Page 36 of How Not to Hex a Gentleman (Witches of Edinburgh)

Chapter Thirty-Six

KENNEDY

W hen I come to, it takes me a moment to figure out where I'm at. The familiar space takes shape and I realize I'm lying on our couch, the large bay windows in front of me. There's a blanket around my shoulders and a pillow below my head. This is the second time within a week that I've been disoriented. I don't like this habit.

"Kennedy." Bennett's voice pulls my attention and I find him at the end of the couch.

Lily and Parker are in the chairs and they sit up immediately.

"Are you with us?"

"Are you okay?"

They fire off questions as I pull myself to a sitting position. Bennett is immediately there, helping me get situated. Before he can move back, I grab his hand and lace our fingers together, pulling him closer. He settles beside me, wrapping the hand that's holding mine over my shoulder, so I'm not flush against him.

Parker hands me a glass of water and I take a few sips before I reply. "I'm okay and I'm in the present. Thank you." I nod at the girls and then look up at Bennett. "I underestimated the magic."

"What do you mean?" Bennett asks.

"You know how we thought that relics hold memories. When we went to The Witches Well, I didn't understand it at the time, but I think I felt the sadness and the injustice almost radiating off the memorial. This time? It was like I was pulled right in. I was in this home, full of plants and all kinds of trinkets and warmth." I take a deep breath, feeling all those emotions again. "There was a family—a family of witches—and they had the thistle over the fireplace. People would come to them for answers; they were the coven that was the leaders of their time. A time of much unrest in Scotland." I snuggle closer to Bennett, needing the reassurance of him beside me. Parker and Lily watch me with rapt attention, and I wish I could show them what I saw, instead of just talking about it. "They were so happy. They worked together to keep the balance of the leylines and guide the other witches in the city."

"Leylines?" Bennett asks.

"Yes, Edinburgh is built on top of some of the most powerful leylines and these witches were tasked with protecting them."

"Is that what our job is as well?" Lily asks.

I shrug. "I don't know. I don't know what our job truly is, but I feel like we need to develop our connection to the city."

"What do you mean by that?" Parker asks.

I sit up a little and Bennett changes our handholding, allowing me to push away from him, so I can face the girls. "Think about it. We received the tattoo after coming to the city and touching the fountain. Ever since then, the city has been trying to get our attention. The search for the relics, it's a connection to this land. When we went to the forest, we opened the door, but it seems we haven't fully walked through it."

"Makes sense," Lily says slowly, "but how are we supposed to connect to the city more?"

"Do we go around touching every historical building or artifact?" Parker asks.

"I'm not sure, but we've been doing our research separately, only performing magic individually. Maybe we need to do that together."

I glance at Bennett, giving him an apologetic smile, but there's only pride shining in his eyes. I think he understands I'm not trying to exclude him, I'm only trying to figure this out so I can include him in everything.

"What do you suggest?" Lily asks and I turn my attention back to the girls.

"I think that's part of where we need to figure it out together? We can also go to the fountain and ask it for help?" I say the words before I think too much about them, but the moment I do, they make perfect sense. "We've never really done that."

I think back to the images of the witches in my vision. They would ask the earth all kinds of questions as they went about their day. It was like a continuous open conversation. But myself specifically, I have always struggled with having that kind of a relationship with my magic. Simply because I was taught to fear it. I could never be friends with something I was afraid of. But I'm not so afraid anymore.

"When you were in the vision," Bennett begins, and I glance at him, "you were crying."

I remember it, the force of being in the vision, of seeing their relationship—their love for each other. "It was so staggering," I say, holding his gaze. "They weren't blood, but they were family in the purest form. They supported each other, they argued and made up, and no matter what, they loved each other. That in itself is the most beautiful magic I've seen."

The tears are back in my eyes simply because I don’t have to hide my emotions anymore. My whole life I've been shamed for being who I am, and here was a visual representation of everything I ever wanted. I feel a slight pressure on my right side as Parker squeezes in beside me and Lily sits on the coffee table, both of them grabbing my free hand.

"We are that family now," Lily says and I glance between the two girls and then at Bennett. Surrounded by them, I feel the same sense of belonging I felt in the vision, but now it's my own. They are my family and it's the best family I could've asked for.

BENNETT

It's been a few days since the cemetery and I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to spend any time with Kennedy. I think it's okay, considering she and the girls have been doing a lot of bonding. If nothing else, the vision solidified Kennedy's knowledge that she has something precious with the girls—the kind of sisterhood people only dream about. Now it's like all three of them are obsessed with getting closer.

The timing is kind of perfect in the sense that Professor Stewart decided to be extra annoying about my project. By annoying I mean he's giving me some money for travel outside of Edinburgh for research. He's mentioned the Witches Stone so much that I know he finds it very important for my research. Before, when I was focusing on more well-known areas of history, he wasn't that interested. Now he's being pushy and not even trying to hide it anymore.

"It has been said that Forres is known for its large magical output," Professor Stewart is saying as I look over the notes he sent. I glance up from my laptop, narrowing my eyes at him.

"Magical output?" He hasn't referenced magic directly before, but I know that I've made a few mentions in my outline and notes.

"You said you were looking for places that were known for large magical deposits. There's, of course, the better-known historical places in the city, but the small villages around the country can be just as fascinating if given the chance." Professor Stewart speaks slowly, as if I'm not understanding the words. "I have given you multiple entry points according to different lore, but the Witches Stone would be the best option for your concentration. If you want this thesis to be something that has the potential to be published, you would be wise to listen to me."

"Oh."

I guess he has been reading my notes and outline. Because I've been distracted, every time we meet I feel like I'm doing everything wrong, but maybe I just haven't given him enough credit when it comes right down to it.

"I know it feels like I'm being quite overbearing when it comes to this project," he continues and I try to keep my face free of any expression, "but it's only because I know you can do an amazing job on this. Better job than any of my students in the past. You have a passion for this side of Scottish history, something I haven't seen in a long time. Honestly, something I've been looking for. I want to nurture it."

Instantly, I feel terrible about every bad thing I've thought about him or any of my annoyances. There's a reason he's one of the top professors at the university. I felt like he's been looking over my shoulder, but he's only been trying to help. I should be more grateful he has been so supportive. I feel guilty about being so difficult. After all, he's only trying to help.

I glance at the clock. Kennedy and I aren't supposed to see each other until tomorrow night, so if I take the train now, I can spend the night and return in the morning. "I can take a survey trip today if you'd like," I say. It's only nine in the morning, which leaves me with plenty of time to find a train. I don't want to waste Professor Stewart's kindness.

"I think that is a wonderful idea. I know I have been harping on you for this, and I will try to be more understanding of your personal life. Maybe this could be an opportunity. There’s a very nice restaurant near there that would be a good date spot, if you have anyone in mind."

I nod, my mind immediately on Kennedy. I'm sure she'd love to go with me, but I know she's at the university for most of the day and she has plans with the girls tonight. I can't take her away from any of that, even though I'd love her company.

This is my project though; I need to take responsibility for it.

After a quick goodbye to the professor, I find myself on a train to Forres within the hour. It's almost straight north from Edinburgh and takes about four hours to arrive. This would've been an amazing opportunity to spend more time with Kennedy. I'm a bit disappointed I'm going alone and not taking the professor's suggestion on a date spot, but truthfully, I haven't found much information on the Witches Stone that would be useful to the girls, so it feels like it would be a waste of a trip for them. Spending time together to nurture their magic is more important right now.

At least I can play a small part and take some pictures for the girls. I'm not sure how reliable local lore is when it comes to this place having lots of 'magical deposits,' but if it does, then the girls should definitely visit together. If this is something I can do for them, then I'm more than willing to take the long trip, and it wouldn’t feel like a waste of time.

I'm heading out of town on a quick errand for the professor. Will be back by tomorrow night for dinner? xx

It takes Kennedy less than thirty seconds to reply.

Oh? Everything good?

Yes, he's been very insistent but helpful. I want to repay his kindness.

Of course you do. Make sure to eat. See you tomorrow xx

I stare at the simple message, no longer surprised by how it fills me with so much joy. Being with Kennedy is the most natural thing in the world. I never want to take it for granted.

Have you fallen into an alternate dimension?

A message comes in before I can stop grinning at my phone and I shake my head at Lana's dramatics.

Yes. It's a dimension where you're less annoying.

I knew it. Even in a different dimension, I'm still there. You can't get away from me. Muah haha.

What do you want, pest?

I shake my head and chuckle. In the last few years, she's really stepped into her personality. I'm proud to say I have for sure been an influence. Being a big brother has been a gift.

When are you bringing your girlfriend to dinner? I miss Kennedy! I need girl time!!!!!!!!!!!!

You have plenty of friends. What do you mean girl time?

None of my friends are as cool as Kennedy or have stolen your heart the way she has. I am fascinated.

I groan out loud, but honestly, I'm loving this. Nicholas and Lana are my family, the way Lily and Parker have become Kennedy's. We don't need blood to be a family and I'm always thankful for that fact.

I'll ask Kennedy and get back to you.

See that you do

I shake my head at her use of angry emojis and put my phone away. I have about three hours before I arrive and I can use that time to type out some notes.

When the train announces we've arrived, I didn't even realize that much time had gone by. I pack up my things, grab my bag, and disembark.

The town is on the Moray Coast and I instantly feel the cooler air. I make sure my coat is buttoned as I head into town. According to the research, the Witches Stone is near the police station, so I head that way.

The town is typically Scottish, with its small buildings and old towers. I never get tired of all the history that surrounds me. It doesn't take me long and when I reach the police station, it takes me a few minutes to locate the boulder. The boulder itself isn't much to look at but the plaque above it speaks of the horrors of this place.

"From Cluny Hill, witches were rolled in stout barrels through which spikes were driven. Where the barrels stopped they were burned with their mangled contents. This stone marks the site of one such burning."

My heart hurts as I read the words and I think back to what Kennedy said at The Witches Well. People fear what they don't understand. For some reason, it makes me want to swear right here and right now that I won't fear Kennedy or her magic. I will always try to understand it.

It's important to me that when Kennedy thinks of family, she thinks of me too. I want to be her family, I want to be to her what she is to me—my destiny.

I can't tell if there's anything here, but I take a few pictures and hope that when I return to Kennedy, she'll be able to tell if this place truly is magical. Maybe I'm just having unrealistic expectations when it comes to my role in this magical scavenger hunt. I want to help so desperately, but I don't know how. I'll just keep collecting information and giving it to the girls. That's the best I can do.

I reach over to touch the stone briefly, giving it its due respect when something inside of me breaks, and all I feel is pain.