Page 1 of Beacon
CHAPTER1
Iwatched, mesmerized, as the water rose from my palm to the sound of my song. I experimented and altered the pitch of my melody; the water twirled higher, while another trill of notes caused the water to glow a lovely lilac shade.
My giggle of delight broke my song, causing the water to return to the ocean where I stood knee-deep. My fingers brushed the water’s surface as I waded farther in, eager to continue playing.
“Don’t go too far, Marisa.”
I turned at the sound of Mother’s worried voice. She stood outside the lighthouse yanking clothes from the line, her movements frantic in her haste.
I sloshed closer to shore. “Did you see what I just did?”
I scooped up a handful of water so I could showcase my latest trick. At my hum, the water glowed and rose once more. I glanced towards Mother, eager for her reaction, but although she was usually an attentive audience, her attention wasn’t on me but on the laundry.
“I’m sorry, Marisa, I wish I could play with you, but I still have much to do before the ship leaves.”
I pouted. “Do you have to go?”
Even amid her stress, she managed a soft smile; if I’d been closer, she’d certainly have stroked my hair. “Yes, darling. My sister needs someone to help with the children before and after her baby is born.”
I heaved an annoyed sigh. My aunt always seemed to be having babies, each time taking Mother across the sea to Lyceria where she lived so she could help her tend the house and growing swarm of children. Each visit lasted for several weeks…weeks that felt like an eternity.
“Can’t I come with you?”
The softness around Mother’s eyes tightened, revealing her strain. “Marisa, we’ve talked about this over and over. You know you can’t—”
“Please, can’t I come? Please?Please?”
My temper flared when she rigidly shook her head. I clenched my fists and let out several shrill notes, causing a huge wave of water to rise up and crash violently against the shore.
“Marisa!” Worry filled Mother’s scolding tone, as it always did whenever I lost control of my powers. Shame pierced my frustration and I relaxed my tightened grip, allowing the sea to calm.
“I want to come with you,” I said more softly.
“I wish you could, but you know your aunt and uncle don’t have the means for another mouth to feed.”
It was the same argument she’d repeatedly given me, one I was not only growing weary of but which I was beginning to doubt—if it were true, why was my aunt havinganotherbaby?
I pressed my hands to my hips. “If they have enough for another baby, they’ll have enough for me until the baby is born.”
Mother opened her mouth to argue…but apparently one wasn’t forthcoming, for she closed it with a sigh. Sensing I had the upper hand, I launched into my rehearsed speech of how I would be a great help and not a bother at all. I could tend the house, help with the meals, and most importantly, entertain the children with my magic. Surely Mother could see that it would be better if I came along. My cousins had always loved watching all the marvelous things I was discovering that I could do with my water powers, which grew with each passing year.
Mother sighed again. “Please, Marisa, I don’t have time for this; I need to finish getting ready.” She took the laundry back into the lighthouse without another look back. Tears blurred her retreating form as I watched her leave.
“Will you show me your latest trick, Starfish?” Gentleness filled Father’s tone and expression as he beckoned me over to where he sat on the rocky shore tending his fishing lines. Even the idea of showcasing my latest trick wasn’t enough to quell the disappointment tightening my chest.
I waded towards him. “Mother won’t let me go with her.”
“I know you’re disappointed, but I’m grateful you’ll be able to stay and keep me company.”
“Are you disappointed you can’t go either?” Father’s job as the lighthouse keeper was far too important for him to take a break, even for a single night, not when his light shone as a steady beacon to all the ships out at sea.
“No. It’s a great honor to tend the lighthouse.” He pursed his lips in thought. “Hmm, I have an idea.”
I waded a step closer. “What is it?”
He patted his lap, and even though I was nine years old and thus too old for such things, I still eagerly accepted his invitation and came over to curl against him. He made no protest at getting wet from my soaked skirts and cuddled me closer.
“How about you help me with the lighthouse while your mother is away.”
