Page 46 of A Witch-ish Guide to Protectors and Pendulums

“That’s a beautiful name.”

She graciously dipped her head in a thank you. “You seek the other.”

“Yes.”

“Then he did not succeed in finding you.”

I snapped my head back. “Me?”

“Yes. The other came to me looking to seek you out.”

“What? How? Did he say how he knew about me?”

“The other, his powers were bound as are yours. Your protector is key. He will help break the binds.”

“That’s why I’ve started getting more powerful since we met? He’s supposed to help me break the bindings?”

She nodded. “There is evil in the works, Simone. Pure evil prepared to destroy the beauty of the world for greed. They sought you out years ago. Should you fall, the world has no chance.”

“Then why did they go after Simeon? We never met. I grew up in foster care.”

“You are him. He is you.”

“That makes no sense. What does any of this have to do with the amulet from the dagger of Lilith?”

“Reunite the amulet with the hilt. The blade will appear. Only those gifted the powers from the mother of witches may wield the dagger.”

“The mother of witches? Lilith?”

She nodded again.

“What is my connection to Lilith?”

“The answer you seek has been blocked from me. I fear the evil follows you to keep you ignorant. Knowledge is power. Seek out the knowledge.”

“Where?”

“There are witches' archives located far out on Orkney. You must head for the Knap of Howar. The Knap of Howar. This is important. Speak the words:Cuir isteach mar chara. A stone staircase will open for you. Only you and your protector will be able to enter because he is connected to you. Follow the steps down. If you are safe, the archives will present themselves to you.”

“Okay. God, I hope I can remember those words.”

“We are not finished. To close the archives, you must speak the words:Fág mar aon ní amháin.It is vital that you close the archives, Simone. Do you understand?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“Devastation and death will come to all witches should you fail to close the archives. The balance of power will shift to the darkness. Those who seek the light will perish, for once the witches fall, one by one, all supers will fall.” She shuddered.

“But I thought you said only Connor and I could enter because of our connection.”

“Evil has attached itself to you. I feel it even now. Your power keeps it in check. It cannot act, only watch, but if you forget to close the archives, evil may leave a piece of itself behind without your magic to fend it off.”

As if life wasn’t complicated enough before. I let out a slow breath. “Okay. Knap of Howar, Orkney.Cuir isteach mar charato open the archives.Fág mar aon ní amháinto close them. And make extra sure no matter what to close them. Yeah?”

“Yes. You must return to your time now. I sense the protector growing agitated even through the loop.”

“Connor’s a little overprotective.”

“You will be glad of it in the coming weeks. Blessed be, Simone. Until we meet again.”

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