Page 8 of Scarred

“We thank the Goddess for the blessings she has given our family.” Amma took a deep breath as the power flowed through her. “We thank the Goddess for the magic she has entrusted to our family. We lend our protection to those who are learning their craft and promise to help them understand the importance of what we have been given.” Amma’s fingertips tingled, and she felt her magic mix with that of all the other witches in her circle before a small amount flowed toward the inner circles. “With age comes wisdom, and with wisdom comes peace. May we become the examples our mothers have always been. We promise never to use our magic for harm.”

“So mote it be,” everyone repeated.

The fourth circle was the largest and held some of the most powerful witches in the world. They had forgotten things that hadn’t even been learned by those they surrounded. “We thank the Goddess for the blessings she has given our family. We thank the Goddess for the magic she has entrusted to our family. We lend our protection to those who look to us for guidance. We share our magic, and our knowledge so future generations can understand how to stay on the path the Goddess has set before us. We promise never to use our magic for harm.”

“So mote it be,” everyone chanted again.

Amma sucked in a breath as a hot rush of magic flowed through her and through every woman in the clearing. Lesedi’s hand tightened around hers as they waited for the best part of the ceremony to start. Amma looked up as the moonlight took on a bluish tint and the sky filled with the outline of thousands of women. Arches of color flowed through the veil and swirled around the women below.

“We thank the Goddess for the blessings she has given our family. We thank the Goddess for the magic she has entrusted to our family. Through our blood we are all connected and through our blood our magic flows. We lend our protection, our love, and our knowledge. May our blood continue to run pure.”

“So mote it be,” everyone chanted.

Amma closed her eyes and listened to the echo of the chants fade away. The ground trembled as it replenished their magic and the air shimmered with power. She took another deep breath and welcomed everything the earth had to give her.

“Thank you, Goddess, for the blessings you have given our family during this gathering,” Lily’s voice rang out. “May our family line stay strong and survive the trials that are about to be placed upon us.”

“So mote it be.” The air vibrated as the promise rose from every mouth.

“Time to eat!”

Everyone laughed at the excited young voice. Zuri was seven years old and had come into her powers during the second day of the celebrations. It had shocked everyone, her mother included, when her powers as a seer manifested. It was a heavy burden for a young girl, and it was unusual for seers to come into their powers at such a young age. As Zuri played with her cousins, the little girl gave no signs that she understood exactly the burden she would have for the rest of her life.

With the ease of family, everyone dispersed and claimed seats at the multiple tables piled high with food. Amma joined the older cousins and caught Mike before he could jump headfirst into a bowl of cracked walnuts. Sam was right on his heels.

“Don’t embarrass me,” she hissed. “I know you’re wild, but I know you have manners.”

Everything looks too good. Mike wiggled to be let down.

We behaved during the ceremony, Sam said.

“Fine but let me set out a small setting for you. Not everyone wants to eat out of the same bowls as two hungry squirrels.” She grabbed a smaller plate and piled it with some bread, meat, cheese, and nuts. “If you want more, ask.”

“They are so cute.” Dina was also a zoopathy witch and lived in Canada. “I had to leave my panther behind. It seems traveling to the States with an exotic pet is frowned upon.”

“Haven’t you had him all his life?” Amma asked.

“Yes. Donnie is my little kitty.” Dina laughed as Amma snorted. “He will always be a kitty no matter his size.”

“How big is he now?” she asked.

“Hundred and fifty pounds,” Dina answered. “He still thinks he’s a lap cat.”

“I don’t think animals actually grow up,” Amma said. “That’s one thing I love about them. So innocent. Speaking of, I heard you are thinking of starting a family.”

Dina smiled. “Yes. I’m not getting any younger.”

“Have you picked a father?” Bisa leaned forward to see Dina from Amma’s left side.

“I have not,” Dina said. “But I’m hoping to pick one before the end of the month.”

“No love interests?” Amma asked.

Dina shook her head. “I am going to get a donor.”

“You have to send me the contact info of who you choose,” Bisa said.

“So you can steal him?” Dina smirked. “Never.”

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