𝙱𝙰𝚈𝙾𝚄 𝙱𝙴𝚆𝙸𝚃𝙲𝙷𝙼𝙴𝙽𝚃

•𝚃𝙷𝙸𝚁𝚃𝚈-𝚃𝙷𝚁𝙴𝙴•

August 31, 1978
46 Years Ago

Maera, her features sharp and determined, stood in the moonlit clearing. The air was thick with the scent of earth and the sound of distant drums. Before her stood Papa Legba, in his true form, a figure of immense power and presence.

"Are you sure about this?" Legba asked, his voice a deep rumble.

Maera nodded, her eyes resolute. "I need the power. I need to be stronger."

Legba studied her for a moment before speaking. "Very well. In exchange for the power you seek, I will take your daughter when she comes of age. She will bear me a powerful child."

Maera's heart ached, but her desire for power overrode her maternal instincts. "Agreed."

Legba raised his hand, and a surge of energy flowed into Maera. She gasped, feeling the power course through her veins.

April 23, 1998
26 Years Ago

Maera, tall and majestic with striking features and dark skin, sat in her parlor, a room filled with the scent of jasmine and the glow of candlelight. Her daughter, Asmira, was the spitting image of her younger self, with smooth light skin, vibrant eyes, and a fierce independence that radiated from her every movement.

Maera's voice carried a tone of gentle persuasion. "Asmira, you're 25 now. It's time to think about your future. You need to find a nice young man to settle down with and marry."

Asmira rolled her eyes, her defiance shining through. "Mother, I don't need a man right now. I want to let time play out naturally. If he comes, he comes. If he doesn't, I don't mind being by myself."

Maera sighed, a mixture of frustration and concern in her gaze. "But you need someone by your side, someone to support you."

Asmira stood up, her movements fluid and graceful. "I support myself just fine. I have my own strength, my own path to follow."

(Made To Love - John Legend plays)

Just then, the doorbell rang, and a moment later, a very handsome man stepped into the room. He had rich brown skin, impeccably dressed in a sharp suit, glasses, and a neatly trimmed mustache. He exuded an air of confidence and mystery.

Maera's eyes lit up as she introduced him. "Asmira, this is Mr. Laurent. He's new to town and a very respectable gentleman."

Asmira looked him over with a hint of curiosity, though she tried not to show it too obviously. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Laurent."

He smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling with a touch of intrigue as he sensed her guarded demeanor. "Please, call me Laurent. It's a pleasure to meet you, Asmira."

As they conversed through the evening, Laurent couldn't help but notice Asmira's independent spirit and the subtle resistance she maintained, unlike any woman he had encountered before. Her demeanor reminded him of the tales of princesses who were not easily won over, adding to her allure in his eyes.

Despite Laurent's charming attempts at subtle flirtation and engaging conversation, Asmira remained composed and focused on keeping a certain distance. She appreciated his intellect and the stories he shared about his travels, but her heart was not one to be easily swayed by mere charm.

Over the next few months, they grew closer, their connection deepening into love. Laurent's true identity as Papa Legba remained hidden, his human disguise perfect.