It took a week for me to recover the energy I spent trying to save Agnes. I was sitting with her in May's courtyard, drinking the herbal tea she made for us. I was still finding it hard to take in everything that had happened.

"I can't believe it," I said. "Alun, the arcanite, the accusations about Marcus and my grandmother. It's all so much to take in. What worries me is the darkness I felt."

Agnes patted my hand. "I know, dear. It's a lot for anyone to process, especially someone who's new to all of this. The darkness you felt, Evie, it's not something to fear," Agnes said, her eyes meeting mine with a gentle reassurance. "It's the other side of the coin, the balance to the light you're naturally drawn to."

I furrowed my brow, trying to comprehend. "But it felt so... wrong. So alien."

Agnes nodded, understanding in her gaze. "Of course it did. You're an Earth Elemental, connected to life and growth. But remember, even, there's decay and darkness. It's all part of the cycle."

"Is that what Fiona deals with?" I asked, recalling the shadow weaver's enigmatic presence.

"Indeed," Agnes replied. "Fiona fights with that darkness daily. It's her constant struggle, finding the balance between light and shadow."

I shuddered, remembering the icy touch of that otherworldly power. "But how was I able to access it? I'm not like Fiona."

Agnes's expression grew serious. "The arcanite, Evie. That's what allowed you to tap into that darkness. It's a powerful substance, one that can amplify and twist our natural abilities."

I grabbed at the pendant as it lay around my neck. "So without it, I wouldn't have been able to...?"

"No," Agnes confirmed. "Your connection is to the light, to life. The arcanite opened a door that's usually closed to you. It's why such substances are so dangerous - they can tempt us to power we're not meant to wield."

I looked up at her. "Is that what happened to Marcus? What do you think, Agnes? Do you think Marcus could have could have killed someone?"

Agnes sighed. "I don't know, Evie. I've seen enough in my years to know that people are capable of many things, good and bad. But I know one thing, you have a good heart, and you should trust your instincts."

I nodded and took a sip of my tea. The warmth of the liquid spread through me and I felt some of the tension in my muscles ease.

"I don't know what to do next," I said. "I feel like I've been thrown into the middle of something I don't understand and I don't know how to handle it."

Agnes smiled. "You're not on your own, Evie. You've got me, Fiona, Gethin, and a fair few others in town if you'll let them help you. We'll sort this out together."

"Thank you, Agnes," I said, reaching over and wrapping her into a hug. "I don't know what I would do without you."

We sat in silence for a few moments, the only sound the gentle rustling of the leaves in the breeze. I looked around the courtyard. I felt a connection to this place, to the earth. I was reminded of the rose garden flower festival that was due to take place in a few weeks' time. I had almost forgotten about it with everything that had happened recently.

"Agnes, what flower are you planning to enter the festival?" I asked. "I'm sure whatever you grow will be amazing."

Agnes chuckled. "I'm not so sure about that, dear. I've got a few roses I've been looking after, but they're nothing like what you could produce."

I blushed at her compliment. "Me? I'm still getting the hang of this gardening thing. I can barely keep a pot plant alive, let alone grow prize-winning roses."

"Rubbish," Agnes said, waving her hand. "You've got a gift, Evie. You're at one with the earth. I've seen the way the plants respond to your touch. It's like they come alive in your presence."

I shook my head. "I don't know, Agnes. I feel like I have so much to learn. I don't know what my powers are or what they mean."

"That's all the more reason to enter the festival," Agnes said, leaning forward. "It's the perfect chance to practice your skills, to see what you're capable of. And who knows? You might surprise yourself."

I thought about what she said. I felt a flutter of excitement at the thought of putting my new abilities to the test. "You really think I could do it? Grow something good enough for the festival?"

"I know you can," Agnes said. "In fact, I'd put money on you creating something that's the talk of the town. The judges won't know what's hit them."

I laughed at her enthusiasm. I felt a warmth towards this woman who had become such an important part of my life in such a short time.

"Ok, you've convinced me," I said. "I'll give it a go. But I'll probably be asking you for advice every step of the way."

"I'd expect nothing less," Agnes said. "We'll have you growing roses in no time, Evie Hartwell. Just you wait and see."

I looked up as Gethin entered the courtyard. "Sorry to interrupt, ladies," he said, nodding to Agnes and me. "But I have some news about Alun and Marcus."

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of their names. I immediately thought back to the confrontation in the barn. "What's happened?" I asked, my voice trembling.

Gethin sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "The council has banished Alun from Llyncroft, but before he goes, they will send him to the coven, who will do what they can to limit his powers. They believe that his actions have put the entire community at risk, and they can't allow him to stay here any longer."

I nodded. I felt a mixture of relief and sadness. I knew that Alun's actions were unforgivable, but I still felt sorry for him. I knew he was in a lot of pain and anger to do what he did.

"And what about Marcus?" Agnes asked. "What are the consequences for him?"

Gethin's face darkened, and I felt a sense of dread settle in my stomach. "It's not good," he said. "The council has found Marcus guilty of murder. They have pretty damning evidence he killed Thomas Davies. Through our investigations, we found witnesses who saw Marcus leaving the scene of the crime, and his DNA was found on the murder weapon."

I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes. I didn't love him anymore, but he had been such a big part of my life for so long.

Agnes reached out and took my hand. "What will happen to him?" she asked.

Gethin sighed. "He'll spend the rest of his life in arcane prison. Something I wouldn't want to wish on anyone. At least as a shifter, he only has a lifetime to live, unlike the immortals who never leave."

I looked up at Gethin, my eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I don't know what to say," I said, my voice breaking. "I never thought Marcus could do something like this."

Gethin's expression softened, and he reached out to place a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I'm really sorry, Evie. I can't imagine how hard this must be for you."

I nodded, swallowing hard. "I just... I thought I knew him, you know? I thought I knew who he was and what he was about. And now, how do I trust my judgement any more?"

Agnes squeezed my hand. "You can't blame yourself, Evie. Marcus made his own choices. He's the one who has to live with them."

I knew she was right, but it didn't make the pain any less sharp.

Gethin coughed. "Evie, I know this is probably the worst time, but I was wondering if I could take you out for a drink sometime."

I blinked. "A drink?" I said, my voice sounding far away to my own ears.

Gethin nodded. "I know you're going through a lot right now, and I don't want to stress you out. But sometimes, it helps to talk to someone who gets it, you know?"