The cottage is only one room, the ceilings curve into each other with shelves lining the entirety of the walls. Vials of colorful liquids, ranging in texture, cover the shelving. Accompanied with dried flowers, snaking vines, and jars of unrecognizable items suspended in translucent purple liquid. She doesn't have the courage to ask what's in them.
The cramped room feels even smaller with the four of them packed in it. Merlyn and Rory taking up a sizable amount of space. Merlyn stands by his desk littered with parchment, his dark curls pushed out of his face and strands hang below his ears. His face half illuminated by the melting candles casting shadows around the room. A stark contrast to the summer day outside.
“Glad you guys could make it," he says in a cool tone, an impatient edge
