Spellbound

The Liar

The way she watches me makes me think she's been waiting for me this whole time. I wait for her to say something. Instead, her eyes travel to the corner, where someone emerges from the shadows.

"Hello Pet."

I don't have to squint through the dark to make out who it is. I'd know that voice anywhere. I leap from my chair without a second thought, and straight into the arms of Ms Marigold. Tears spill from my eyes, and the walls I had built up pretending to be stronger than I am all come crashing down around me. In her arms, I feel home.

"I'm sorry—" are the words she repeats over and over; reminding me once more of everything I've lost...

I don't know how long I stay wrapped up in her arms, but it's not long enough. Instead, she laces her fingers with mine, and takes the seat beside me.

I have to stop myself from bombarding her with questions all at once, so I wipe the tears from my face and start with, "why are you here?"

I don't want it to sound like I'm complaining because I'm not. I'm happy she's here. Her presence is warm and comforting and familiar, and right now it's exactly what I need.

The bluebirds tattooed on her neck sparkle beneath Theresa's chandelier, and for a moment, I think they move. Marigold's face softens, "I'm sorry about your father."

I catch the sadness in my throat this time and it burns, "Why did you never tell me?"

"Because I promised your mother I wouldn't."

Without thinking, I release her hand from mine. All the breath is stolen from my body and my lungs burn in a furious and overwhelming rage. I stare at the face I have known my whole life—the face of the woman I thought I knew better than anyone else. More lies.

"We all did." Theresa adds.

I find a quiet place inside my mind and I retreat. I stay there until I can catch my breath. It takes a second, but eventually the anger dissipates from within.

"What about my father?" My chest floods with guilt as the word slips from my tongue. No one will ever replace James in my heart. No one ever could.

"Both your parents worked for Alexandra, but your father was an undercover informant," Theresa says, "he was stationed in underground Wardovia, but made it back for your birth. That was the last time anyone saw him. Only a handful of people ever knew of your existence, of your true identity. Maggie made us promise to keep you safe, no matter what—" Her voice catches. I've come to realise when people are at their lowest and most vulnerable they're easier to read, and right now Theresa is an open book.

The atmosphere in the room changes considerably and my heart aches for the mother I lost and the man I never knew—

Marigold turns to me, her expression is soft, "On the night of Margaret's death, your Aunt and I took you into the Mortal world to be with the family your mother chose, Emily and James Hurst."

Pain floods my body at the mention of his name. A lifetime of memories clouded by images of his lifeless body in my arms—

Theresa is the first to speak again, "That was the night the clocktower in the village froze in time. After that, the Wardovian's went back underground, believing they had defeated their biggest threat; the child of the prophecy."

There's a fireplace to my right that I never noticed before. The flames of the fire dance in different directions, casting long shadows over the hardwood floor. I listen only to the sound of the dry wood crackling as it burns, and my own heart pounding against my chest. My hands sit frozen in my lap and shake uncontrollably, but I'm certain it has nothing to do with the drop in temperature.