Chosen One

by Katie Holland

  Copyright

  Chosen One is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  CHOSEN ONE: A NOVEL

  Copyright © 2018 by Katie Holland

  All rights reserved.

  Editing by KP Editing

  Cover design by KP Designs

  Published by Kingston Publishing Company

  The uploading, scanning, and distribution of this book in any form or by any means—including but not limited to electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the permission of the copyright holder is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized editions of this work, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  Table of Contents

  Copyright

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Author’s Note

  Dedication

  To Aunty Donna,

  Thank you for you never ending support!

  Chapter 1

  It was Friday evening and Alix was sitting in her living room watching a movie with her parents. She was looking at the TV, but all she could think about was the invitation she’d received. It was only yesterday that Alix got the letter. She still couldn’t believe it. They wanted her to join the Almati Council and help lead the Nykara. She understood that she was the Kaelneth, but she’d only been a Nykara for three weeks. In that time, she’d learned several years worth of magic and had vision dreams. She’d found the missing hikers that were taken by the Grynn. She’d defeated a Grynn in the cave to save the hikers and woken them from their magically induced sleep. But she was only seventeen. Ben told her that joining the Council would make her the youngest member ever. From what she understood, joining the Council was the greatest honor a Nykara could be given. She thought it was usually given to people who had done great things or who had very specialized abilities. All she had done was wake up three weeks ago with a beautiful tattoo that made her the Chosen One. She knew you didn’t refuse the Council’s invitation, but she was extremely nervous about it. So far, she’d only met a few other Nykara; joining the Council would mean she’d have to be a leader. Alix wasn’t sure she was ready for that. She, Ben, and Shay had a serious conversation about the Council after the letter had arrived at her door.

  In less than two weeks she was to appear before the Almati Council to take her place among them. At least she didn’t have to go alone. Her parents, Shay, Ben and his parents all got to go with her. Despite being nervous about joining the Council, she was super excited to travel. The Almati Council’s headquarters were located in London. She was so excited to be going to Europe. There was so much to do before they left. They had to get their passports, figure out what to pack, and deal with the school. She stopped her thoughts; one thing at a time she told herself. She’d always had a tendency to overwhelm herself with the details.

  “Alix,” her mom said. “Alix, are you listening to me?”

  “Huh?” Was her reply.

  “Have you heard anything I said?” her mom asked, with a smile in her voice.

  “Um … no, sorry. I was just thinking.”

  “Well the movie is over, and your dad and I were wondering if you wanted to make popcorn and pick out the second movie. But, I think we might need to talk instead of watching another one.”

  “You’re probably right mom. I’ve got a lot on my mind and you know how I can get with trying to figure out all the details. But I still want popcorn,” Alix said smiling.

  Her mom laughed at her. She’d never known Alix to turn down an offer of popcorn. They went to the kitchen and Alix used her magic to pop the popcorn and melt the butter. It still made her smile when she did stuff like that. She was probably the most powerful Nykara in history, but she still liked the simple things-- like magically popping popcorn.

  They took the popcorn into the living room and sat down.

  “So, what’s going on your mind kiddo?” her dad asked.

  “I’m really nervous about the whole Council thing. What if I embarrass myself or you guys? What if I let Natalie and Rick down because I can’t do something the Council needs me to do and they blame it on my training? What if I’m just too young to understand what they are doing? What if –”

  “Slow down honey” her dad said interrupting her, “one thing at a time remember.”

  “I know dad, but it's hard.”

  “And we’re here to help you,” her mom added. “So, you’re nervous about going to see the Council. I don’t blame you. I think anyone would be, it’s not because you’re young. I think it might be like meeting the President. You won’t embarrass us, and you can do anything you set your mind to, even things that you don’t know you can do yet.”

  “You have a lot of faith in me mom.”

  “We all do. Anyone you’ve met so far does. I remember Kris saying multiple times how amazed he was by you. All you have to do is relax and be yourself.”

  Alix took a deep breath. “Okay, it doesn’t sound so bad when you say it,” she smiled. “So, the next thing I was wondering about are passports.”

  “I’ve got that handled,” her mom said. “Tomorrow we will have to go into Bozeman and get our pictures done. Once we have them we’ll give everything to Rick. He said he has a way to expedite them and we’ll have them before we go. Shay’s and Ben’s too.”

  “Okay,” Alix said, “one thing answered. Now what about school and work? How do we manage that?”

  “Karin is going to talk to your teachers for all three of you. Your Nykara teachers will understand completely. It’s the human ones that will take a little convincing. You guys might have to take some homework with you to London.”

  “That would suck. But it’s a long flight and I don’t think I could sleep the whole time. I guess I could do homework then. So, what about you and dad?”

  “We’ve taken vacations before. We’ll just do what we always do. Your dad will close the office and I’ll just use some of my vacation days. I have quite a few I haven’t used so I’ll be fine.”

  “You’ve been busy today mom. You seem to have an answer for everything. Now for the most important question … what do I wear to meet the Council?” Alix asked with a serious expression.

  Her mom couldn’t help but let out a little laugh.

  “It’s not funny mom. I want to make a good first impression.”

  “I know honey, I’m sorry. It’s just that I don’t think I’ve ever really seen you concerned about what you were going to wear before. But don’t worry, w
e’re all planning to go to Bozeman tomorrow. How about after we get the pictures done the boys can do their own thing while us girls go shopping? I’m sure Natalie will know what you’ll need to get.”

  “That sounds good mom.”

  “Do you have any more questions?” her dad asked.

  She thought for a second. “Not right at the moment, but I’m sure I will.”

  “We’re here for you anytime you need us honey,” her mom said.

  “I know mom,” Alix said with a grin. “I sure got lucky in the parent department. I’m going to tell Shay about tomorrow. She’ll be thrilled to be going shopping.” She grabbed her phone and texted Shay. As expected she was excited about getting to shop.

  Since they weren’t going to be watching another movie she picked up her eReader. Reading was always the best way to help her relax.

  * * *

  Alix woke up the next morning ready to tackle the day. She was waiting for her parents to get ready when her phone made the text noise.

  Ben: Hey. Where are you?

  Alix: Still at home. Why?

  Ben: I was wondering if I could ride with you guys.

  Alix: Aren’t your parents coming?

  Ben: Yes, just thought the three of us could talk about the Council on the way there. I could try to answer any questions you have.

  Alix: Sure

  Ben: Ok see you in a few minutes. You’re picking up Shay, right?

  Alix: Yep. See you there.

  As they drove up to Shay’s they saw that Ben, Natalie, and Rick were already there. Her dad turned around in the cul-de-sac and parked beside their SUV. Ben got out and got in the back beside Alix. Shay was right behind him and got in on the other side. That left Alix in the middle. The two vehicles left and headed to Bozeman.

  Ben asked Alix if she had any questions about meeting the Almati Council. But since he hadn’t met them either, he wasn’t all that much help.

  “So, Ben,” Alix started, “if you don’t really know that much about the Council why did you really want to ride with us?”

  “Um … well … I just wanted to. We’d been spending so much time together and I kind of missed it.”

  Shay had to laugh at that. “Aww, the poor boy misses us Alix.”

  Ben tried to give Shay a dirty look, but the look on her face made it impossible. She had her pouty face on. Alix knew that face very well and was sure it worked on anyone Shay directed it at. He ended up laughing.

  “You’re impossible Shay, you know that, right?” Ben said to her.

  “Yep, it’s all part of my irresistible charm,” she replied, grinning at him.

  Alix was caught in the middle of their bantering but didn’t mind in the least. They were two of her favorite people in the world. She just giggled at them. They were still going back and forth when Alix heard her phone. Who could be texting her she thought? Ben, Shay, and her parents were really the only ones she texted, and they were all in the car with her. She looked at it and smiled. It was Sara.

  Sara: Hi Alix. I just wanted to say thank you again. I owe my life to you.

  Alix: You don’t need to thank me again. You did that enough already. How have you been doing since you got home?

  “Who is it?” Shay asked.

  “It’s Sara. She’s thanking me again. I don’t even know what to say.”

  “How about you’re welcome?” Ben told her.

  “That just seems … I don’t know … like not enough?”

  “I think you’ll have to get used to that Alix,” he said. “I have a feeling it’s going to happen a lot.”

  “I guess,” Alix mumbled. Her phone went off again.

  “Say hi from me,” Shay said.

  “Me too,” Ben added.

  Sara: Alright I guess. To be honest, the attention has been a little overwhelming. It’s been hard dealing with telling everyone that I just woke up a few days ago and had no idea what happened. I keep being told that I should know more. But most of the people asking are human and we can’t say anything. My Nykara friends understand completely. I’m just glad that I don’t actually remember anything.

  Alix: I’m glad about that too. Shay and Ben say hi.

  Sara: Hi back to them. What are you guys doing?

  Alix: I’ve been asked to join the Almati council so we’re getting ready for that.

  Sara: Oh wow! Congrats. That’s a huge honor but I’m not surprised. You were so brave saving us and you are the Chosen One.

  Sara: I’m so excited for you! I think I’m going to come visit you after you get back. Good luck with the Council.

  Alix: Thanks!

  “Sara said she might come visit us after we get back from London,” Alix told them. “We’re going to London, doesn’t that sound exciting! I hope we get to do some sightseeing and not have to spend the entire time with the council. I’ve wanted to see Stonehenge my entire life. Oh, and I so want to visit a castle.”

  They spent the rest of the ride to Bozeman talking about what they might see in London. They stopped to get the passport pictures taken and then the ladies went to the mall.

  Natalie said everyone would need at least one formal outfit so that’s where they started. Shay ended up with a beautiful pale blue dress and thanks to Shay, Alix finally found a pink one that she loved.

  “So, Natalie, do you have any idea what to expect while we’re there?” Alix asked as they are shopping.

  “I’ve never been to a Council ceremony before, but I asked a friend of mine who went years ago. She told me that the ceremony to induct you as a new council member happens in the evening on November third. That’s the formal occasion we need the dresses for. The ceremony consists of the five new members being sworn in and replacing the five outgoing members. Then there’s a dinner followed by a meet and greet. People will want to know you Alix, you’ll be very busy after the ceremony. Usually, that’s it, but we’re going to be there for ten days so I’m not sure what else we’re going to do.”

  Finally, they left the mall. As they drove home Alix couldn’t help but feel happy. She’d had a really good day. They dropped Shay off and had a quiet night at home.

  Chapter 2

  Alix’s alarm went off on Monday morning and she actually felt wide awake. She went through her usual routine and even had both her coffee and Shay’s ready before Ben and Shay were there to pick her up. She still never went anywhere alone, but she was slowly getting used to it. Ben took his job as her Protector seriously and made sure someone was with her at all times. If it wasn’t her parents, then it was usually Shay or Ben. Alix heard Ben’s SUV pull up to the house, so she grabbed her school bag and the two coffee’s and went outside.

  Most of the day was just a normal day as a high school senior. The only thing that was different was that when they were leaving Biology, Ben followed her to Culinary Arts. He followed her right into the classroom and sat down at the station with her.

  “What are you doing?” she asked him, as he took out a notebook.

  “I’m getting ready for class,” he answered, as if this was an everyday occurrence.

  “But this isn’t your class. You’re going to be late for Math.”

  “No, I’m not. I transferred to Culinary Arts this morning.”

  Alix wanted to say something, but her mouth was just hanging open. Ben just grinned at her. Finally, she got her mouth moving again.

  “But you need Math to graduate?” was all that she could get out.

  “Yes, I do. I’ll just take it next semester at the same time as you and Shay. I worked everything out with the principal. I was supposed to be taking French, but I already have all my language credits from my other schools. It was just going to be a refresher course for me.”

  “Um … okay. But I still don’t understand why?”

  “I’m your Protector.”

  “And …?”

  “And, that means I need to protect you. I can’t do that if I’m all
the way across the school.”

  “But Mr. Rollins is here, and I don’t think there will be random Grynn popping in and out of my classes. And I think I’ve shown I can take care of myself.”

  “I know you can, but you still don’t get it, Alix. I don’t feel right if I’m not near you. That’s the Protector part of me. I literally feel better when I’m near you. It was torture for me when you went into that cave and I couldn’t follow. I felt helpless. The Protector in me tells me I have to be aware of what you are doing at all times. It sucks when you have to go home after school. It’s one of the reasons I’ve been spending more time with you.”

  Alix was shocked at what Ben just told her, but she was also really happy. She liked spending time with him, too. She didn’t get a chance to say more about it because class was starting.

  When the bell rang they met Shay and Alix filled her in on what Ben had told her in Culinary Arts. Shay thought it was just as interesting as Alix did and asked Ben to tell them more.

  “I’ll do my best to explain. It’s not like it hurts to be separated, I just feel uncomfortable. I mean I can tolerate it, but I feel better when I’m near Alix. You know when you can’t get comfortable watching TV? Kind of like that. As for how far away, so far it doesn’t really matter. When we’re in the same room I feel ok. Other than that, I haven’t really figured it out, I’m still learning all about this too. Mom and dad don’t really know how to help me, and they don’t know any other Protectors.”

  By the time they got to Alix’s house she could see that Ben still had something on his mind. Instead of bringing it up now she decided to talk to him later. The three of them went in and started doing homework. Shortly after her dad got home Ben and Shay left. After dinner her dad was watching TV and Alix was reading. She was still thinking about what Ben had told her earlier, so she decided to text him.

  Alix: Hey. Are you busy?

  Ben: No. What’s up?