Prologue

“Blood is thicker than water.”

November 1, 1989

Upon exiting the womb, the newborn uttered a barely audible cry. Was it born of prophetic significance? Everyone nearby heard it. Immediately, it was whisked away. A flurry of nurses preened, sucked, injected, and wiped this one so small, so fragile, and so precious. The difficult delivery had left the mother’s braided hair a glowing, damp mess.

Tears slowly cascaded down the mother’s pinkish cheeks as she whispered, “Adanya.”

“Come again?” said a nurse nearby.

“Adanya.” The teenage mother nodded and repeated the name. The hard delivery, coupled with a sedative, put the mother into a deep sleep.