Page 68 of Across the Sapphire Sea
Elias released the breath he’d been holding. They moved to stand behind Remy. In front of him, an opalescent barrier stood between their group and The Vartija.
The six Vartija watched with varying levels of intensity. None seemed in a hurry to retaliate. Elias sought out Sachi and mouthed,I’m sorry. I didn’t know.He felt he’d somehow betrayed her when Valeri suggested she be kidnapped.
Sachi gave a subtle smile, her soft features shining with an unearthly glow.
“Again, Isla,” ordered the tall man.
Isla raised her hand.
“Don’t bother,” said Remy, maintaining the barrier. “This is the one bit of magic I’m rather good at.”
Sachi spoke, “Stand down, Isla.”
The tall man whirled to glare at Sachi.
“You too, Bannos.” Sachi stood to approach Remy’s shield, her posture unthreatening.
The tall man, Bannos, stepped aside to allow her to pass, his face a mask of resentment.
“Remegius, how does your barrier work? Will it allow one to pass who means no harm?”
“It will, my lady, but be certain of your intentions.” Remy spoke as if this were an ordinary conversation, and he hadn’t just cast a magical arc around their group to prevent execution. “If you think we ought to have our memories wiped or be otherwise punished harshly for a crime we didn’t know we were committing, my barrier will cause you injury.”
Sachi nodded. “Thank you for the warning.” She casually stepped through to join them with no ill consequences. “Marvelous!”
Elias held tight to Valeri’s hand as Sachi approached. Her glowing green eyes focused solely on Elias.
“I would like to speak with you alone—”
“No!” Valeri snapped.
Sachi ignored him. “I promise no harm will come to your fellows in our absence. Would you come?”
Would you come?
The last time Elias heard those words was four years ago when he’d been a bondslave in a barley field. A handsome demon wielding a whip had asked that same question.Would you come?And he’d said—
Elias straightened his back. “I’ll come.”
Valeri jerked his arm. “No, Elias, absolutely not. You cannot leave the protection of our witches.”
“We shouldn’t let ourselves be separated.” Ash’s voice.
Elias hardened his tone. “I want to talk to her. She won’t harm me.”
“You don’t know that,” Valeri hissed. “Don’t take the risk!”
Elias tugged his hand free and tried to ignore the hurt the insult caused. He turned to Sachi. “They’ll be safe?”
“You have my word,” Sachi promised.
“Then I’ll come with you.”
“No.” Valeri reached for him, but Elias dodged his grasp.
Sachi glared at Valeri. “Elias has made his decision. I won’t allow you to overrule him.” She offered her hand to Elias, and he took it. “Remegius, I will look out for your friend and return him to you safely. May we pass?”
Remy glanced to Ash.
