Birlinn

I looked at Jenny, remembering her in her crib, the way her fingers played in mine, the way her cheek lay hot on my skin. I wished I had the power to give her safe passage through this life, but truth is, it would have taken a real witch to do that

novel contest in 2020, a Robert Louis Stevenson Fellowship in 2015, a spot as Cove

Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.’

MARY SHELLEY

plifying the voices of underrepresented writers. She now lives in County Durham with her daughter, Molly, and a host of four-legged family members

It boiled and it raged until the rocks wept and the dawn cursed

He hadn’t believed them on his first crossing, but now . . . now there could be no other explanation.

‘This is the work of witches.’

It was 1982 (although it could have been ’81). I was five years old,

The right of John Rain to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form, or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the express written permission of the publisher.

The views expressed in this book do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or policies of Polaris Publishing Ltd (Company No. SC401508) (Polaris), nor those of any persons, organisations or commercial partners connected with the same (Connected Persons).