Desecration

The next afternoon, Meriana and Divya joined Naomi's training session with Azriel.

"Why does the most advanced witch on the continent need magical training?" Divya spoke up suddenly, surprising everyone since she had been quiet through most of the session.

Meriana sent her a warning look but Naomi chuckled instead, a diversion already prepared. "So much has happened that you are not aware of, Lolo Divya and I neither have the time nor energy to explain it in detail. All I can say is that magic is a complex thing but I do not believe you would understand, would you?"

Divya forced a smile onto her face and inclined her head in a bow. "Of course, Empress. My sincerest apologies for the intrusive question."

"Forgiven," Naomi said simply.

To ease the tension, Meriana added, "I was born with some affinity for magic and I can say with utmost certainty that Nerina is right. Magic is extremely complicated and even after all these years, I still have not mastered the art."

"It would have been e