It had been a week since we brought Jemisha back to the castle, and I couldn't help but marvel at her progress. When she first arrived, she had been frightened, withdrawn, and hesitant to trust anyone. But now, thanks to everyone's efforts, she was beginning to find her footing.
I stood at the edge of the training grounds, arms crossed as I watched Jemisha spar with Xenos. Her movements were clumsy, but there was a spark of determination in her mismatched eyes that reminded me so much of myself when I first started training.
"Focus, Jemisha," Xenos instructed, dodging her attempts to land a hit. His tone was firm but patient, a far cry from the merciless drills he put me through. "You're telegraphing your movements. Keep them sharp and unpredictable."
Jemisha wiped the sweat from her brow, nodding as she reset her stance. "Okay, I'll try again."
"You're doing great," I called out, giving her an encouraging smile. "Just remember what Xenos taught you—stay light on your feet."
She glanced at me and grinned, her confidence growing. "Got it, Sage!"
Xenos looked over his shoulder at me, his eyes narrowing playfully. "Are you coaching from the sidelines now?"
I smirked. "Someone has to keep you in check."
He rolled his eyes but turned back to Jemisha, motioning for her to attack again. This time, she managed to get closer, her strikes faster and more precise.
"Better," Xenos praised, stepping back to assess her. "You're improving, but you need to work on your endurance."
Jemisha beamed at the rare compliment, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. "You've come a long way, Jemisha," I said as I walked over to her, handing her a water flask. "You should be proud of yourself."
She took the flask with a shy smile, her cheeks pink from exertion. "Thanks, Sage. I wouldn't have gotten this far without you and Xenos."
Xenos ruffled her curly hair, earning a playful glare from her. "You've got the talent, kid. We're just here to guide you."
Jemisha grinned, taking a long sip of water before stepping back onto the field. "Alright, Xenos. Let's go again!"
As I leaned against the wooden railing, watching the two of them spar, a sense of peace settled over me. For the first time in a long while, it felt like things were starting to fall into place.
The afternoon sun cast warm golden light through the tall windows of the castle's spa, reflecting off the polished marble walls and casting soft glimmers across the tranquil water of the bathing pool. I sank into the warm water with a content sigh, letting the steam work its magic on my sore muscles. Jemisha sat beside me, her curls pinned back with a jeweled clip, and Alohi lounged on the opposite side, her expression as relaxed as ever.
"This is exactly what I needed after this morning," I said, letting my head rest against the edge of the pool.
Alohi smirked, trailing her fingers through the water. "Tell me about it. I saw Xenos giving Jemisha the full drill. Poor girl looked like she was going to pass out."
Jemisha splashed Alohi lightly, laughing. "It wasn't that bad! I'm tougher than I look."
"You are," I agreed, smiling at her. "You're doing amazing, Jemisha. Xenos doesn't go easy on anyone, and you're keeping up."
She flushed, her cheeks turning a delicate pink. "Thanks, Sage. But I still have a long way to go if I want to be as strong as you."
Alohi raised an eyebrow, her grin teasing. "Oh, don't let her fool you, Jemisha. Sage is all tough now, but when she first started training with Xenos, she complained for days about her sore muscles."
I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't help but laugh. "Okay, fine, I might have complained a little. But can you blame me? Xenos is relentless."
Jemisha giggled. "He's scary when he's serious, but… he's also really nice. You're so lucky to have him, Sage."
Alohi leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, don't get her started on Xenos. She'll talk your ear off about how wonderful and handsome he is."
I splashed water at her, shaking my head. "I will not! Besides, you're one to talk. How's Cynfael treating you, huh?"
Alohi's smirk softened into a genuine smile. "He's… perfect, honestly. I never thought I'd end up with someone like him. He's so thoughtful, and he listens to me—really listens, you know?"
Jemisha looked between us, her expression curious. "How did you two meet?"
Alohi launched into the story of how she and Cynfael had met during one of his visits to her village, her dramatic retelling filled with exaggerated gestures that had Jemisha and me laughing.
When she finished, Jemisha turned to me, her eyes bright. "And what about you and Xenos, Sage? How did you know he was the one?"
I hesitated, my heart warming at the thought of him. "It wasn't something that happened all at once," I admitted. "He drove me crazy at first—so serious and stubborn. But as we spent more time together, I saw how deeply he cared. He might act tough, but he has the kindest heart."
Alohi grinned. "See? I told you she'd gush."
Jemisha laughed, her earlier shyness melting away as she joined in our playful banter. For the first time in what felt like forever, the three of us were just… girls, enjoying each other's company without the weight of the world pressing down on us. It was a moment I knew I'd treasure.
I leaned back against the warm edge of the pool, the steam curling around us like a soft veil. Jemisha was still giggling from Alohi's exaggerated retelling of her first meeting with Cynfael when I decided to drop a little tidbit I'd been keeping in my pocket.
"You know," I began, a teasing lilt in my voice as I glanced at Alohi, "you're sitting next to the soon-to-be Empress of this entire realm."
Jemisha's eyes widened, her head snapping toward Alohi. "What? Empress?!"
Alohi waved her hand dismissively, though her cheeks turned a faint pink. "Oh, stop it, Sage. It's not official yet."
"Not official?" I scoffed, raising an eyebrow. "Cynfael has been practically glued to your side, and I've seen the way the emperor and empress look at you. They adore you. It's just a matter of time."
Jemisha's jaw dropped, her gaze darting between us. "You're really going to be an Empress? That's amazing, Alohi!"
Alohi let out a mock sigh, leaning back and draping her arm dramatically along the edge of the pool. "I suppose it is pretty amazing. But don't go bowing to me just yet, Jemisha. I'm still the same Alohi, full of charm and wit."
Jemisha giggled, clearly enchanted by Alohi's humor. "I think you'll make the coolest Empress ever."
Alohi winked. "That's the plan, kid."
I shook my head, smiling at their exchange. "Just don't forget about us peasants when you're ruling the realm, Your Highness."
Alohi rolled her eyes. "Oh, please, Sage. If anyone's going to keep me grounded, it's you."
Jemisha looked at me with wide eyes. "Does that mean you'll be part of the court too?"
I chuckled, shaking my head. "I don't think so, Jemisha. I have enough on my plate without adding court politics. But I'll always be around to tease Alohi about her royal duties."
Alohi smirked. "And I'll always make time to roll my eyes at you."
The three of us laughed, the tension of the past weeks momentarily forgotten. For now, it was just us—friends, sisters in spirit, sharing a moment of light in a world that often felt so heavy.
I leaned back in the warm water, letting the lavender-scented steam wash over me. Jemisha, perched on the edge of the pool, stared at me with wide eyes, clearly fascinated.
"So, do you have a tattoo of your inner power?" I asked her.
Her cheeks flushed as she hesitated, then slowly shook her head. "No... I mean, I don't think so. Do I need one?"
Alohi chuckled from across the spa, reclining lazily against the edge. "Oh, sweetie, it's not about needing one. It's something that just happens when you start connecting with your power. Like me—" She shifted slightly, revealing the intricate snake coiled across her back. "This beauty showed up when I started really embracing my abilities. Pretty cool, huh?"
Jemisha's eyes widened. "That's amazing."
I smiled, turning slightly so she could see the angel with Brugmansia flowers blooming along my shoulder blades. "Mine appeared when I connected to Ziri. It's like a symbol of who you are and what you're meant to do."
Jemisha's gaze softened, her fingers brushing the edge of her arm as though imagining a tattoo forming. "Do you think I'll get one? I mean, I've never really been... connected to my power before."
"You will," I said gently, reaching out to touch her hand. "It'll come when you're ready. It's not just a mark of strength—it's a reminder that your power is a part of you. You're already making so much progress."
Alohi grinned. "And when you do, we're totally taking you for some celebratory cake. It's tradition."
Jemisha giggled, her nerves melting away as the three of us shared a laugh. For a moment, it felt like we were just normal girls, bonding over stories and dreams instead of the weight of saving the world.