Author: Black Dove Five

PROLOGUE: The Storm of Umuezuna

The footsteps came first.

Then the rain.

Thunder roared over Umuezuna, shaking the earth as hurried footsteps disappeared into the darkness. Somewhere in the village, muffled shouts broke through the storm. A struggle followed, brief but violent.

Then came silence.

At Agu's shrine, a man lay beyond help, his blood mingling with the rain.

Elsewhere, behind closed doors, a baby's cry pierced the night.

Only once.

Then silence again.

"It's a taboo," a frightened voice whispered. "Look at his eyes. White and distant. His hair is in locks, and there's a mark on his left arm."

Another voice answered, weak with exhaustion.

"May the gods forbid evil. But what am I supposed to do? That is my promised child, given through Olamma and Amadioha. I cannot let him go—not after everything I've lost to bring him into this world."

"Please," another voice pleaded, "do something while I run to Agu's shrine for help."

The first voice hesitated.

"I could try. But understand this: saving this child may cost you the life of one of your daughters."

Outside, thunder swallowed whatever answer followed.

The rain continued to fall over Umuezuna, washing away footprints and concealing secrets that were never meant to be discovered.

But the gods had already witnessed what the mortals feared to name.

The forbidden child had been born.