w wife. Martha couldn't help but feel uneasy around Cassandra, sensing that her kindness was superficial. It seemed Cassandra only showed affection when her f

y was ecstatic, but Martha felt like an outcast, left to simmer in her own discontent. The thought of a new sibling, especially one who would be a permanent

me? I wish my real mother was here to comfort me, why did she leave me?' she cried out in anguish. Just as she thought she was alone in her despair, she felt a gentle hand patting her back. Confused,

ey no longer bothered her. She found this newfound sense of calm perplexing, as it wasn't the first time she'd experienced such an unexpected shift in emotions. Memories of similar events from her pas

heir, and it was clear that he never intended for Martha to inherit his fortune. His disdain for her was no longer veiled, and he made it obvious that he didn't consider her worthy of his legacy sim

e in the family shared their affection, and some even harbored animosity towards her. But nothing could have prepared her for the shocking rumor that spread like wildfire on her twelfth birthday: some

w?' her stepmother asked, her mouth full of nuts. Martha broke down in tears, revealing the pain she'd endured at school. 'Everyone was making fun of me, saying I'm black.' Her stepmother's response was heartless. 'Oh, that? Your father didn't tell you? Your mother was a slave, and you're a slave too, you're just a black girl who doesn

to enhance the

m, and wept as she read the words that revealed her family's painful past. Cassandra's harsh words still lingered in her mind, but as she gazed upon the pictures of her mother, Martha's sorrow transformed into wonder. She saw her own feature

voice that had read her a bedtime story on that lonely night. She turned around, and her eyes widened in wonder. This time, she was certain it wasn't a dream. Standing befor

d at the woman. 'You used to change my diapers when I was little, sing me lullabies when I woke up at night... You're my guardian angel,' Martha exclaimed, her

l myself to you, but I feared that if you knew the truth, you'd speak out and be accused of witchcraft, just like I was. I couldn't bear the thoug

a good one. We use our powers for protection, healing, and guidance, never for harm or sinister intentions. You'll learn more about our ways as you grow older,'

eyes clouding with a mix of sadness and resolve. 'I did it for you, my child. I couldn't risk your life, too. It's a complicated story, one

deep understanding. 'Your father was still loyal to me, and I wanted him to find happiness. But I knew that woman was not right for you, my ch

artha asked, c

The words echoed in Martha's mind, though she didn't fully grasp their significance. Yet, she felt a thrill of excitement at the prospect of being a witch,

artha proudly declared at school that she was black, and anyone who had a problem with it could leave her alone. With her mother by her side, she felt untouchable, like n

he beheld the woman he thought he'd never see again. His heart racing, he clutched his chest, and a heart attack struck him down. Rushed to the hospital, he lay unconscious, his world t