they migrated to Coalsburgh. Their culture still lingers.” I gesture at the rest of the festivities. “Like Saint’s Day.”

Vanya gives a thoughtful look to the crowd before leaning forward over the table.

“Let me show you something,” she tells me, expression unreadable. Inez and I share a glance but follow Vanya regardless as she leads us away from the bustle of the crowd.

She opens a secret passageway, a slim door disguised as brickwork. Vanya presses two fingers against one of the bricks, and the door pops open with a click. Vanya and Inez step in first.

“Wait!”

The three of us whip around, expecting guards, but it is only Theo. My shoulders sag with relief. He jogs over to us, slightly out of breath.

“My apologies.” He nods at Inez and Vanya. “Do you mind if I join you on this excursion?”

Vanya looks at me, eyebrows lowered in uncertainty.

“Unless it is…private?” Theo asks, sensing her hesitation.

“Is it, Vanya?” Inez turns to the other woman.

“Of course you may join, Your Highness,” Vanya eventually replies before ducking into the passageway. Inez shrugs at me and follows. Theogives me a questioning look, but I spread my hands.

“Shall we see where this leads?” I say.

Theo smiles and gestures to the passageway.

“After you, Miss Shivani.”

With Theo at my back, I climb inside, and he closes the door behind us.

It is dark, with no lit torches. I fumble around in the gloom and nearly fall, but soft hands catch me.

“Careful, miss,” Inez’s voice is close in front of me. “Hold my hand and follow me.”

I feel her palm as her hand clasps mine. Behind me, I reach for Theo. His fingers weave between mine and hold me tight. Like a daisy chain, we move through the darkness with only each other to guide us.

Whereas the other passageways led us through the castle and ended up in other corridors, this one deposits us in a hidden section. A lone room.

We climb out of the passageway, blinking at the sudden light. The room is bathed in a purple glow, the torches on the wall flickering with lavender fire. They line the small, circular room—it is only just big enough for the four of us but with a high ceiling. I gaze up at the torches, surprised.

“An enchantment,” I whisper, watching the hypnotic purple flames.

“Oh!” Inez exclaims with a wide smile. “My mother used to be able to do that. Turn things purple, I mean.”

“She put a spell on them, using witch magic,” Vanya tells her evenly. “They will never go out.”

“Well, enchantments do not last forever. They only last until the object is broken or the person who cast it dies.” I squeeze Inez’s hand. “It is proof your mother still lives, enjoying her retirement.”

Inez’s eyes water as she beams at me.

“Thank you, Miss Shivani.”

“So, this was your mother’s secret room?” Theo turns slowly on the spot, taking it all in.