Page 52 of Bound By Honey

The four mages plunged into planning their journey, and Sage watched the process with keen interest. The group was remarkably efficient, and she could now understand why they weren't a larger guild. Each of them had their role, and as powerful as she knew them all to be, they didn't need anyone else.

As she shook her head at their level of organization, Prince Finn caught her eye from across the room and raised an eyebrow.

Sage thought it over before finally giving a slight nod of agreement as if to say she was ready for whatever this mission entailed. Prince Finn smiled before turning his attention back to his companions, though Sage could feel his approval radiating like a warm hug.

Excusing herself, Sage left the tent because she had things to take care of before they went on their mission.

Making her way across the camp, she found Rachel, who was finishing up her work in the infirmary tent.

"It appears they are keeping you busy," Sage said.

Rachel smiled brightly, her eyes twinkling with joy. "It's my favorite way to live."

"Have you had any luck figuring out what is spreading through the camp?"

"I think so. It appears to be several things, but all are easily treatable. How about you? How has your patient taken to your treatment?"

"It seems to have helped. I only noticed a small change, but it's given me some hope," Sage replied, pulling her notes from her discussion with Prince Finn about his magic from her pocket. "I'm leaving on a mission with the Charming Four soon, and I was hoping that you could help me make some more of the treatment. Of course, I would pay you for your time as well as anyone who is assisting. I asked about their fire magic so we could try and find close matches."

Rachel took the paper and tucked it away. "Of course. I don't mind helping. When do you leave?"

"I don't know yet. They are planning it now. I get the impression that it is soon, though."

"I understand. If you need to restock anything, feel free to do it here. Supplies from Nectars Embrace just arrived this morning. I will just bill it to the Charming Four," Rachel said with a wink.

"Thank you so much," Sage said as she gave Rachel's shoulder an appreciative squeeze.

"It's my pleasure. Now go get ready and good luck on your mission."

Sage gave Rachel a grateful smile before turning away to gather her supplies. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy that weighed on her shoulders. She tried to push down her envy for the Charming Four and their magical abilities, but it was hard. She wanted to be useful, too. No, she was determined to be useful.

***

Sage stood at the island's edge, her feet planted firmly in the sand, her heart beating a frantic staccato in her chest. She stared ahead at the vista before her, her breath coming in short, shallow gasps. There, between the clouds and the sky, a rope bridge stretched out before her, leading to the island beyond.

Growing up in the capital, Vishneel, meant she had never seen the island's edge before. It was the largest out of the floating kingdom and took days to travel from one edge to the other. She'd never had any reason to leave before.

She felt a warmth on her shoulder and turned to see Prince Finn beside her with a reassuring smile.

"Courage comes in many forms," he said, his voice soothing. "You need only to take the first step."

Sage hesitated, her heart still pounding. She peered across the bridge, seeing that Asher, Colby, and Sawyer were already on their way, their forms silhouetted against the deep blue sky.

"We'll stay the night in the town on the other side," Asher called out to her. "You just have to get there."

"A warm bed and bath are waiting for you over there," Sawyer added.

"Maybe even your own room this time if we get there fast enough!" Colby shouted over his shoulder.

Sage peeked at Prince Finn over her shoulder, remembering what it felt like sleeping next to him. Feeling her cheeks flush, she hid her face and focused on the challenge ahead. Never before had she been afraid of heights. But, at the same time, she had never faced dropping into the vast nothingness below Sarash either.

Steadying her nerves, she stepped onto the bridge's first plank. Her feet felt the rope sway beneath her as she took her small step, her hands outstretched in search of the thin ropes that lined either side of the bridge.

She reached the center, where the wind whipped around, tossing her hair and tugging at her clothes. Looking out at the open sky, she felt a sense of fear and exhilaration.

Her feet slipped out from beneath her, the wind suddenly knocking her off balance. She grasped at the rope, her breaths coming in short shallow gasps as she tried to steady herself. Just as she thought she would fall into the void below, a strong arm encircled her waist, pulling her back to safety.

She gasped and turned to see Prince Finn's face just inches from hers. His dark eyes were intense, and his lips were set in a determined line as he held onto the rope with one hand and kept a secure grip on Sage with the other.

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