Where the Dark Stands Still

“And if the legends are true, this is the night that Liska will find it. She will take it into her hands and make her wish, and she will atone for her sins.”

Liska’s desire to “atone for her sins” alludes to her religious trauma. Her overwhelming guilt poses a major obstacle to The Magic of Self-Acceptance and foreshadows the revelation that she killed her cousin’s husband. Her willingness to venture into the dangerous spirit-wood in search of the fern flower emphasizes how desperate she is for belonging and redemption at the start of the novel.

“‘I have been alone for so long, little fox. Watching over this wood consumes my waking moments. So I offer you this: serve me for a year, and when you are done, I will grant your wish. Even if’—he chuckles softly—‘even if it is the most ridiculous wish I have ever heard.’”

In this passage, the Leszy offers Liska the bargain that defines the plot. Poranek draws inspiration from Beauty and the Beast, which also involves a bargain. However, Liska establishes the bargain herself whereas Beauty’s father agrees to the Beast’s bargain in the original fairy tale. The Leszy’s dialogue offers insight into his character. For example, her wish seems “ridiculous” to him because he sacrificed everything, including his humanity, to gain power.

“‘Well, you have your answer now. I can’t do magic.’

‘Not yet,’ the Leszy agrees, visibly bothered by the realization. ‘But you will. Mark my words, fox: anything can be repaired, even this arcane affliction of yours. I will find a way to fix it soon enough.’”

The Leszy’s resolution to repair Liska’s relationship with her magic advances the plot and eventually helps her achieve self-acceptance. Near the end of the novel, she learns that the Leszy needed her to have magic so that he could sacrifice her to Weles, which explains why he is “visibly bothered” that she can’t control her power yet.