The Courting of Bristol Keats (The Courting of Bristol Keats, #1)

by Mary E. Pearson

Brigid used the Eye of Danu to divide the worlds, the first reserved for them and other magical beings, and a portal to a second world for the mortals to dwell in. Peace would be found at last. “The gods’ world grew in strength, beauty, and knowledge, no longer marred by the tides of war. Later, when they were called home to the Land of Promise by Danu, Brigid pricked her finger with Danu’s needle and held a drop of blood to the lips of three babies in the village. These daughters and their daughters to come will have the power as I do, to navigate between worlds, to create portals, and to close them. The power granted to me by my mother, Danu, I pass to them and to no others. “When they departed, the gods only left behind the Cauldron of Plenty and the Stone of Destiny. Over the centuries, those bloodmarked by Brigid multiplied and spread throughout Elphame, creating portals for anyone who requested one, until finally, portals were so plentiful that mortals stumbled into the fae world as often as if it were their own. Troubles began anew. To solve the problem, the twelve kingdoms of Elphame gathered and agreed that all but one hundred portals should be closed, and no new ones opened for the well-being of all. Thus it remained for generations. There was no use for Brigid’s bloodmarked anymore, and their gift faded away.”