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But no matter. There was nothing to do but forge ahead, and Bluebeard was optimistic. He was certain they would not have similar disappointments when Zayan fulfilled his destiny and applied his new alchemical talents to Thomas. The young chemist’s soul had a sparkling purity that would surely manifest as the purest flowers of crystalline vitality.

CHAPTER 28

Tom stood at the prow of the boat, watching the shore of Greenhaven take shape before him. And just as he hoped, Zayan stood on the pier with Stormfire and Hollyhock waiting behind him on the trail. The trip had been exciting and successful, but truth be told, he anticipated this exact moment through it all.

He bounded off the boat and pulled Zayan into his arms, lifting him off the ground and hugging him tightly, whispering, “How I’ve missed you, my handsome alchemist.”

Zayan hugged him back and buried his face against his neck, but said nothing in return. Tom moved to release him, eager to give him a kiss and tell him of his adventures, but Zayan held him fast, hugging tighter. This tender expression warmed his heart, reconfirming the bond they were building. Zayan had never yet revealed this sentimental side, and he liked it.

Zayan finally released him, and when he pulled back, there were tears in his eyes. Zayan brushed them quickly away and said, “I missed you, too. I’m glad you’re home.”

Tom asked, “What’s wrong?” Then he noticed the angry cut crossing Zayan’s cheek. “Are you okay? What happened?”

Zayan rubbed his sleeve across his eyes and brightened, waving his hand dismissively and saying, “It’s nothing. An accident in my laboratory.” Then his flirty Zayan was back, demanding, “Tell me everything! Did you find your poisonous plant?”

“Yes, but are you sure you’re okay? That cut looks nasty.”

“No matter. I’ve endured worse, and Thierry fixed me right up. Here, let me help you with your bags, and Hollyhock is waiting anxiously to trot you off to the castle.”

Charlie called from the boat, “You boys go ahead. Hoyle and I will manage the luggage.”

Tom gladly accepted the offer, and they dashed up the trail to Hollyhock and Stormfire. It was so good to be home. “Yes, I missed you too, my beautiful lady of the trail,” he said, stroking Hollyhock’s nose. “Let’s go up to the castle and see if there are any apples with your name on them.”

They mounted their horses and took to the trail. Hoping for some flirty banter, Tom teased,

“What have you been doing with all your time, free of annoying boyfriends poking their noses in your laboratory?” But strangely, Zayan gave a direct answer.

“Nothing much. Only the same old stuff.”

Same old stuff…that was an understatement if there ever was one. Zayan was talking about magic, making gold. He had an actual piece of the not-so-mythical Philosopher’s Stone right there, in his laboratory.

“Tell me about your trip,” Zayan said, changing the subject. This wasn’t like him at all, but Tom tried not to push. They would talk when Zayan was ready. He’d probably been spending too much time in that dark dungeon, curled over his crucibles and alembics, but Tom knew what to do. Now that he was back, he’d gently coax his sunny alchemist out of hiding and back to peak form.

“The trip was amazing and super productive,” he gushed. “We went to a swamp. Can you imagine me in a swamp? I know. Me neither, but I did it, wading boots and all. And we had one of those boats with the big propellers. And there were alligators, actual alligators. We fed them marshmallows, if you can believe it.”

“Sounds exciting,” Zayan prompted.

“It was! I even drove for part of it. Anyway, we were after this plant, a parasitic orchid that has a commensal protozoan. Hoyle tells me it’s rare, so this was something of a conservation effort too, apart from being super useful. Turns out the rumors got it exactly wrong. It makes this pheromone, like an attractant, but the opposite. It’s a powerful repellant, so it doesn’t draw animals towards it—instead, it repels herbivores. It was so amazing.”

“I’ve never heard of anything like it,” Zayan said.

“I know, right? And even better, we could tell we were getting close to one when the sound stopped. No buzzing, no crickets, no frogs, nothing. We’re going to make a fortune on it, if I can sort out the active principle. Imagine it! Three squirts and the entire farm is insect-free.”

Tom caught himself then, realizing he was doing what he always did: talking and talking and not listening. “I’m sorry. I’ve been talking a lot.”

“Not a problem. I love hearing about your work. What did you do when you found it?”

Tom continued the story—there was so much to tell—but watched Zayan warily. Zayan stayed engaged the whole time, even joked a bit, but there was a cloud shadowing him. That cut on his face had a story to tell. Was it Bluebeard and his awful temper?

“Did you spend some time with Beatrice?” Tom asked, hoping to draw Zayan out with something he enjoyed. “Did you go to Riverford for tea?”

Zayan blanched and turned his face away, but after adjusting himself in the saddle, he said quietly, “Didn’t have time for it. Busy.”

“That’s too bad. You always enjoy riding to town.”

“Of course. You’re right,” Zayan said quietly, patting his horse. Something was up, and it was time to change the subject. He’d get back to that later too, along with the cut.

“That reminds me! I got something for you.”