Vitae: Heirs of The Five, #1

Also By

Also by Ametra S. Rayford

Duality

Gabriel Q. Matheson has almost everything he wants. At only 29, his reputation as a rising star and head of Matheson Media is unparalleled, and he is slated to take over one of his largest competitors. What he wants and what he is willing to do to get it seems clear…until the beautiful yet elusive Xiomara Grant snags a coveted spot in the company with which Gabriel plans to merge.

Captivated by the new arrival, and greatly attracted to the light she brings, Gabriel’s plan to be the ultimate victor in both his business and personal lives becomes shadowed by jealousy, conflict, and long-forgotten pain.

With the merge tearing people apart rather than bringing them together, sides are chosen and lines are drawn. As everyone waits for the unrelenting aftermath, each thinking themselves on the winning side, all eyes turn to Xiomara, who may be hiding secrets of her own. After all, light and darkness are two sides of the same coin, and Xiomara’s place and presence in Gabriel’s life could have unimagined and far-reaching consequences.

Vitae

Heirs of the Five: Book One

Ametra S. Rayford

Arrayed Formats

Vitae © 2020 by Ametra S. Rayford. All Rights Reserved.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote brief excerpts in a review.

Cover typography and layout by Arrayed Formats

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

ISBN: 978-1-737-01483-6

Published by Arrayed Formats™

For my amazing baby sister

Vi·tae

[vahy-tee, vee-tahy; Latin wee-tahy]

noun, plural

1. The course of one’s life.

2. A brief biographical sketch.

Contents

Prologue

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Epilogue

41.Chapter 41

Acknowledgements

42.Also Available: Duality

Prologue

You must be joking. That can’t be right!

The quintet of girls sat in a wide circle on the floor at the center of an immense dormitory bedroom. There were three queen-sized, wrought iron canopy beds on each side of the candlelit space. All three of the beds on one side of the room were neatly made; draped in a variety of silks and brocade and topped with several pillows in coordinating splashes of color. Only two of the beds on the other side were similarly appointed. The third only showcased a plush, pillow-top mattress with a low-profile box spring, but no linens or pillows of any kind.

Thirteen-year-old Rhia pushed wire-rimmed spectacles further up the bridge of her nose and nibbled delicately upon the fullness of her bottom lip. She sat with a heavy book in her lap, her long legs tucked beneath her, wearing a short-sleeved, blue velvet nightgown embroidered with silver ivy along the neckline and hem. Her berry-kissed dark brown hair hung in a thick braid that dangled between her shoulder blades. The end of the braid swayed as she shook her head.

It has to be right, she countered in response. It came, didn’t it?

Yes, but look at it! the first girl said, leaning forward. Candlelight highlighted wide, heavy-lidded, dark green eyes and olive-hued skin. Is that really what we’ve been waiting for this entire time?

It’s right, Ani, Rhia said again, I assure you.

Aniela snorted as she took in the situation with one sweep of languorous lashes and she shrugged, smoothing the bodice of her gold-flecked, dark green nightgown. I say we should let it go and try again.

Let eet go? said another girl, her finely arched brows furrowing beneath a shock of red curls, after all ze time eet took to get eet here? She shook her head and folded her arms, exquisitely pretty in a gold nightgown upon which was sewn a scattering of tiny red rosebuds. "Non, zat weel not do!"

There’s still steam coming off of it, Elyse, Rhia said in wonder to the redhead, leaning in for a closer look. Her oval, chestnut-colored eyes were bright with wonder and a smile highlighted her smooth, dark brown skin. The two girls, best friends since the very first day of the school term, giggled in unison.

That is certainly no surprise, Aniela declared. You remember where it came from, don’t you?

Deed you do eet right? Elyse asked, to which Rhia responded by rolling her eyes. Elyse was immediately repentant. "Yes, yes of course—I know you deed, cherie. You always do seence you’re smarter zan ze rest of us…"

Stop this! another of the girls hissed, flinging back a mass of dark curls as her eyes flashed. Matron is due to come through on patrols in a quarter of an hour. We need to get this done, clear up, and be back in bed by then! It’s already taken much too long!

We know ‘ow long eet ‘as taken, Lee-ahna, Elyse said in a singsong tone, a mirthful twinkle in her light green eyes. Rhia responded with another giggle, and Elyse continued to smirk even after Liana shot her a look that would have intimidated just about anyone else.

Who wants to be the one to do it, then? Liana asked carefully, studying the monogram of LRD stitched in black thread on the cuffs of her silver robe.

The group once again studied the damp, leathery, reddish-black creature. It reclined at the center of an intricate drawing, glaring up at them through eyes that were of a strange shade of black matte.

Triangular ears, much like those of a cat, adorned a small round head. Its forehead was deceptively smooth, considering the variety of creature, and its nose was long, pointed, and nearly humanoid in appearance. The mouth was curled into an angry sneer, and the tips of what looked to be jagged yellow teeth peeked from the underside of its top lip. Though the thing was only two feet in length, sharp black talons protruded from the ends of the three digits on each hand, and equally lethal-looking claws adorned the toes on both feet.

It was in the prone position, spread-eagled and unmoving. It studied each of them from where it lay; endless black eyes seeming to caress each girl. At last, its gaze rested upon Liana as it waited to learn its fate.

Eet ees not goeeng to move, ees eet? Elyse asked softly.

It can’t, Aniela offered in clipped tones before picking up a silver goblet and sipping from it. Immobility is part of the spell Rhia cast. A better question is whether we’re even sure it can do anything. It looks like a baby.

"Because it is a baby, the fifth girl offered with a shake of thick, golden-blonde hair as she held the tip of the silver, hook-handled dagger in her right hand to her lips. She then pointed to a sketch on a page in the open tome sitting in Rhia’s lap with the stiletto tip of the dagger. But, it’s really not so much different from the drawing in the text."

Only different by maybe eight feet and six hundred pounds, Van, Rhia said with a smirk. Besides, we’ve been trying to summon one for months, she reminded them, and this is the first one to answer us. Do we really want to risk letting it go and having the next one take even longer, if one shows up again at all?

No! Liana said, reaching over to take the dagger from Vanja with one hand as she snatched the goblet from Aniela with the other, dumping the contents onto the floor behind her. We’re already running out of time, and I refuse to wait any longer than I already have!

There was a collective gasp from the other girls as she used the dagger’s edge to slice into the thigh of the creature, paying no mind to its shrieks of pain as she positioned the goblet to collect the blood seeping from the wound. Dropping the dagger to the floor with a clatter, she twisted the flesh around the cut to milk enough of the viscous, greenish-black fluid until she had roughly a quarter of a cup.

There! she said with a satisfied smile. That should be enough for all of us. Who’s first? Her friends stared at her in various combinations of shock, admiration, and disgust.

Since you’re so eager for the blood, why don’t you go first? Aniela challenged, tucking a silken lock of long, black hair behind one ear. This was all your idea to begin with.

It was not just my idea! Liana countered. It’s Rhia’s book!

It was your wish, Aniela shrugged.

That’s because you don’t know what it’s like! Liana complained. All of you have the gift and I, despite being from a powerful family, have somehow been born without. Her gray eyes appealed to Aniela. Ani, whatever ailment we’ve had, from a paper cut to a broken limb, you can heal it almost completely just by touch. She looked at each girl. "Rhia can read ancient spell books as though they’re written in modern language. Even my dad was impressed by it when he heard.

Elyse finally stopped being teased by that harpy Natalia Betencourt after encouraging that pregnant wolf spider to give birth behind Natalia’s bed. She also talked those squirrels into going to the kitchens through the courtyard window to pinch treats for us. She nodded toward Vanja. "Your overall marks have made you first in our class. You’ll probably be promoted two levels at the end of the term and get to graduate early.

Meanwhile, I’m only here as a favor to my father. My parents thought this was a good idea…and that it would somehow coax some untapped ability out of me. I am no closer to that now than I was when I came here six months ago, and I’m tired of people looking at me with such…pity in their eyes. So, yes, this was my wish, Ani. What else could I do?

No one pities you, Liana, Aniela said. No one looks at you any differently just because your abilities haven’t manifested yet. They still could, you know. There are others here who’ve experienced that very thing.

Those people may not have had power before, Liana insisted. But, they do now. I still don’t.

Power ees not everyzeeng, Elyse offered.

Easy enough to say when you have it, Liana said stubbornly.

Dare I point out that, while we have this spirited discussion, the blood is losing its potency? Vanja asked with an arch of a sandy eyebrow. Plus, this thing is screaming its head off, and I don’t know how much longer my insulation spell will keep anyone from hearing what’s going on. Drink it, Liana, and let us be done with this.

Don’t any of you want anything? Liana asked as she clutched at the goblet. You should get something, too.

We did this for you, Aniela answered. After all the time it took, I don’t think any of us thought it would ever work, so who had the foresight to think of what to ask for?

They exchanged guilty looks during the silence that ensued. After a time, Liana chuckled dryly and then nodded.

The foolish hope of the non-magic, she mused, staring into the goblet. All the same, girls, I’m glad for the help. Shall I begin, then? She cleared her throat and paused briefly, lifting the goblet with both hands above her head. Her voice, when she spoke, was clear and commanding. "Father of Night, heed the call of a devoted daughter. Behold your servant. We have lured him from your realm into ours, and now I hold his life in my hands.

"I bind myself through him and to you, forever loyal and faithful. As his life’s blood passes through my lips, grant me my wish for the safe return of your acolyte to your plane.

You know the dreams of my heart. I seek favor and redemption. Let me see power, O great Guardian. Allow me to be enlightened. Let me not continue to be forsaken but embraced and uplifted with the equality I deserve. Liana’s voice faltered and she took a shuddering breath as a tear rolled down her cheek. From the depths of my soul, I beg you. I offer to you my oath and the oaths of my Sisters.

She took a deep breath before bringing the goblet to her lips and taking a healthy swallow of the contents. She winced, slapped a hand over her mouth, and gagged as she struggled to keep it down. They quickly passed the goblet around until each girl had taken a drink, and then they all glanced at one another in silence. The thing laying on the drawing had long since ceased its shrieking and had enveloped Liana in its dark stare.

Well? Rhia asked through green-tinged lips. Now what? Did it work?

Try somezeeng, Elyse requested. Put out ze candles, or leeft ze bed!

Liana did her best; trying everything the girls suggested, from attempting to levitate a feather to conjuring a wall of fire. Nothing worked, nothing at all—even a remarkably simple illumination spell. All Liana created was a massive headache and, after a short while, a nosebleed.

In tears, she buried her face in her hands, smearing a mixture of red and dark green blood onto her cheeks. Nothing had changed for her at all, and her best friends had witnessed her defeat. How would she be able to face them in the light of day, knowing that they were still so superior to her?

How could this be? She struggled, as she had done so many times before, to understand why her parents and older brother were so accomplished, and yet she was…plain. Liana felt so inferior to them. She could never compete with her mother’s inventiveness, her father’s intelligence, or her brother’s charm, but she wanted so badly to be on equal footing with them in some other way.

Then she heard the throaty little chuckle. With a gasp, she raised a face wet with blood and tears to look upon her friends, wondering which of them found such joy in her misery. Her eyes locked with each of theirs and it was finally Vanja who lowered her azure gaze toward where the thing still lay. Liana followed the look, shocked by the twisted leer upon the being’s face. Its dingy, decaying teeth were on full display. It was laughing at her.

Kill it, she said softly, fresh tears springing to her eyes. Stony silence greeted her. The creature was not laughing anymore.

Liana, we can’t do that, Rhia said. It’s against the rules. We have to send it back.

The rules state that it’s supposed to give me what I’ve asked for in exchange for safe passage back to its realm! she shouted. It hasn’t done that, so kill it!

You don’t know zat! Elyse said.

Don’t I!? Liana countered. Was I able to do anything I tried!?

But, you could wake up tomorrow and your weesh ees granted! And you would ‘ave keeled eet and violated ze pact, damning us all een ze process!

What’s the alternative? Liana shrieked. Do I wait to wake up tomorrow and find out that I’m still nobody? By then it’ll be too late because it’ll be gone!

You took an oath, Vanja reminded her, and, you made us a part of it. If you hurt it, we’ll all have to pay.

KILL IT!

We won’t, Aniela said, her green eyes wide. We brought it here for you, Liana, but not for that. Never for that. It’s over.

Then one of you didn’t drink the blood! Liana’s eyes were wild as she stared at each of the girls. The exchange only works if everyone drinks the blood of the conjured!

You saw us drink it, Vanja said calmly. I understand that you’re upset, but we’ve done all we can.

Then you didn’t do the right spell after all! Liana accused Rhia.

Now just hold on a moment, Rhia said, closing the book in her lap and tossing it aside. It took a while, yes, but it showed up, didn’t it? I know it upset you, Liana, and I am terribly sorry because I know—we all know—how much you want this. But, you are taking this too far! We’ve done all we can—all anyone can—to help you.

Yes, Aniela agreed. And, as Elyse said, you could still wake up tomorrow and find that you got what you wanted. There is nothing more to it now, though. Look at what you have done to it already. There’s blood on your face and hands. We have to send it back.

I’ll send it back! Liana screamed, taking up the dagger once more and raising it high above her head, poised to strike as the girls protested in various screams and shrieks.

When the dagger struck home, the little body was no longer there. All that remained were the oily smears of its blood on the diagram upon which it previously reclined. Liana’s glare shifted from one girl to another, anger etched into her pretty heart-shaped face.

This isn’t over, I promise you, she began breathlessly before her voice faded and she collapsed into a sobbing heap. Which one… Which one of you denied me?

The rest of the girls exchanged looks before collectively peering at Liana, who had curled her body into a fetal position and was moaning in misery. Rhia went to her first, followed quickly by Elyse. Aniela joined them shortly thereafter, while Vanja simply stared at the group through icy blue eyes.

The chuckle of the imp echoed around them.

Chapter One

Kynedal was a coastal city nestled within clusters of low green hills and lush trees. The landscape provided adequate privacy to its inhabitants while somehow still conveying a sense of warmth and openness to those who visited the rich, culturally diverse city. The light winters and moderate summers common to the region helped keep the lands rich and the soil fertile. While the temperate climate proved alluring to those visiting on brief trips, it was the reputation and quality of Kynedal’s wares that encouraged frequent visitors, boosting the economy and keeping the city’s coffers overflowing.

The city was wholly self-sufficient, trading goods and services primarily within its own unguarded walls. However, their offerings were of such high quality that citizens often came from regions away to purchase premium cheeses, fabrics, spices, and even breeds of animals local to the area, and otherwise unavailable elsewhere.

I’m off to Kynedal during the next fortnight, a buyer often said. The missus has a hankerin’ for their marble jack to nosh before bed. Might as well get some sacks of grain, too. None of my heifers will eat anything that doesn’t come from Kynedal!

To their credit, those setting up shop in the area did not use the uniqueness of their offerings as an excuse to gouge those seeking to do business. While haggling was commonplace, the resulting deals were always more than fair. Kynedal’s reputation for unrivaled goods and unmatched prices was both a boon and a blessing to merchant and patron alike.

In the furthest corner of town nestled within what—at first glance—appeared to be an enormous green bowl, were tracts of land belonging to the Chatelains. Encompassing nine hundred acres, the Chatelain estate included three houses and a large farm. The farm housed a dairy, butchery, stables, groves of fruit trees, neatly built accommodations for the staff in Servants’ Row, and a large, clear lake housing mass quantities of eager fish ready to jump into an open net at a moment’s notice.

Each of the two smaller houses sat upon fifteen acres of land with its own gardens. The dwellings were furnished in décor independent of that which filled the principal residence and provided the perfect retreat within a retreat.

‘Liana’s Den’ was the primary residence of nearly 40,000 square feet; a multi-level testament of devotion to the woman for which it was named. They had spared no expense, from the hand-carved columns that adorned the outside of the house to the marble floors contained within. Each brick, tile, slab of granite, and piece of hand-cut, stained glass was commissioned for the enjoyment of the lady of the house.

Liana Chatelain, née Dhamon, was an ethereal beauty of only twenty-four. Her dark hair, usually hanging in thick curls, was styled in soft waves. A band of silver sweetheart roses pulled away from her heart-shaped face the crown of her glorious mane, leaving the rest to spill over her bare shoulders. When she moved, the hem of her silver silk taffeta dress whispered around her ankles as the heels of her strappy silver sandals tapped gently against the mother-of-pearl inlaid stone tile floor.

Sunlight streamed through the domed, stained-glass ceiling that topped the solarium. The colors danced over the richness of Liana’s honey-beige skin as she sat consulting a list. She wrinkled her lightly freckled nose, checking off an item with her quill pen before adding another in her delicate script.

Just as she began reading over her notes, she heard first a sigh and then a gurgle coming from the lilac silk-draped bassinet behind her. Smiling, she put her list and pen to the side and walked over to the bassinet, drawing back the silk organza veil. Liana smiled sweetly at the baby girl who looked up at her beautiful mother and, with a kick and squeal of glee, displayed a cheerful and toothless grin.

Did you have a good nap, my little sweetheart? Liana crooned, rubbing the baby’s belly, causing the baby to shriek and thrust her chubby fists into the air as if to say that yes, she had indeed slept well. Liana scooped her up, planting several kisses onto the baby’s smiling face as she returned to her seat and cradled the child in her lap.

Reaching up, the baby captured a lock of her mother’s hair in a tiny fist as she cooed. Liana laughed and kissed the infant’s forehead, nestling her nose within the sweet-smelling black curls.

You are such a delightful baby, Mahari, Liana said as she gave more kisses. It will amaze your grandmother how much you’ve grown! She’ll think I’m feeding you one of her special concoctions! Mahari shouted in agreement before trying to shove the lock of her mother’s hair into her mouth.

Liana, are you in here? a man’s voice asked from somewhere outside of the room.

Liana briefly froze. Yes, she called back. I’m here.

Good, good! Evium Chatelain said as he entered the solarium. Liana, a word, please. A messenger’s just come from Tilehn.

Liana smoothed the tumble of curls away from the baby’s forehead with another sweet smile and reclaimed her lock of hair before turning a concerned, soft gray gaze toward her husband. She could usually hear him approaching before seeing him. Since converting to the steam-powered wheelchair earlier in the year, the large house seemed to almost continually echo with the, ‘Puff-puff-wheeze’ sound made by Evium’s latest innovation.

Tilehn? she repeated in a gentle tone. Is it my mother?

Evium puttered to a stop as he nodded, and Liana’s eyes flicked toward the folded sheets of black linen paper in his lap. She found it easy to visualize her mother’s ornate handwriting in the silver ink she often used, but her brow furrowed. Liana knew that the timing of the letter could mean only one thing.

She’s not coming, Evium stated plainly, confirming her thoughts. She sends her regrets and promises to visit as soon as she’s able, but there’s been an incident regarding your brother.

Rael? Liana breathed, wide-eyed. Evium took one of her hands, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

He’s fine now, he soothed. There was an issue at the sanitarium, though. There is to be an inquiry and your mother doesn’t think this is the right time to leave. Right now, she seems to be the only one he’s responding to without aggression.

Liana nodded. Did she say what’s happened?

He had another of his episodes, Evium answered. This time, however, there were injuries to some of the other patients and substantial damage done to the property itself.

Episodes! Liana scoffed, taking her hand from his and rubbing the baby’s back. You know I hate it when you call them that! It’s not like Rael can help having uncontrolled bursts of magic! He never means to hurt himself or anyone else, and for you to so easily dismiss what he’s been through as an episode…

I’m sorry! Evium said, raising both hands in supplication. I’m not trying to be disrespectful of your brother, and I know what he’s been through. I realize it hasn’t been easy for you or your mother since he’s been ill.

As Liana seemed to study the child in her lap, Evium took a moment to scrutinize his wife. His blue eyes softened as he visually feasted upon the striking woman who had consented to be his bride nearly seven years before. He did not think it possible to love anyone as much as he loved her.

Evium was at the marketplace in Tilehn looking for a last-minute birthday gift for his then-fiancée when he walked into a well-known florist at the center of town. He had already met and talked with the proprietress of the establishment, Kaileih Dhamon, several times and was a repeat customer of the shop. Kaileih was a charming and peculiar dark-haired and dark-eyed beauty with a gift for cultivating the most exquisite flora available for thousands of miles—many of which were hybrids exclusive to her shop.

Kaileih’s daughter, Liana, was working behind the counter that evening while her mother labored in one of the extensive greenhouses on the property. When Evium entered the store, their eyes locked. With thoughts of his fiancée and the intended gift melting away at the sight of Liana’s warm smile, he approached her and began a conversation. The conversation ended with an invitation to dinner, and a whirlwind courtship ensued. She made an exquisite bride a mere four months later.

There were two noteworthy occurrences during their lengthy honeymoon. Evium, frantic with love for his new wife, began the initial sketches for the home that would eventually become Liana’s Den. Another occurrence of a more collaborative nature took thirty-nine weeks to complete before being brought into the world amidst cries of exultation, delight, and relief. Evium, having insisted upon assisting Kaileih during the birth of his first child and her first grandchild, held the crying, bloodstained bundle in his powerful arms, kissing an exhausted Liana upon the lips in gratitude.

Unable to help himself and, despite the happiness of the memory, Evium’s focus drifted to the cooing baby in his wife’s lap. His wistful look gradually faded, and his brow slowly creased. The child, relishing in the attention and incapable of understanding its origin, cried out in glee as she kicked. Liana looked from the baby to him, noticed his expression, and hugged the child protectively to her body. Evium lifted his gaze to meet that of his wife, still frowning.

Huison will still attend, though, he commented softly as he looked at her. I’m sure he’s practically beside himself with excitement now that he’s fully recovered from his illness. The couple continued to stare at one another before Evium slowly steered the wheelchair backward several inches, turned, and took himself from the room.

Liana blinked back tears as she bounced the baby in her lap with a sniffle. At the sound of approaching footsteps, she sat up straighter and quickly composed herself as a young man entered the solarium. His uniform included a black poplin tunic with rosette chains stitched in silver thread at the neck and hem, matching pants, and thick-soled black leather shoes with identical silver detailing.

Lunch will be ready in thirty minutes, Lady Chatelain, the young man offered in his thick brogue. We’ve set a table in the east garden as you requested, and it’s a lovely day for it.

Thank you, Liana said in a steady tone.

My pleasure, ma’am. Shall I take Miss Mahari up to the nursery?

Please do, Shaz, Liana replied. She’s just awoken from her late-morning nap, so be sure that wet nurse is ready for her, and that the nanny has her bathed and properly dressed. Where is my son?

Mr. Jahd is upstairs in his suite, Shaz replied as a still-gurgling Mahari changed hands. After he came in from playing, I drew a bath for him and set out his clothes.

Liana could not resist a laugh. Terribly dirty, was he? she asked.

Sweat-stained, Shaz responded with a smile.

I’d better check on him then, she said as she got to her feet. Shaz, after you’ve seen to the baby, please find out if my husband intends to join us for lunch or if he’ll need something brought to the workshop.

Yes, ma’am, he replied with a careful bow as Liana swept past him.

As she approached the stairs, she examined an enormous arrangement of flowers cut from her own gardens just that morning. Ivory hydrangeas, blush sweetheart roses, and peonies nestled within a crystal bowl that sat atop a hexagon-shaped accent table with chrome accents and a frosted glass top. Liana dearly loved the piece, as it was her own design that was crafted in Evium’s workshop, along with several other items within the Den.

With a gentle smile, Liana closed her eyes and indulged in the sweet smell of the flowers. The alluring combination of scents always drew Liana into a torrent of memories—not all of them pleasant. She didn’t have her mother’s talent—that was impossible—but, Liana’s gardens and the blossoms she cultivated brought a following that was undisputed. She only wished she could take full responsibility for their creation…

Why can’t I do that, Mama? Liana asked, her gray eyes wide.

She kneeled in the grass beside her mother, her dark curls pulled back from her face into two tight bunches and secured with ribbon of the same shade as the mint green pinafore dress she wore.

We don’t know yet that you can’t, Kaileih answered with a smile. You’re only three years old, Li. There’s plenty of time to find out who you are.

Kaileih’s almond-shaped dark brown eyes were trained on the recently turned plot of soil beneath them. She had already treated a series of sections throughout the sizeable garden before planting and covering her chosen seedlings and visiting each area to provide the final, special touch. Liana, fascinated, had accompanied her to watch her care for the last.

Mimicking her mother’s movements, Liana placed her chubby hands atop the damp soil and took a deep breath. Kaileih exhaled and Liana felt a gentle, humming vibration beneath her palms as warmth coursed through the earth. Though she had seen her mother’s power manifested dozens of times, she still could not resist the shriek of glee when the first sprout poked through the topsoil, followed by others.

You’re doing it, Mama! Liana laughed, clapping her hands.

Kaileih smiled as she sat back on her haunches, and they both watched the sprouts continue to grow. Liana stood and bounced on the balls of her feet as she scampered over to one of the raised garden beds. A row of strawberry plants had unfurled, and she gasped in wonder as one plant gently sunk to the side as it became weighed down by clusters of sweetly fragrant berries the size of Liana’s hand.

Oh, Mama, she breathed. Next time, can I? Please?

Kaileih held her arms out to her youngest child, and Liana quickly went back to her. We don’t know what you can do yet, sweetheart, she said, gently tugging at one of Liana’s ponytails as the other tracts flourished around them. It’s a little different for everyone, so you may not do exactly what I can.

Or Daddy or Rael? Liana prompted.

Or your father or brother,