Ronan nods and they move in opposite directions as they work. For every flower Marigold picks, she envisions Caoimhe, perfectly healed and standing alongside her family. Maybe it helps, maybe it does nothing, but it’s all she can do. Her fist is full of flowers when she reaches the center of the meadow. There, she finds a small oasis vaguely in the shape of a heart, or a bean for those with weak imaginations. Inside the sparkling clear water is another landvættir—she can tell by the bright glowing aura surrounding it. It’s a koi fish with brilliant yellow scales all over its body, and it swims in a constant circle around the pool. She gently eases her fingers into the water, and the koi moves beneath her, allowing her hand to run across its body. The midday sun burns bright above her as she imagines what this place will look like when the blue moon rises in its stead, lending its light to the pool below.
She is enamored with the beauty that surrounds her, so much so that she begins to fear that there will never be enough time to enjoy it all. Even if she were granted an eternity here, she would still leave parts of the isle unexplored. It is at this moment that she perfectly understands why her grandmother never wanted to leave this place, and why she must protect it at all costs.
Somehow, the minutes pass like seconds and the sun starts to fall into the twilight. Ronan takes hold of the flowers as the two of them start walking back toward the cottage. They collide with Mr. Benny at the halfway point.
Breathless, Mr. Benny says, “There you are.”
“How is she?” Ronan says.
“She is well,” he says, pulling Ronan into a hug, and he immediately weeps into his shoulder.
“She’s okay. She’s okay,” Ronan says through sobs. He pulls back and says, “Can I see her now? Please.”
“Go to her. She waits for you at the cottage.”
At that, Ronan runs, kicking up dirt behind his every step. Marigold beams up at Mr. Benny. “Thank the heavens that Caoimhe is okay. I was terrified for her, and for their family.”
“Thank your grandmother, Miss Marigold. She performed a miracle. I never doubted her for a second, and you shouldn’t either. You’ll be just as powerful as her very soon.”
“I do not know about that. I cannot imagine myself handling today the way she did. It feels impossible right now.”
“Well, you only just arrived. Give it time. Nothing is impossible here.”
When they reach the cottage, Ronan is carrying Caoimhe in his arms down the stone path, kissing her in between every step. Mr. Benny nods to Marigold and Althea as he follows them and helps them both into the boat.
“How did you do it?” she asks her grandmother once everyone else is too far to hear.
“This is what our magic is made for. When a person’s life is at risk, we stop at nothing to save them,” Althea says, bringing her trembling hand to her forehead and wiping away the sweat. She remained so calm and strong through the whole ordeal, but now the adrenaline is wearing off, and the pain seems to be hitting her in waves.
“I was worried there, too, Marigold. If we were one day late, Caoimhe would not have survived.” She covers her mouth with her hand for a moment as she collects herself. “I hope you can understand now why I did not visit Bardshire. It wasn’t only because of your mother’s wishes. It was because people needed me.” She takes a deep, dry breath and leans against the cottage. “You will be able to travel. I swear it. But never forget yourpurpose while you are away, and always let it guide you back home.”
“I will, Grandmother. I promise.”
Althea smiles and stands up as straight as she can, opening her arms for Marigold. “Come here, darling girl.” Her grandmother holds her as they watch the boat float into the glittering evening, farther and farther until Mr. Benny’s lantern can no longer be seen from the dock.
“You did so well in comforting Ronan. I’m so proud of you.”
Marigold sighs into her shoulder. “I felt useless through most of it. I don’t know if I will ever be able to do what you did.” She pulls back and meets her grandmother’s gaze. “I can’t believe that your magic is powerful enough to save someone from an affliction so dire.”
“Ourmagic, Marigold. You have all the power that I do, and you will have no trouble using it after I train you.” She grips her shoulders. “You were made for this. You belong here.” Her grandmother takes her hand and ushers her inside for the first time in fifteen years. The door creaks open and leads directly into the kitchen, which is an odd little room filled with much more than typical cookware. The walls are lined with hundreds of jars and vials, all with neatly handwritten labels. On one counter sits a plate full of sweets, but on the other, there is a bowl of black sludge next to an old open book. It smells like rot as she comes closer.
“Is that what you used to heal Caoimhe?”
Althea nods. “Don’t get too close to it. You’ll make yourself sick. In fact,” she says, stepping past her and picking up the bowl, “why don’t you head straight to your room? Benny already brought your things inside while you were with Ronan. I’ll clean up while you get settled, and we’ll explore the rest of the isle tomorrow. I have spent all my energy today.”
Taking in the cottage, she can’t help but notice all the undone tasks. The walls could use a wash, the floor is decorated with boot prints, and every surface is covered in a layer of dust. Altheahasn’t been able to keep this place perfectly clean for some time. “Why don’t I clean up for you and you go rest?”
“No, let me. You deserve to start your training in a clean space.”
“Grandmother, please let me—”
“Do not think I’m too weak to clean my own kitchen, Mari. Now go on,” she says, shooing Marigold out of the kitchen and down the cottage’s only hallway. She passes the living room and notes that the green sofa and its pillows desperately need to be fluffed. The rug deserves a decent scrub, and the curtains should be replaced altogether. They’re sun-bleached and frayed at the ends. The wood floor of the hallway creaks underneath her step. Her bedroom door is slightly ajar, and she lets herself inside. It has just enough space to feel cozy, yet safe. This room has had more attention recently—new bedding and hardly any dust. She has a beautiful window overlooking the sparkling lake outside, and she can see the beginnings of the apiary. Her bed is large, white, and so very welcoming. Her grandmother has placed a lovely bouquet of marigolds in a vase by her bed that makes the entire room smell like fresh flora.
Marigold starts unpacking her belongings and takes some time to hang her dresses in her wardrobe, which looks to be made of sleek cherrywood. There is a matching vanity with an ornate circular mirror sitting atop it. She witnesses herself for the first time in this new life. Her face looks healthy but quite tired and dull. She starts to undress to then slip on a nightgown, but before she is able to fasten the ribbons into a bow, she crashes into the bed and falls asleep.
Chapter Seven
Her training begins promptly the next morning after a quick breakfast of summer fruit and sharp cheese, both gifts from Mr. Benny’s neighboring farm. She and her grandmother stand at the edge of the apiary. While Althea steps through the white garden gate with confidence, Marigold holds herself back, as if waiting for some sort of safety signal.
