Pink Moon: A New World Series

By Tonya Coffey

Cast from her home, Jessa struggles to find a place among the realms. With the loss of power, her premonitions are vague and tormenting. However with Micha at her side, she has hope for the future.

Micha has found his stride as the Ancient King. Nevertheless, the Shadows refuse to allow a Faerie sit on the Ancient's throne, keeping them apart.
Instead of fighting against the Shadows, he focuses his rage on the one who stole Jessa's powers, a hidden heir herself. When he thinks he has everything under control, he is pulled into a dire situation that will force Jessa's hand.

Accepting what needs to be done, Jessa takes a risk to save Micha - a choice that may be her last. Who will be standing when the smoke clears?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Saguaro Books, LLC
• Release date: Nov 24, 2016
• ISBN: 9781540306593

Tonya Coffey

Tonya Coffey lives in Stearns, Kentucky with her husband and two teen sons. Together, they inspire her to push her boundaries in whatever she faces. If she isn't reading a fantasy novel with lots of action, you will find her sitting in front of a canvas, painting the landscape ,which is so abundant around her home. Visit her website at http://coffeytonya.wix.com/tonya-coffey

Book preview

Prologue

Romulus

Leather and musk swirled into my head as I flipped through the papers. Scrolls dated back, before time, were covered in a thick layer of dust, which caused my nose to itch. Spider webs stretched out in all directions in a shear fabric around tubes and along the rock walls.

A small flame flickered from a single candle where I had tucked it on a protruding stone, allowing me to read the words scratched across the skin. The yellow flame highlighted the paper so I could make out the scribble.

The Keeper, who meticulously recorded the words across the pages, knew of their importance. They were words, which could bring down an entire race, so he made sure only a few could read the language. Luckily for me, I was a scholar of words. I knew all languages even some that were considered forbidden to our world - a world tumbling into darkness.

A clump of snow fell from a tree limb outside the opening of the tomb. Turning, I stared out into the blinding whiteness. Each time a sound startled me, I looked to see if the Sylphs had sent someone to silence my tongue. However, I would not be silenced. Even in my death, I would tell of the deception the Sylphs cast upon our queen - my daughter - and the people.

I thought of Jessa as my own. After all, I watched her become an amazing queen and, if it was the last thing I did, I would watch her become the mother of the one who would rule the realms.

Nevertheless, my visions terrified me.

They come and go but they are still the same—a hollow void of sadness encircling Micha. You do not need to be a Dream Reader to understand the vision.

He will be alone.

It was why I searched in this pit of lies. Lies the Sylphs cast upon the Faeries so we would not suspect them. Still, I question their very existence. Our reason for living. It baffles me.

Reaching down, I took the scroll from the bottom pile. It was tucked against the rock wall half covered in the dirt. I had picked the corner clean and it was the last—the foundation of the pile. It made me wonder what secrets it held. Did it hold the answers I sought?

Stretching it open, the words jumped out at me as if I was hit in the gut. It was the first. A diary, of sorts, from the one who created our world. A record created by the gods acknowledging our future paths.

My eyes filtered through the babble until a single word attracted me, as if my eyes were glued to the word. Seer. Turning, I held the scroll next to the light. I could not believe my eyes. I had proof of the deception which formed our colony. The prophecy set in stone of the days we lived. Are living.

The Seer spoke of the war between the Dark and Light. She told of the Elementals who would stop the Sylph and of a Sorcerer who would take all the powers of the realms. With the theft, the Sorceress would cause the destruction of the Faerie queen.

Sucking in a breath, I rolled the scroll closed, tucked it back against the rock and hurried to restore the structure back to wince it began, hoping no one would notice my intrusion.

When I restored the scrolls, I took my candle and stepped out into the light and closed the thick wooden door behind me. The brightness caused me to squint, allowing my eyes to focus in the light. A new inch of snow had fallen since I entered, filling my shoe prints along the path I took.

Hurrying off to my home, the sounds of feet crunching in the snow filled the woods around me. Stopping, I turned, looking in every direction but nothing stood out. Turning back, Aurora stood before me; her regal manner, obscured by the anger in her eyes. Stepping back, I gasped from her sudden appearance.

Aurora smiled. Did I startle you?

Pulling together my composer, I answered, Only for a moment.

She regarded me with a slight smile. Best not let it happen again. She added, Your fragile heart and all.

What do I owe the honor of your presence?

She turned, slightly, looking in the direction from where I came. You like your books, Romulus. You are always searching through our records. She stepped toward me. Why?

I am only curious.

Aurora looked down at me. Her green eyes narrowed as if reading my soul. I know what you have done and with whom you conspire. She took a breath. Do not make me the witch you think I am.

I liked her words. You do not need me to show others your true colors, Aurora. I stepped around her. You do it on your own.

I am warning you, Romulus. Do not pry.

It did not matter what she said or of the threats she uttered. I would do what I felt was right and stopping her was the second thing on my list. Saving Jessa is the first.

Chapter 1

Jessa

The sun rose on the horizon, casting yellow hues along the white ground. Slender trees stood between the sun and me. Shadows reached out in a soft silhouette, as if they wanted to pull me into the fading light. Birds filled the graying branches, calling out to one another of the new day.

I sat, huddled in my shelter, eyes fixed on the golden flames dancing above blackened wood. My body shook from the cold or the fear that coursed through my veins. I didn’t know which one it was. Yet, as I thought about it, maybe it was a little of both.

When Ivy left, I fell into Micha’s arms, wanting him to tell me everything was back to normal; that my life was the same and I’d only escaped a death attempt. But, when Micha left, I realized my life, as I knew it, was over. I wasn’t the queen in the Sylphs or Elders eyes. I was an escaped convict.

A fugitive...

Inhaling the smoke and cold air, I pulled the blanket tighter around my shoulders. The crisp breeze found its way through the make shift shelter, stinging my exposed skin. I couldn’t live here like this. With each heartbeat and each chill, I was reminded of the enviable. I’d freeze to death.

Standing, I paced in front of the fire, trying to get my blood pumping. Hoping the exercise would warm me some anyway. However, with each step, it was harder to take the next. I wanted to give up. I had no hope. No reason for going on.

My mind kept drifting off with each step. I wondered if I should’ve done something different, if the road I took was the right one. Still, as I pondered on my endeavors, I realized it didn’t matter what I did. I’d have still ended up where I was—cast from the Sylphs view as the queen.

From the moment I was born, they used me. They molded me into the person they wanted me to be and when I was of no use to them, they cut the ties.

Looking out over mine and Micha’s field, a smile touched my lips. Micha wasn’t part of their plan. He intervened and now that the Sylph knew who he was...well, I assume they did. After all, Elam was one of them. It doesn’t matter though, they’ll still try to kill us.

My skin crawled as I faced the fire. They used me. Turning to my shelter, my eyes fell to an empty blanket. The scrolls I’d read for days and my diaries were absent. I realized then, I’ve lost them.

Groaning, I closed my eyes letting my head fall back. Great.

I was alone; no one to guide me. Taking a frustrated breath, I fell back into the shelter and pulled the blanket tighter around my body. I felt useless.

Get used to it, Jessa. Eyes narrowing at the entrance where Micha emerged every night, I thought. You’re thoughts are all you have to keep you company.

Micha’ll be back.

Tonight?

Yes, he will.

Keep telling yourself that, my mind goaded. Do you think he wants a powerless orphan?

Taking a deep breath, as my eyes widened. My power? I looked at my hands. It’s gone. I knew it was. From the moment I joined hands with Micha, I knew it was consumed—well most of it, the Physical power, anyway. It was my Sylph power. It was all they could drain from me but...

Rubbing a hand across my forehead, I tried to remember what the scrolls had said. If there was anything about a surrogate, because I was beginning to believe I was the Sylphs’ vessel for the power.

As I stared at the flames, I tried to think why or for whom. The more I thought, only one answer made sense; only one answer for both questions. Aurora.

Chapter 2

Micha

The dark chamber rattled as the Shadows filtered in from the depths of darkness and into their perspective throne. Marcus stood before me, a slight smile on his lips. It was an odd appearance to a man who seldom showed emotion.

As I walked hesitantly to the center of the room, whispers echoed around me. My eyes constantly drifted between each of the Shadows and to Marcus, as I tried to understand what was happening. From time to time, words of praise filtered in with word of the Sylph.

Drawing in a breath of stale air, I focused on Marcus and the consequences of my actions. Bren warned me. However, I was too stubborn to listen.

Marcus raised his hand, signaling the others to be quiet as he addressed the king. The crackling of wood in the oversized fireplace filled the silence around us.

Well done, Micha, King of Ancients. His voice boomed against the rock walls and carried into the tall ceiling. We are pleased you took initiative, freeing our people from the Falls. A rolling echo of conformation carried around the room.

I stood speechless. No words came to mind, as I stood before them. I could not say I did it for a Faery or their queen. They would not understand...or would they? She was the same as I. A mixture of Light and Dark. Would they see her as one of us?

What do you say, King Micha? Marcus’ voice pulled me from my thoughts.

Clearing my throat, I pulled some words together. I did not do it for the praise you bestow upon me. I did it for the...love...I have for the people. I spoke with some truth.

Marcus stared at me. His eyes narrowed, as if he could read my inner thoughts. Swallowing the lump rising in my throat, I hoped he was blind to my heart. To the real reason, I put myself in danger.

Instead, Marcus lifted his hands in front of him and clapped. The Shadows followed suite as if they had no mind of their own. Marcus was the puppeteer.

I am honored to serve such a selfless king. Bren stepped forward, offering me his hand. I turned to face him and noticed the Bookkeeper hovering in the back corner.

My eyes drifted to the book he clung to then back to Bren. His face showed annoyance and his voice was full of sarcasm when he spoke. Then the realization hit me. He tried to warn me. For me to wait for the Ancients, but I refused. Therefore, I would receive the consequences of my actions. The Keeper was there to tell me of my fate—my doom.

Welcome, Keeper, Marcus called from his throne. Please read for us the results of a courageous king.

As the Keeper flipped his book open, he moved forward to stand next to me. I noticed he was not the same blubbering, clumsy man as the first time I had met him. He was confident now. I wondered if I had a hand in the transformation.

I tried to warn you, Bren whispered at my side.

Narrowing my eyes at him, I asked, Warn me about what exactly? It could not be as bad as he anticipated. Could it?

You must...

The Keeper began to read from his book, drowning out Bren’s whisper. When a king shows compassion and selflessness for his people, it reflects his power and, therefore, he shall pass on that strength to an heir.

My body went slack. Did I hear him right? I felt as if my world had been ripped away and I was left floating in space. Closing my eyes, I wanted to scream, why?

Turning to Bren, his face solemn, I wanted to strangle him for allowing me to do something that jeopardized my life with Jess. I frowned at him. You should have told me.

Thank you, Keeper, Marcus said, You may go.

As the Keeper walked away, I turned, facing Bren fully. Why did you not tell me?

I tried, he whispered, You would not listen.

Frustrated, I knew he was right. I would not listen. Jess was in danger and it did not matter what I had to face. Still, I would do it all again.

I will do what I can to fix it.

Nodding, I took a breath and faced Marcus.

Please come forward, King Micha. As if my soul left my body, I stepped forward meeting Marcus at the bottom of his throne. We took the liberty of choosing a few beautiful girls who we feel would make strong queens.

Lifelessly, I followed Marcus to my quarters, Bren lagged behind. These girls are strong minded, smart and from a worthy line. He smiled. Everything you need to carry on your legacy.

Marcus opened the door, revealing a line of girls waiting in the long hallway outside my chambers. Exhaling, I glanced to Bren. He shrugged as if he knew nothing of it.

You have until night fall to choose one who...tickles your fancy.

Marcus turned away as each of the Shadows vanished. Bren closed the distance between us looking down the hallway, as I asked, How will you fix this?

Bren placed his palm on my shoulder. I am not sure but have some faith in me.

Bren began to walk forward but I grabbed his arm, stopping him. Let’s walk around and enter through the other door. I am not ready to face them yet. He nodded and closed the door. I only wished it was on the entire ordeal.

Chapter 3

Hours ticked by as I sat in my room, listening to the ramblings of girls who wanted me to choose them as the future queen. Luckily,

Reviews for Pink Moon

[lawonder10 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Although it would probably have a more profound effect on this review if I had read the first two books in the series, Pink Moon can be read as a "stand alone" and the reader still able to follow.This story is about a young girl thrown into a world she, originally, never knew existed, only to be betrayed by those who were suppose to be the most loyal to her. It is, also, about unconditional love a young girl and a young man share for each other...a forbidden love.The ending succeeded in stimulating the reader's curiosity but felt somewhat incomplete. It is the type of book one needs the whole series to get the full effect of the tales of this couple.The characters are quite well developed, the scenes vividly portrayed, the Book Cover is attractive and eye-catching, however, I failed to discover why the title was chosen...It vaguely referred to a Pink Moon.I enjoyed reading it and it would be a good series for YA. It is very "clean".This book was gifted me but in no way affects my honest review I have given.