1. Amma

Chapter 1

Amma

D on't wake her.

But I'm hungry.

"You know I can hear you both," Amma groaned and turned on her stomach. It was the same thing every morning. She had tried closing her window, but the two brothers would just talk louder or thump on the window until she climbed out of bed. Some mornings she regretted rescuing the two baby squirrels from starvation and dehydration, like when they woke her up before her alarm. Other days, she felt like Cinderella with all the animals that flocked to her. With only five hours of sleep, it was going to be a Cinderella day.

You woke her up.

No, you did.

Amma threw a pillow at the window and glared at the brothers. It wasn't like she was really upset, but she would have liked a few more hours of sleep. They were just too cute for her to get mad at. The night before, she had stayed up with her sisters and cousins playing truth or dare. With a house full of women who practiced magic, the dares got a little out of hand.

She turned to her side and sighed. Mike was the older squirrel by a second, and he never let anyone forget how cute he was, unless food was involved. He had pretty, floppy ears and thick bronze fur that shimmered with gold when the sun hit it. Sam's fur was all black except for a white streak down the center of his back. He also had a cowlick that made him look like he was ready to burst into song at any moment.

"Good morning, you two." Amma sat up and stretched. "Did you sleep well?"

We did . Mike answered. Our den is warm and ready for winter.

And a lot of food . Sam chimed in.

"Oh," Amma smiled to herself. "Does that mean I don't need to give you any food this morning?"

NO! They yelled in unison.

"I was joking." Amma stood and walked to the cabinet where she kept their snacks. "You know I would never deprive you of your nuts and raisins in the morning."

Raisins? Sam asked. I like them.

"I know you do." She poured her special trail mix into a bowl and put it on the windowsill. "You both need to share, nicely." The brothers started stuffing their cheeks. "Another thing, we are hosting the generational celebration and family starts coming in today."

We do not like a lot of people around . Sam stopped long enough to glance up at her.

"I know, but this is family and the celebration is needed." She gave each brother a stroke down the back. "We have spread so far around the world, I promise no one will mess with you. Have you guys found any girls yet?"

Why? Sam asked. I am still young and do not need kits right now.

"What if I want to see cute little baby kits?" Amma asked. "I want to spoil them rotten."

You can spoil us. Mike flicked his tail. No need for kits.

"Mike, you and your brother will always be my babies," Amma promised. "I just miss when you guys looked like little furballs. I'm going to take a shower."

Amma took a quick shower to wake up and put on a little shimmery green eyeshadow and lip gloss. Only her family would be around, and she wasn't heading to town, so full makeup wasn't required. Her dress of choice was an ankle-length dark green maxi dress complimented by a pair of black strappy sandals. She took a moment to stand in front of the floor-length mirror on the back of her bedroom door and spun in a circle. Her cousin Michelle was a designer and Amma was always happy to try out her new lines every year. She loved the soft material and the way it hugged her figure without being clingy.

Clean, awake, and ready to face the day, Amma threw open the double doors leading to her balcony and stepped out into the early morning. Taking a deep breath, she let the peace of generations past soak into every cell of her body. The sun was still just starting to kiss the mountains surrounding the valley her family had settled on six generations ago by the first woman who was stolen from along the Congo Rainforest. Amma remembered the stories she'd been told when she was learning about her lineage, and how the first of their ancestors on their family land had started out with nothing but two seeds, dirty blankets, and the desire to be free. Now over twenty acres, their land hosted one large ranch-style home with twenty bedrooms, two living rooms–both with massive gothic fireplaces–a kitchen any five-star restaurant would envy, a dining hall that functioned as the main gathering place during family celebrations, and a two-story multi-car garage. The winding driveway was lined with vibrant rose bushes of many colors pruned into the shapes of animals. Amma had fond memories of sitting in a chair too big for her, eating a popsicle while watching her mother work. They would make up stories about each animal as they emerged from the leaves, some so outrageous the two of them would laugh for days. The carefully manicured lawn spread out in front of the househeld flower beds on either side of the front path–monuments to each branch of their extended family.

The real family magic went on behind the house, where only those trusted walked. A large safsaf willow tree grew in a place of honor, its branches the center of many games of hide-and-seek. Now as an adult, Amma loved curling up under it with a blanket, a good book, and a bottle of white wine. The tree was also used in many of their monthly rituals. It was believed to embody the spirits of all who had come before. Amma took another deep breath and felt her body relax as the familiar scents filled her nose. "I welcome the sun as it starts its path across the sky bringing life and good will. I welcome the spirits of my ancestors and the path they have left for me to follow. I give thanks for the powers Mother Earth has blessed me and my family with the bounty of food we will have today, and the life that's running through our veins." She raised her arms to the sky. "May this day be blessed and filled with love and hope."

"What she said."

"Jo!" Amma glared over at her cousin, who was standing on her own balcony in her pajamas. Jo was the only battle witch to be born in generations and had a sense of humor that kept the family on their toes. "You just had to ruin a perfectly good moment."

"I was comfortably sleeping in my bed when you started talking to your little pets." Jo leaned on the railing of her balcony. "When are those two going to find girlfriends and start families?"

"I keep asking them the same thing," Amma chuckled. "What do you think? Should I go out and find some for them?"

"Never thought I would meet an animal matchmaker." Jo stretched and rubbed her eyes. "I still need to grab a shower and dress. See you at breakfast."

"See you later." Amma closed her balcony doors as she took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She loved living with her five sisters, three cousins, mom, and auntie, but sometimes a woman wanted some space. Maybe once she was ready to have her own children, she would move to her own place. Amma snorted. She was never leaving her family home. She wanted her children to have the benefits of living as their true selves. Some of her cousins, who lived within city limits all around the world, had to practice their magic in underground rooms or with all the window shades closed. Amma had no idea how they did it. A witch needed nature to replenish her magic.

"Amma!" The moment Amma opened her door, her sister, Joy, poked her head out of her room. Joy was a light witch and was constantly moving, creating, and had raw sexuality seeping from her pores. Whenever she went to town, the family had to beat men and women back. Joy never seemed to notice she was the center of attention. "I thought I heard you and Jo talking. Aren't you excited about the next few days?"

"You mean, am I excited to have even more women with power running around the house?" she teased. "I can hardly keep up with the seven of you."

"You always think you can't keep up and then you become the belle of the party." Joy entered the hallway. "I guess I'm just excited to see all the rooms in use. This is my first gathering of this magnitude."

"This is the first generational celebration of our generation." Amma couldn't wait to see just how many of their family showed up. She came from a long line of powerful magical women, and even small gatherings always turned into friendly competitions. "We get to be part of the second circle of power."

"I know!" Joy exclaimed. "I was talking to Molly, and she told me that she can't wait to give me some of the seeds from her safsaf willow. It's a different strain. She is also a light witch."

"I'm going to warn Mama," Amma warned. "Two of you in the same house is going to cause a riot in town. I can see the parade marching up here, demanding we hand you both over to be worshiped as goddesses."

"I guess I should dress to impress." Joy started walking backward down the hall. "I think I'll wear all white, so I seem more virginal."

"Girl, you are a virgin." Amma caught Joy's arm before she went ass-first down the winding staircase. "If you want to meet them on this side of the veil, you need to watch where you're going."

"Sis, that's why I have you here." Joy smirked before straddling the railing and sailing down to the first floor. "See?" She held her arms up in victory. "I made it without any trouble."

Amma chuckled as she followed her sister down the stairs in a more adult manner. It wasn't because she feared sliding down the railing. She had done it every morning when she was younger, but she was thirty-six and thought she should show a better example to the younger girls in the house. She was also aware they didn't have a resident healer since her auntie Bantu moved back to the motherland to have her first child. Amma had hoped she would stay home until they either found a new healer or one of the younger girls came into their powers, but a pregnant woman's needs were placed above everything else. Amma had talked to her mother about asking one of the healing witches who came to visit to stay. It wasn't good to have young witches practicing their magic, where anything could go wrong, without a healer present.

Amma entered the main living room and smiled to see her mother sitting on a couch, arranging flowers from her garden. The room was homey and filled with plants and flowers, fluffy blankets, and way too many pillows. Amma always teased her mother every time a new pillow arrived.

"Mama." Amma's smile widened. "The room looks and smells lovely. How are you this morning?"

"It is a beautiful morning, like always," Lily answered. "There is a hint of rain in the air and the flowers in my garden are opening."

"I saw the blooms this morning," Amma said. "I took a few moments to enjoy the quiet before the horde descended."

Lily giggled. "I haven't seen many of my cousins for years and I want to compare my children's powers with theirs. I have a zoopathic daughter and a battle witch niece. Oh, there will be jealousy all around. I'm looking forward to the chaos." She stood and twirled in a circle. Her white and gold summer dress swirled around her ankles. "I got a few emails last night. We are going to have more people than expected show up for the early celebrations. I ordered two temporary housing units to go along the west wall of the house. I will need everyone's help to make everything hospitable before tonight."

"I'll round everyone up right after we eat." Amma followed her mother to the kitchen and leaned against the counter.

"Thank you, daughter." Lily started taking out the pots and pans she would need to make breakfast for their large family. "I know I've been depending on you a lot these last few days, but I promise it will be worth it when everyone arrives."

Amma loved watching her mother work. The kitchen was Lily's domain, and it was decorated with white daisies, lilies, and other flowers. Every morning her mother changed out the bouquets. Depending on the season, the room smelled like heaven.

"I'm kind of looking forward to seeing everyone," Amma admitted. "Maybe Shelly can find someone else to bug."

"Oh, your cousin just wants to be like you," Lily said. "You have the same powers. Teach her how to become a good witch."

"I promise I will." She loved teasing her cousin, but in the end, it was her job as the older relative with the same power to teach her how to use it responsibly. "Would you like help with breakfast?"

"If you don't mind getting the biscuits ready." Lily finished breaking two dozen eggs and started whipping them with a little milk, cheese, and sweet cream. "I made the dough already. All you must do is roll it out, cut it, and place the biscuits in the oven."

Amma loved helping her mother cook. It was a time of bonding and she got to hear stories her siblings didn't. "Wow." She pulled out a large bowl with dough. "This is a little too much for us to eat all at breakfast."

"I know." Lily laughed. "As much as you girls eat, it would still be too much. Just use half and put the rest away for dinner."

"Mama, you know when the others arrive, you'll have to fight for your kitchen." Amma started rolling out half the dough until it was an inch thick before using a glass cup coated in flour to cut each biscuit.

"I don't mind. This is my love language. It will be nice to cook with other hearth witches."

"I will be here for the cooking competition. That reminds me, who's picking the family up from the airport?" Silently, she was hoping her mother would give the job to one of her sisters. She hated going into town.

"I asked Dhakiya to be the taxi." Lily spoke of the second youngest of her girls. "I want her to have something to do to get her back into the world of the living. She is spending too much time seeking beyond the veil for her daughter."

"Today her daughter would have been six months old." Amma still felt the grief of losing one so young, and she knew her sister was devastated. Unlike other women, those in her family line psychically connected with their children in the womb and could speak to them without words. The bond was unbreakable. When her sister's baby died, Dhakiya had felt every second. Dhakiya hoped to find her little girl on the other side and encourage her to return for another chance. Amma worried. It could kill a witch's soul to spend too much time searching the world of the dead.

"Tina is in the hands of the Goddess, and she will rejoin us when she is ready." Lily said. "For now, Dhakiya needs to join in the celebration and renew her magic."

"Talking about renewing magic?" Joy strolled into the room munching on an apple. "There's a new feeling in the air. Like something cool is coming."

"What you are smelling is the Autumn Equinox." Lily gave her a kiss on the forehead. "You did your morning blessings, didn't you?"

"I have," Joy answered. "I cannot wait to do them with everyone else."

Lily ruffled her hair before turning back to the stove. "It will be glorious. The house will be filled with powerful women all giving of their magic to keep the land fruitful and safe."

"Fruitful and safe?" Amma snorted. "Remember last year when Jill and Raven started fighting? They almost destroyed my balcony!"

"Your balcony survived," Joy said around a bite of apple. "Every other day we must be so careful without magic. This week we get to let our hair down and have some fun. Well, everyone but Jo."

"I heard that." Jo leaned against the door jamb and smirked as red smoke started swirling around her hand. "I control my magic better than anyone here."

Lily smiled over her shoulder. "Jo, that is a beautiful display of your magic. I love the red."

"I learned how to change color." Jo flicked her hand and the smoke turned green.

"Now that's control," Joy said. "Why do you get pretty smoke and I get sparkles?"

Jo grinned. "Because your magic is fluff."

"I'll show you fluff." Joy raised her hand, but someone caught it before she could push her magic.

"Young lady, how many times have I told you not to use your magic when you're mad?"

"Auntie?" Joy spun to face their auntie, Charlotte. "I wasn't going to do anything."

"Yes, you were." Charlotte was Lily's younger sister and a seer. Amma found talking to her to be a little crazy because she never said what she meant.

Joy huffed and snatched her arm back. "I was leaving anyway." She stormed around Charlotte and out the back door.

"To think she's the light witch," Jo snorted.

"She needs to grow a little more," Charlotte said. "She is going to be a force to be reckoned with."

"Jo," Lily tried to snatch back the bacon Jo was stuffing into her mouth. "Get out of here before I take a spoon to your backside."

"Auntie, that hasn't worked in years," Jo said around the bacon. "I can put up a shield faster than you can pick up the spoon."

Charlotte opened the fridge and took out a soda. "Jo, you are immensely powerful. One day you will learn just how strong you are."

"I know," Jo said and rolled her eyes. "Destiny."

Lily stood on her toes to kiss Jo on the cheek. "Hey, chin up. Your magic will one day save our family."

"If you say so." Jo turned and left a little more melancholy than when she entered.

"I had hoped no one was blessed with the powers she has." Lily poured the eggs into a pan. "It isn't a burden anyone should have. I know you girls get tired of hearing about destiny, but our family was given our powers for a reason. Jo is going to be the woman all generations look to." She shook her head.

"Sister, we shouldn't burden them with this today." Charlotte hugged Lily with one arm. "Give them time to celebrate before the world intrudes."

"I think that's my cue to get out of here," Amma said as she turned toward the door. "See you when breakfast is ready."

"Amma," Lily called, "make sure you do some practicing."

Amma ducked back into the kitchen. "Why? I talk to animals. I doubt I'll end up hurting anyone, unless we have cousins who are more animal than human."

"Daughter, how many times have I told you that all magic can be used for bad?" Lily scraped the scrambled eggs onto a serving platter before turning around. "There is a story told of an ancestor whose magic manifested in husbandry, like yours. She was one of the women who caused our family to be hunted, because she would take over the minds of animals and cause them to attack people she didn't like."

"I would never do that." Amma couldn't imagine using her powers that way. Mike and Sam didn't deserve to be turned into killers. No animal deserved that fate. It was one of the reasons she had started a rescue, caring for any animal that had been used in a fighting pit, arena, or anything else. Most of the animals went to loving homes, and those who were too damaged were taken to one of six sanctuaries around the country. She hoped to open some overseas in the coming years to save even more animals, especially her favorite– elephants.

"I know you wouldn't." Lily pulled down a stack of plates. "But I want you to remember that all magic is dangerous. Even mine can be used for evil."

"Do I smell food cooking?" Grace, the youngest sister, skidded around the corner and almost ran into the counter. Charlotte snagged her by the back of her dress to stop a disaster they would all regret. At seventeen, Grace had a willowy frame, shaved head, and eyes of the deepest violet. She was a sea witch, and had the power to control water, water creatures. She could even breathe underwater. Amma had always been a little jealous of that, but Grace was so loving and upbeat, no one could hate her.

"Grace Ndiaye, how many times have I told you not to run in the house?" Lily wagged the spatula in the girl's direction. "You are going to hurt yourself or someone else."

"I knew there was no one inside the doorway." Grace bounced on her toes as she eyed the dough Charlotte was placing on a sheet to bake. "Warm biscuits for breakfast, what could be better?"

"You cleaning your room?" Amma teased.

"I know where everything is," Grace said. "That reminds me, I talked to Brea, and she will be staying in my room."

"Isn't Brea a potion witch?" Charlotte asked. "Last time I heard anything about her, she was causing trouble."

Grace waved her words away. "Oh please. She was just having a little fun with the boys who teased her at school. They had the shits for a day. No harm."

"Tell that to them." Amma tried to swallow her laugh and failed. "I think they had trouble sitting for a week."

"And they learned not to mess with Brea," Grace said with a shrug. "I promise we will not put anything in the drinks to cause diarrhea."

" You might not, but I know a few of the cousins who might," Lily said. "Can you girls go make sure everyone is up and moving?"

"I'll check upstairs." Grace raced from the room, and they heard her feet pounding up the stairs.

"Ma, I don't know how you do it. That girl never slows down." Amma shook her head.

"She reminds me of you when you first got your magic," Lily chuckled. "You were so excited when your power came in. You ran around talking to any animal who would listen."

"Yeah, those were fun days," Amma said. "There was something cool about learning how my magic worked."

"You will continue to learn and grow," Charlotte said. "Soon you will use your magic as never before and save many lives."

"You mean the town or family?"

Charlotte smiled. "When it happens, you will understand. Now go, your mother and I need to talk."

Amma wanted to ask more questions but knew it was useless to try now. A seer always talked in riddles, and often the riddles were riddles about riddles. She gave her mother a kiss on the cheek before rushing out the back door. The heat of the morning combined with the light breeze caressed her skin, bringing peace and the feeling of belonging. She took off her sandals and dug her toes into the grass. The power tingled and flowed through her. Even the air held the smell of power, and she wondered how much stronger it would feel once everyone arrived.

"Amma."

She opened her eyes and smiled at her younger cousin. "Hey Shelly. How's your magic coming along?"

"Boring." Shelly was at that awkward age between teen and adult. Having graduated from high school at sixteen, she thought she knew all she needed to know about the world. "I talk to animals. Why couldn't I get a cool power like Grace or Joy?"

"Because the Goddess designated this power for you," Amma snapped. This was a common question asked at least once a week. "You need to stop thinking about it as something less than others. We are the voice for those with no voice."

"Still." The girl rolled her eyes and pretended to yawn.

"Stop that." Amma grabbed her shoulders and shook her. "If you don't want your power, there are ways we can bind it. Then you can go out into the world and live your life any way you want."

"I didn't say that," Shelly's eyes widened. "I never said I don't want to be a witch, I just want a better power."

"We have been blessed with one of the best powers," Amma said. "We can talk to animals, and we can influence them. I've saved many who had been trapped in forest fires by leading them to safety."

"See, I want to be able to do that."

"It took me years to learn how to use my powers." She loosened her grip on the young girl's shoulders. "With practice, you will become even better than me."

"I will practice more." Shelly straightened her shoulders. "But I doubt I will ever be the witch you are."

Amma pulled her into a hug. "Every generation is better. I have no doubt that you will surpass me." A tinkling bell flowed through the air. "I think that's our call to breakfast. I wonder what mayhem we will get into at the table." Amma slung an arm across Shelly's shoulders as they entered the house. Lily and Charlotte were putting the finishing touches on the meal.

"Did you guys need any help?" Shelly asked.

"No," Charlotte answered. "You girls go find a place at the table."

Amma dropped her arm as they passed through the kitchen to the dining hall. She had seen dining rooms in smaller homes and felt sorry for those families. Who wanted to eat in a room no bigger than a bedroom? The estate dining room was a quarter the size of a football field with a raised area used for talent shows during family celebrations, viewings when people passed beyond the veil, and showcases when people came into their powers. Already it was set up with unlit candles that represented each family branch of those who had come before. The head of each would light a candle in celebration of the powers they inherited.

While the ancestral home was open for anyone who needed a haven, only twelve called it home year around. They still used the large dining hall but set up an intimate table towards the back where a buffet sidebar, drink station, and snack table could reside. Lily always made sure everything was stocked throughout the day. The table could sit all twelve women with enough room for them to not knock elbows while eating. Lily and Charlotte sat at the two ends and the others fought over the best seats. Everyone wanted to be able to escape if food started flying.

Amma slid into a chair near the end of the table and smirked at Jo when she sauntered into the room. "You'll have to find another place to sit."

"Hmph." Jo sat across from her and crossed her arms. "This is just as good a seat, and you are right in the line of fire."

Amma threw her head back and laughed. It was a well-known fact that food fights could and would break out during meals. It had all started when Jo was around seven and decided she didn't want to eat anything green. If it was on her plate, she would throw it as far away as she could. As the others were born, the tradition stayed with a little more focus on hitting each other. "I have been practicing."

"I hope that means your magic." Rachel, Lily's second born, walked into the room and sat next to Jo. At thirty, Rachel was a beautiful, full-figured woman who loved her cargo pants, tank tops, and long manicured nails, and sported long sisterlocs. She had come into her power a little later than normal but grown into a fire witch to be reckoned with. Amma loved watching her harness fire in all its power. "I will not sit through another food fight, and I'm not cleaning up after."

"Scared to get your nails dirty?" Jo taunted.

"Yes." Rachel held her hand up and flashed her bright green and yellow nails. "I just did these, and I'd like them to last until after the first day of the celebration."

"Fine," Amma pouted. "We won't start a food fight."

"But" Shelly added, "If one is to start, there is no reason why we can't join."

"I swear." Rachel rolled her eyes.

"What did we miss?" Grace asked.

"Picking sides for the coming fight." Joy answered.

"Or we could act like the adults we are." Rachel said. "I swear, I will just take my meal in my room."

"As much as I would like a good food fight, I doubt any of us will have time to clean." Amma said. "Mom wants us to get the temporary housing set up for the early arrivals."

"Who's going to be the family chauffeur?" Rachel asked.

"I am." Everyone went quiet as Dhakiya walked in the room. She was wearing a long black dress with a veil tucked in her hair. She took a seat before looking up at them. "I'm fine everyone. I promise."

"I think we don't know what to say," Amma said.

"You all have been the best," Dhakiya said. "I think I will put the black away after today. Tina will be returning soon, and I need to be ready when she does."

"Have you heard something?" Jo leaned forward to look around Rachel.

"It is just a feeling," Dhakiya answered.

"What feeling?" Lesedi asked as she, Napita, and Poni entered the room and took their seats. The three were always together and getting into trouble. Lesedi had an affinity for crystals. She used crystals to make protection charms, enhancements, and manifestations. Napita was a green witch. She spent most of her days in the forest. She even had a tree house no one else could step foot in. Poni, whose mother was a third cousin to Lily, had passed and Lily stepped in and raised her like another daughter. She was a warrior who practiced with every weapon she could get her hands on. Her magic allowed her to move faster than was humanly possible and even freeze time.

"Tina will be joining us again," Amma answered.

"I can't wait," Napita said. "She is such an adorable soul. I felt like she was going to be a green witch like me."

"You wish," Poni growled and shouldered her aside to sit by Lesedi. "She was going to be like me . Who wouldn't want to?" Every woman present raised her hand. "Whatever." Poni gave them all a two-finger salute. "I'm loveable."

"Good, everyone's here." Lily said as she pushed a cart laden with food into the room. Charlotte followed with a cart full of drinks. "I am only going to say this once." She gave each girl a hard look. "The first one to start a food fight will have to clean it up by herself. There is too much to do today for that nuisance. Is that understood?"

"Yes ma'am," everyone said together.

"Good." She started setting the food out on the bar. "Let's eat."