Brigid no longer lived in the human world, preferring now to dwell with the immortals. Under Tuatha dé law, mortals of any kind were not allowed into the Otherworld unless they had first passed through death. Still wanting to see her living descendants, Brigid had created these gardens to serve as anterooms of sorts for the Otherworld where she could meet with her sons and daughters. From what I understood, she had many gardens to tend and so only came here once or twice a year to speak with me.
In truth, I hadn’t thought to meet her again till summer’s end, and an odd mixture of relief and dread swirled inside me from the unexpected visit. Had she felt my despair? Is that why she’s here tonight? To provide answers and perhaps grant my request?
While pacing in my room earlier, I had come to the conclusion that there were only two ways for Henry and me to be together—either I had to learn to conceal my power or forfeit it altogether. A week ago, I’d have sworn that giving up my gift was the hardest thing I could ever do. But after the past two days, I knew that losing Henry would be a hundred times worse. With this memory fresh in my mind, I squared my shoulders and pushed forward, convinced that one way or another, Brigid held the key for my happiness.
“I am pleased to see you, Selah,” she said, glancing up when I approached. “Sit down and rest with me.”
As this was the first we’d met since my father’s death, I hesitated and contritely hung my head, unsure what to expect from my previous transgressions. Does it even matter anymore? No punishment could exceed what I’d already agreed to sacrifice.
Brigid smiled. “Rest easy, Daughter. I have considered the circumstances and shall overlook the infractions this time.”
My head came up. “Really? I’m not to be punished?”
“Not this time,” she repeated and patted the ground. “Sit and rest with me.”
I did as she bid, tucking my knees up to my chest. Despite the unexpected reprieve, my other concerns continued to weigh heavy.
“Your spirit is weary. Why have you not come sooner?”
Brigid watched me with dark blue eyes similar to my own. I sighed, knowing better than to lie or offer excuses, no matter how awful the truth may sound. “I was distracted.”
“But I have made it so easy for you to visit,” she laughed pleasantly. “A handful of herbs and a few words of greeting is all I require to carry your spirit here. Maybe it is too easy and that is why you put it off.”
“I promise not to wait so long next time.” Assuming there is a next time...
A small crease appeared between her brows, only to disappear just as quickly. “Many of my sons and daughters bring tidings from the first world, telling me how mankind is faring in these times. But you are my only child living in this new land.” She looked at me closely. “It can be lonely being so far from home and your own people.”
Henry popped into my head. I pushed his image away, but not before Brigid raised her eyebrows.
“I see,” she said, her eyes twinkling with understanding. “You have not been so lonely as I first thought. He is a handsome man—an Englishman, I believe. Does he know what you are?”
“Not yet.” I took a deep breath to steady my nerves. “Is there any way to hide it?”
“For some of my lesser children maybe, but not a power so strong as yours.”
My shoulders slumped from the revelation. Concealment had been my first choice, as it would have allowed me to keep both Henry and my gift. But from Brigid’s words, I could only have one. So be it—
She narrowed her eyes on my face. “You think to forfeit your birthright for this man.”
I blinked away the beginnings of tears. “How else can we be together?” My voice came out strained and unnaturally high.
“It is a noble gesture, Selah, though I’m afraid it will never work.”
“Why not?”
“Again, because your gift is too strong. You would have more luck asking an eagle not to fly than to deny your nature and refrain from healing.”
Defiance nudged my chin forward. Then I’ll not renew my power. The flame will eventually go out and there will be nothing left to flow into Henry...
Brigid shook her head. “Refusing to drink from the spring would only end in your death. Look in your heart, Daughter, and you will see the truth.”
The boldness drained away as a sudden tightness gripped my chest. It would kill me?
“Over time, depending upon the circumstances.”
“Then what am I to do?” Was I destined to be miserable?
“Perhaps there is another way.”
Hope leapt inside me, catching the breath in my throat. “I’ll do anything.”
She considered me for a moment, her expression thoughtful. “On occasion it has worked between our two kinds. But most of the time it does not, at great consequence to my children. Is this a risk you’re willing to take?”
I thought of Henry again and how my heart had nearly burst with joy when he returned tonight. “I love him.” The truth was that simple.
“Then I give my consent to reveal your true identity. This is not a promise of your happiness, only that you are free to act without fear of reprisal for breaking my law.”
I gaped at her in surprise. “What should I tell him?”