Page 40 of Sent To A Fantasy World and Now All the Men Want Me 7

“I did.” Phantasia put more force into the grinding of the flower petals she’d just added. “She shattered the barrier around this realm and led an army that slaughtered countless demons, warriors and civilians alike. Bringing devastation to my home and all those I love.”

A pang hit my heart.

My destiny as the Hallowed Saint prophesized that I’d rise in times of great conflict and help turn the tides in a future war. But it occurred to me in that moment that turning the tide for one kingdom meant sending another into ruin.

Saint Vera had ensured Bremloc’s victory at the expense of the demons in the Shadow Realm. One person saved was another one harmed.

“I don’t want to be like her,” I said, fighting the burning in my eyes. “I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

“I stand by what I’ve told you before, love.” Briar bent forward and pressed his face into my hair. “There’s no darkness within you. Of that I’m certain.”

His reassurance in me eased some of my anxiety, so did his unique scent of magnolia blossoms and springtime. Briar had a way of calming me like no one else.

“Listen to your mate, human.” Phantasia tossed me a look over her shoulder before reaching for a glass bottle of what looked like honey and adding it to her concoction. “You are nothing like the former saint. I sense a purity in your heart, whereas her heart had been consumed by a vengeful rage. She cared naught for the innocents she killed nor the lives she tore apart. And what she did to Lord Onyx… it’s deplorable.”

“What did she do to him?” I asked, interest piqued and scalp prickling. Felt like I was on the verge of some huge revelation.

“It’s not for me to say.” Her tail swished quickly through the air. A sign of nerves, maybe? “If your curiosity persists, you can ask him yourself.”

A lot of good that will do. Onyx rarely told me anything worthwhile when I asked him questions, oftentimes just making me more confused.

A flutter of wings drew my attention to the shadowy corner again. Salem’s gaze burned into me. Those orange eyes peered right into my soul.

“He keeps staring at me,” I whispered, turning my face into Briar’s shoulder, using him as a shield.

“Because he finds you interesting,” Phantasia said.

“Interesting how?” I eyed the large bird and hoped that interest didn’t stem from what it felt like to bite me.

“As a rare and powerful creature himself, he’s sensitive to those with a high aptitude for magic,” she explained. “And he senses great power in you. One that’s on the cusp of awakening.”

“Pretty sure it already awoke.” I breathed out a nervous laugh. “The scorch marks on the mantel in the throne room are proof of that.”

She shook her head. “Your powers are no longer dormant, yes, but have not yet fully awoken. Think of it like a locked chest. The lock has been removed, but the chest remains closed.”

“Can you help him open it?” Briar asked.

“I can. To an extent.” She raked her gaze over me. “However, what lies within that chest is a thing only Evan can control. I can only provide guidance.”

Phantasia added the freshly ground substance into a mini black cauldron bubbling in the center of the crafting table. There was no big puff of smoke like the bigger cauldron. Instead, a purple mist wafted upward, slow and whimsical.

“What are you making?” I asked.

“A calming potion. You are too frazzled, jumping at every noise.” She filled a small glass vial with purple liquid and approached. “And I need you to sit still while I examine you.”

I scoffed. “You say that like I’m a child.”

“Aren’t you?” Her lips quirked up. “I’ve lived for nearly four hundred years. You are a mere baby to me.”

“I can sit still without a potion,” I muttered.

Briar quietly coughed. No doubt suppressing a laugh, the meanie.

“I need your emotions balanced as well.” She handed me the vial. “Otherwise, it will be difficult to properly assess your mana levels.”

“This doesn’t taste like flowers, does it?” I studied the contents of the vial.

“No.” Phantasia gave me a blank stare. “Now drink.”