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“Sit.” The old woman gestured to the wooden chair beside her.

She glanced at the crooked seat, then obeyed. Her shoulders were stiff as she cautiously kept her gaze locked on the elderly woman.

Filip flung open the door and strode in. He positioned himself opposite them and crossed his arms.

The sun mark burned like wildfire on Adelina’s shoulder.

“Begin,” he instructed.

The Sage Seer nodded, then danced around the cabin. She waved the burning sage through the air as she hummed and circled the chair. Her tune developed into a melodic chant.

The song seemed distant as Adelina grew faint. Her eyesight blurred, and every ounce of her body was compelled to sleep. As her limbs slackened in the chair, her eyes closed, and the Seer’s words dwindled.

The heady aroma of burning sage sent her plummeting into a trance.

A vision materialised, somewhere deep in the recesses of her mind.

An outstretched hand guided her through the darkness into another plane.

Plumes of smoke circled her feet. As if she were no longer hindered by inhibitions or fears, she followed the faceless figure through the void.

The being faded away, and in its place, a golden spark emerged against the endless blackness.

Adelina frowned. She edged closer as her interest piqued. The light expanded—its form manifesting. She shielded her eyes from its brightness. When she grew accustomed to the blazing, magnificent golden light piercing through the darkness, she dropped her hands.

Before her stood a winged dragon. Fire blazed from its skin, and bright red scales lined the beast’s stomach, face, neck, and limbs. Its tail curled around its body, and the fire calmed.

“What…are you?” Her voice was hollow and distant, as if detached from her body.

“Ssssvarog, God and Creator of the Ssssun.” The fire serpent’s forked tongue flicked out the corner of his mouth.

Her sun mark tingled—not the ferocious burning she felt in Filip’s presence, but something about the dragon soothed her. “How can I see you?”

“You are in the sssspirit world, of coursssse. Ah, it’ssss been many a century ssssince I’ve sssseen ssssomeone with your power.” He stalked towards her, his talon-like claws piercing the smoke surrounding them.

“Power?” She frowned.

“An ancient power livessss within you, Adelina .” He flapped his fiery wings, sending orange sparks into the air.

“How do you know my name?” She took a step back.

“I am a God. I ssssee all, and I’ve waited a long time to meet you. Sssshow me your mark.” He circled her, closing the distance between him.

She glanced down at her body. She no longer wore her fur coat, poneva skirt, and cotton shirt. Instead, an ethereal, sun-coloured gown hung from her shoulders and fitted her well.

Peeling back the sleeve, she revealed the mark to the dragon.

“Marveloussss,” he hissed. “Asssstral magic. Heed my warning. There are two sssssides. Day and night. Remember who you are.”

Before she could ask him to explain, the vision dissipated, and a tingling sensation rose in Adelina’s arms and legs as an energy pulled her back to the Sage Seer’s hut.

She opened her eyes, then peered at her arms. Bright, yellow sunlight streamed from her skin, illuminated the hut, and pierced through the thick cloud of smoke. A gasp escaped her lips.

“A wonder…” is all Filip could manage as he stepped closer to her, then placed his fingers on her arm. His lips parted. “Magnificent.”

An airy sensation filled Adelina as the magic poured from her body. Nothing hindered or frightened her. A strange power coursed through her veins, setting every nerve ending alight. Astral magic? She was alive, and more so than she’d ever been.

She tried to stand, then stumbled. Filip caught her in his arms.

“Steady, my sun.” A smiled reached his bright and glossy eyes.

“I don’t feel…so good.” Her body turned to jelly.

“Seer, help her.” He ordered the women as he assisted Adelina back into the chair.

“I’ll give her some herbs to counteract the dizziness, but she must regain her strength.”

“Rest, my sweet one,” he whispered to Adelina, then faced the Sage Seer. “Ensure no one enters. No harm will come to her.”

His footsteps echoed as he left the hut.

Adelina’s head hung back against the chair as the room swirled. Her arms were heavy in her lap.

The Seer plucked several orpin rose flowers from a jar, then ground them with her pestle and mortar. Taking a pot of boiled water from the stove at the other side of the hut, she steeped the crushed petals in a mug. Steam spiralled into the air.

Its fragrant aroma filled Adelina’s nostrils, encouraging her to hold on to consciousness.

She brought the mug to her. “Drink this.”

Taking it between her fingers, Adelina sighed. The light pouring from her skin slowly diminished. She drank the medicinal tea, then shuffled over to a small cot. Once her head lay against the pillow, she succumbed to sleep.

∞∞ ∞

“Wake up, dear.”

Adelina stirred, and a grumble escaped her lips. “Ma?”

“I’m right here, my darling.” Velinka knelt beside her daughter and stroked her arm. “Filip has allowed us all a moment with you before you leave.”

She frowned, wondering what in the realm her mother was referring to. Then her memories returned.

Astral magic flowed within her. Word would’ve spread quickly—the whole village would know, and Filip would take her far away from here.

Pushing up on to her elbows, she blinked and looked around. Her father and sister stood in front of her, hugging one another as if by the side of a gravesite. Damir sat hunched over at the foot of the cot.

Tears sparkled in her mother’s eyes. “Come on, dear. Sit up. Give me a hug.”

It took a few seconds for the fogginess to leave Adelina’s head, but as soon as she was certain the room wouldn’t spin, she embraced her mother. She didn’t want to abandon her family, but what choice did she have?

When she let go, she turned to her sister. “Oh, look at you—out of bed! You’re so brave and strong.”

Tihana pouted and tears fell from her eyes. She clutched her rabbit to her chest. “I don’t want you to go. ”

“I know, Sis, but I’m going to help Filip bring peace to the divided countries.” She choked on her words, but she needed to set an example. “Aren’t you proud?” She squeezed Tihana’s hands, and the girl nodded timidly.

Daro rested his hand on her shoulder. “My beautiful daughter, there’s something I ought to tell you.”

“What is it?” Her gaze darted from her mother, then back to her father.

“Filip has promised to rebuild my workshop and provide me with a year’s worth of supplies,” he said. “I suppose it’s his way of ensuring your family are cared for in your absence.”

Her mouth fell open. “Wow—how generous. I can’t believe this has happened. I’ll be leaving.”

“I’ve arranged for Salma Abramova to escort you as a chaperone. Filip vows your virtue will not be besmirched.”

As her father’s last word left his mouth, Filip entered the hut, and with him, a stern presence.

He held his shoulders back and kept his gaze fixed on Adelina. “How are you feeling?”

She eyed him. “A little nauseous from the sage, but I’ll be fine.”

“Fear not. You’ll be looked after at the palace.”

“Palace?” her voice croaked.

“Of course. We will travel north to Toichrist. Beyond the border is a village known as Kirovo. There you’ll be welcomed to Kirovo Palace—my home. Now if you accept my gesture of goodwill,” he nodded to Daro, “then it is time to bid your farewells, Adelina Orlova. We have a long journey ahead. ”

He bowed his head graciously, then strode towards the door. “Miss Abramova and I’ll meet you outside in ten minutes. A carriage awaits us.”

She managed a nod, the lump in her throat thick as he left the hut.

“We’ve packed your things, dear.” Her ma pointed to the leather trunk positioned beside her.

This is happening. I’m going away to an unknown land to do a stranger’s bidding.

Adelina gripped her mother’s hand and squeezed, refusing to show her how terrified she was. “I’m sorry to be leaving you.”

Velinka patted her daughter’s knee with her other hand.

“You’ve nothing to apologise for. Filip has promised to fund the restorations, and more.

He’s also vowed to protect you—provide for you in ways we can’t.

He has a palace with servants and chefs.

There’s a lady who can train you to use your magic, and people who have access to other forms of magic. ”

“What else has he said?” Adelina asked as she rose. Curiosity was a welcome respite from her nerves.

“You’ll learn how to master your magic. Filip says he needs your help. The rift between the people is far deeper than you know, and your abilities are needed. Why don’t you talk to him about it? You’ll make friends, Filip assured me. You won’t be alone.” Her words tumbled from her mouth.

Who is she trying to convince? I’ll be far away from anyone I’ve ever loved.

“Here, take this.” Daro unhooked his locket, then fastened it around his daughter’s neck. “So, you know we’ll always be with you. ”

Adelina’s fingers brushed the locket, and her eyes watered. Her father drew her into a tight embrace and smoothed her hair. The tears fell freely now as her sister hugged her round the waist. Tihana pulled away, then darted out of the hut, crying loudly.

Once they were separated, Velinka embraced her daughter.

She pulled back—her eyes glassy—and stroked her cheek.

“We will write to you. I promise. Maybe we’ll come to visit as soon as the restorations are complete.

” Velinka planted a kiss on her head, then took Daro’s hand. “We love you, my darling.”

“I love you too,” she choked.

They left the tent, leaving Adelina alone with Damir.

His face paled as he stood. “We should’ve fled when we had the chance.”

“Come with me?” she blurted. “I could ask—perhaps Filip would accommodate.”

“I don’t think so.” He shook his head. “He’s taking you to a facility for you to learn how to use your magic. There’s no place for me there.”

He closed the gap between them and cupped her cheek in his palm. She held her breath as their gazes locked.

A sigh escaped his lips. He dropped his hand and stepped back. Adelina frowned. While she understood he wouldn’t be thrilled by their separation, she anticipated something, anything, that would give her hope he’d be there for her if she was able to return.

“I’m sorry…this is harder than I thought it would be. I can’t watch you leave.” His facial muscles twisted and his eyes glistened. Without a second’s de lay, he fled the hut, leaving her alone and surrounded by silence.

She swatted the fresh tears rolling down her cheeks. Perhaps she assumed herself impervious to heartbreak. After all, she couldn’t say for certain she loved him but watching him leave made her chest tighten and each breath laborious. Her vision blurred, and she gripped the nearest cabinet.

“Adelina?” Filip’s deep voice asked.

She flung around.

“Are you all right?”

Of course, I’m not all right!

“Uh, yes. Sorry…I just…” She cleared the tightening force in her throat and flattened her poneva skirt.

“Saying goodbye can be difficult, but I assure you, once you understand why I need you, you’ll find peace, and maybe happiness.” A kind smile spread across his lips as he picked up the trunk. “Come on. I’ll escort you.”

He supported her arm as they left the Sage Seer’s hut, propelling her to a life she didn’t want.

She’d begun to picture a life with Damir, but the image shattered.

She was leaving, perhaps for good, to learn magic and play a part in the future of the Realm of Kirromund.

Her chest caved in with the weight of it.

Outside, Salma greeted her with a polite smile. “I’ve agreed to accompany you to the palace. You’ll train to use your magic during the day, and in the evening, we can practise needlepoint, painting—anything you like.”

“Thank you.” Adelina said thinly .

The three of them followed the trail through Aramoor towards its snow-covered perimeter. Locals looked on in silence.

Once she reached the first of three horse-drawn carriages, Filip opened the door. Salma climbed inside, then beckoned to her.

Adelina cast a glance over her shoulder, hoping to see Damir one final time before her departure. Instead, her mother hurried along the cobbles, snow crunching underfoot, and tears tumbling down her face.

“We ought to leave now,” Filip said firmly. “I’ll be in the carriage in front and my guards will follow us.”

“Not yet,” Adelina whispered.

Her mother threw her arms around her, and gasped, “Oh, my sweet one. I had to see you one more time before you left. Here, take this.”

She pulled away and placed a pocket watch in her daughter’s hand. “This was your grandfather’s.”

Filip cleared his throat and fixed his gaze on Velinka. She withdrew and watched from the sideline as her daughter climbed into the carriage and the door closed behind her.

Adelina peered through the small window as the coachman whipped the horses. With a sharp jolt, the journey to Toichrist begun.

Once her mother and Aramoor were out of sight, she turned the pocket watch over in her hands. A frown knitted her brows. She’d never seen it before. Why was now the first time?