Chapter 2
“My mind is like glass, sharp and clear; my light shines bright, I have no fear.”
With my morning tea in hand, I sit in the middle of my small field and meditate to start my day.
I take my practices seriously, and each day begins with me stepping outside to absorb the earth’s light.
Sipping my drink, I throw my head back to soak in the sun’s rays.
The blood in my veins flows just as warm, a clear indication that I was on the right track.
Fall is in the air, and so is the smell of a potential rain shower.
The low hums of the birds flying and chirping about sing to me a promise of today being one of clarity and understanding.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
In.
Out.
The breaths feel intense, but they have to be to ease my mind and clear any fog or doubt that wants to seep in.
Sleep didn’t come easily last night. My mind became a playground of voices, but I refuse to let them set the tone for my day.
Once I find the clarity I seek, everything will fall into place.
Being the last descendant of the Winsor Witches has been a blessing and a curse.
I’ve been shunned by my family because of my practices and beliefs, but I have no regrets.
In return, my magic grew by the minute and continues to do so as I choose to honor myself and the legacy before me.
Although life has not granted me all I could command for myself with the snap of my fingers, I believe in divine timing, so I wait.
However, last night’s dream was indicative of what’s to come, and I felt the excitement mixed with worry about the unknown.
Love is upon you, looking you right in the face. Be ready to receive it while it fills you.
Thinking about the man’s voice from my dreams last night sent chills down my spine. It was so familiar, yet unrecognizable. I didn’t stress it too much because I know, in due time, it will be revealed to me.
After completing my morning routine, I slowly rose from my meditation grounds. Stepping off my blanket, my feet sank into the wet soil from the morning dew. With my head held high, each step I took rooted me, making me one with the ground.
"Open,” I commanded firmly, and watched the back porch door swing. The hinges of the door creaked just as loudly as the planks groaned with each step I took. “Shut.”
Hearing it close softly behind me, I set my teacup onto the kitchen counter.
Clapping twice, I stepped back in admiration and watched as all of the curtains and blinds opened on their own, letting the sun’s natural light beam through my little cabin.
Inhaling deeply, I closed my eyes, balling my fists close as I levitated from the ground.
A slow grin formed on my face as I began to float slowly through the house.
The smell of pine and incense met me at every turn—the air alive with crackling energy, causing my skin to prickle.
As I drifted to the middle of my small living room, I took a moment to take it in.
Everything about me screamed witch. From the isolated cabin in the woods to the big black cauldron in the middle of my kitchen floor.
Hell, even my name, which was one thing I thanked my mother for.
One day, I will be able to live my truth in peace without facing ridicule.
As I floated down the narrow hallway, I could hear my cellphone ringing in the distance.
Lowering to the ground in front of my nightstand, I smirked at the sight of Janelle’s face flashing on my screen.
“Sister…” I hummed as the phone connected, pushing my loose curls from my face. “How are you doing today? Let me guess. Smiling for the cameras?”
When Janelle and I met in middle school, I refrained from telling her about my abilities with magic.
While many knew of my family’s history, she didn’t let what others said about me deter her from being nice to me.
Over the years, our friendship has blossomed because of how we cheer each other on.
I love her so much, and I wouldn’t dare risk our friendship by telling her the rumors were true and I am indeed a witch who dabbled in magic.
“Hey, sis.” I could hear the smile in her voice as she greeted me. “Today is actually an off day, so I’m trying to get some things done. I know it’s early, but I wanted to stop by and see you while I was out. Am I disturbing you?”
Looking around my space, I frowned at the clutter that was in disarray.
With the wave of my hand, I watched as everything returned to its rightful place throughout my home.
“No, not at all. I just finished meditating, so I’m not busy anymore.
I have some things I need to get from the city later, but that’s later.
Come on by… You know I always have time for you. See you when you get here.”
After disconnecting the call, I went into my bathroom to freshen up.
Janelle is the only one who didn’t make jokes when it came to my living in a cabin in the deep woods, so I didn’t mind her being in my space at all.
Not to mention, her light and energy were always a cleanser of sorts to my home.
It was like oil and water when her energy met mine—co-existing but never mixing.
Leaving my bedroom, I made my way across the hall to a cozy closet that I called “The Spell Nook.” As I stepped inside, a slight breeze swept past me, blowing my hair in the process.
A gentle welcome is all I needed because I knew the power these four walls held.
While my home was my sanctuary, this closet was sacred.
I smiled as I walked further into the space, toward my spell book located on the wooden podium.
“You and I are going to have a little fun later.” Dragging my finger across the cover, I closed my eyes, saying a short chant with promises of what the day would entail.
Knock. Knock.
Hearing the banging coming from the front of the house, my eyes snapped open as I hurriedly left the room, the door closing and locking shut as soon as I stepped through the doorframe. Levitating, I flew to the front door quickly, my feet touching the floor right as I pulled the door open.
“Hey, boo!” Janelle showed me all thirty-two of her teeth, throwing her arms around me, squeezing me tightly. “You look so cute and refreshed today.”
Observing her as she stepped inside, I did what I always do and quickly took her in.
She looked adorable in her mid-rift sweater while her jeans cupped her ass just right.
She smelled like the most expensive perfume, and she carried the latest Birkin that I’m sure was a gift from Donovan.
Janelle never struggled to adorn herself with the best, but I loved the way he had swooped in and spoiled her.
A slight flutter illuminated in my chest at the thought of him, causing me to crinkle my nose in confusion.
What the hell was that?
“I haven’t had a day off in so long, I hardly remember what it feels like,” Janelle whined, plopping down on my sofa.
I watched as her head fell back dramatically, hair spilling across the couch cushions.
“I’m thinking about planning a friend-cation during the holidays if everyone’s available. What do you think?”
While her eyes stayed shut, I quickly summoned a bottle of water from the kitchen before taking a seat nearby. Catching it midair before it could land on my lap, I giggled lowly at her being oblivious to what just happened.
“I think it would be a great idea, actually.” I threw my legs over the arms of my recliner, staring at the old ceiling beams. “That’ll give me the chance to get out of the house and maybe meet someone.”
While she rambled about destination possibilities, my mind drifted to the lack of companionship in my life.
The ache of being alone was becoming daunting.
Men rarely gave me a second glance because of my appearance, and the doubt of ever finding my person had begun to creep inside my brain weeks ago.
I was typically deemed a freak because I was littered with tattoos and piercings, but I still felt as if I was a pretty woman.
Growing up in Milly Grove, my family has always had the reputation of being demonic.
My great, great, great grandmother practiced witchcraft, and people shied away from the Winsors in fear of the darkness they felt surrounded us.
There was no darkness. They didn’t understand that the magic my distant relative engaged in did not cause harm; black magic was not our forte.
They didn’t care about the specifics, though.
They also didn’t care that none of us had practiced for years—well, that was until I did.
“So what do you think, Sabrena?” She snatched me from my thoughts as she lifted from the sofa, hearing her phone ring.
“I was thinking we could go to the mountains or something.” She smiled as she held her device up to her face.
I knew then that it was her man calling.
Pings of jealousy crawled into my skin. “Give me a second, friend.”
“Hey, baby,” she answered the FaceTime, and I could hear Donovan as he appeared on the screen.
As I watched her walk into my kitchen to take her call, I found myself on my feet and in front of the full-length mirror in my living room.
Today was a chill day, so I decided to keep it simple with a black tank top and black leggings.
My eyes trailed the ink that marked my neck, chest, arms, and hands.
A gold loop in each nostril of my nose matched the gold choker around my neck.
My curls flowed freely around my face, showing my ancestry included another race.
My lighter complexion and heart-shaped lips should have made me desirable amongst most men.
Not only that, but my perky breasts and firm ass should have awarded me sexual relationships.
I knew I was pretty, but my aura pushed potential partnerships away.
“Call me when you finish seeing your mom.” I jumped at the sound of Donovan’s deep voice sounding off in the room. “Tell ’Brena I said, ‘What’s up.’”
Janelle walked over as she handed me the phone. “Here, say hey.”
Giving her a tight-lipped smile, I accepted the phone and locked eyes with an extremely handsome Donovan.
Even though he was only chest up in the camera, he was a sight to see.
His skin was the color of toasted almonds, while his hazel eyes seemed to stare into your soul when he looked at you.
His stare was always friendly and innocent toward me.
It was as if he saw me as his sister, just as Janelle did.
“Hey, Donovan,” I spoke as calmly as I could. “How are you today?”
“No complaints, sis. Trying to get in where I fit in with your girl.” He grinned as Janelle giggled lowly beside me. “A nigga wants to cuddle and feed her, but it seems like she’s too busy.”
“For you, baby? Never.” She eased her face into the camera. “Get dressed, and I’ll come back and get you.”
“Perfect.” He blew her a kiss before turning his piercing eyes to me. My heart beat wildly inside my chest as I felt my hands begin to sweat. “Be good today, ’Brena.”
Offering a small smile, I handed the phone to Janelle as I made my way back to the recliner.
I watched her gather her things as she apologized for the quick visit.
Promising to call me later, she kissed my cheek and we walked to the door together.
Watching her jump into her expensive car, I waved as my body began to feel heavy.
As I shut the door behind her, I placed my head against it, trying to make sense of what I was feeling.
Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath to regain my composure.
Love is upon you, looking you right in the face. Be ready to receive it while it fills you.
Snapping my eyes open, I gasped at the newfound revelation.
Panting rapidly, I placed my hand on my chest as I searched for my bottled water.
I downed it quickly as I paced my living room floor.
Stopping suddenly in front of my mirror again, the once clear conscience I held moments ago was gone.
Images of the unknown man from last night’s dream came into view.
Once the smoke cleared and the vision stood still, I was nearly knocked to my feet at what my eyes were seeing.
Donovan.
In the mirror, his image stared at me blankly as I stared back at him.
Chest heaving, I took tiny steps toward him, unable to break eye contact.
The intensity of us looking into each other’s souls confirmed that not only was this Donovan, but he was calling out for me.
With shaky fingers, I reached out to touch him, only for his face to fade away.
Like a ton of bricks, it hit me with a force that should’ve killed me. Instead, a new purpose came alive.
I was in love with my best friend’s man, and what made it worse was that I was going to make sure I made him mine.