Salvia had never questioned her place in the order of things - but she couldn’t help but think to herself , if she were grand elder , might she not make a different call than the one her mother now orchestrated ? Destroy the Heart Tree of Aurethel , plunge the light elves into darkness , strike while they’re weak , bring back Lord Miggs god of darkness - Resurrect an ancient war - Salvia loved her people , but she was not convinced this is what was best for them . Ever since she saw the human girl Zoya , she had thought to exploit her . Use her to get close to the Heart Tree - but now , this girl asks for her help . To remove an impossible curse ?! And salvia , who does not swear lightly - promised . Why did she give her word ? Promised to help her find the means of curing this Mark . She didn’t say she’d remove it , but now she knows she won’t be satisfied with anything less . And she doesn’t know why - why should she care about a human ? Their species is already so short lived , and this one’s life shorter still - Salvia can’t help but admire her tho - her hopeful young spirit that doesn’t just accept fate but actively looks to rewrite it . Her curiosity, her openness . It’s all so damn infuriating and even dare she say , in some way refreshing ? Shocking her out of the complacency and status quo of ancient grudges and acceptance that “this is just the way things are.” Her questions , her wide eyes and golden hair , have bewitched her mind ….. salvia finds herself wishing she could stand in sunlight beside Zoya . And there she is - what is she doing out at night ? Stealthy as the shadow she is , Salvia slips beside her and catches her wrist .

“Going somewhere, Little Maiden?” She pretends to be ominous . But Salvia feels the contradiction in her chest . She didn’t have to confront her - she came to her because she doesn’t like the thought of Zoya encountering someone else at night .