Destiny Maker: Lost Souls Trilogy Book One

By Melissa Dugger

Katie is plagued with dreams and visions she cant understand. Its not until her dad goes missing and she enters the spirit realm to find him that the pieces start to fall into place.

A reaping of souls has begun, and Semonic, the ruler of Dylonia, will stop at nothing until every soul belongs to the darkness.

While the souls of men rally to defeat him, Katie must decide whether her soul can accept her destinyand whether her heart can survive the two men sworn to protect her. Only the Destiny Maker knows if she will lose her life and possibly her heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Dec 20, 2013
• ISBN: 9781490817705

Melissa Dugger

Melissa Dugger has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, specializing in language arts, and is seeking her master’s degree as a reading specialist. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and four children. Destiny Maker, the first book in the Lost Souls Trilogy, is her debut novel.

Book preview

Destiny

Maker

Lost Souls Trilogy Book One

Melissa Dugger

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Copyright © 2013 Melissa Dugger.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

WestBow Press books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

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Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

All rights reserved.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4908-1771-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-1772-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-1770-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013921628

WestBow Press rev. date: 12/18/2013

Contents

Prologue

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-One

Twenty-Two

Twenty-Three

Twenty-Four

Twenty-Five

Twenty-Six

Twenty-Seven

Twenty-Eight

Twenty-Nine

Thirty

Thirty-One

The book is dedicated to my Lord and Savior

for the words and for creating us each with a destiny,

to Lauren, Chad, Tiffany, and Joey for being my greatest treasures,

to my mom and dad for listening to story after story idea,

and to my husband for all the endless coffee dates.

Thank you for believing in me.

Take your sickle and reap,

because the time to reap has come,

for the harvest of the Earth is ripe.

Revelation 14:15

Prologue

D arkness swirled all around, snuffing out any light trying to push through. Creatures loomed, dark and perfect in form, over the crowd of villagers grasping for safety.

Hand it over, commanded the leader. I know it’s here. You can’t hide it forever.

Silence fell over the crowd; no one dared to speak up. Wood popped and spit in the pit, as the fire lashed and burned through it. The smell of death rose in the stifling air. Heads lowered, each face frozen with terror. Finally, one man stood up against the darkness.

Who are you to order us around? Heads shot up all around, as they turned towards the man who spoke. He waded forward, not giving heed to the threat of annihilation that surrounded them.

Surely you know who I am! The leader’s voice grew deeper, his two black eyes spilling out venom and hate.

A squeal rose as the creatures all snarled in unison at the new comer who did not know his place. The leader whipped around and silenced them with one wave of his arm. You’re new here. No matter, you’ll learn soon enough who I am and what I can do to anyone who stands against me.

Really? Because from where I’m standing you look like nothing, boomed back the man. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, as he felt his temper rise. As long as he had breath in him, he would not sit back and watch these people being tortured.

You fool; don’t speak to Semonic that way. You have no idea what he can do to you, to all of us. An older man limped over to the brave, but impetuous challenger. He tried with all his might to squelch the man’s stance.

Semonic? Is that its name? He placed a calm hand on the older man’s shoulder. Don’t worry about this darkness. It won’t stand forever. He holds no power over you; over any of us. As he spoke, a large shadow fell over his head. A chill rippled down his spine. He turned to see two dark black eyes searing into him.

You have no idea what torment you have unleashed on these people, Semonic hissed as he motioned for his dark creatures to start their torture. The man lowered his head, but only for a moment. His breath slowed, and the anger in his soul turned to sorrow at what his actions would inflict on the ones he had tried so hard to protect.

A fog began to appear. It swirled faster and faster around the screaming villagers. They faded away until only one remained. Semonic raised a sharp clawed hand, prepared to swipe out the man.

Even if you kill me, another will rise up and destroy you.

Semonic laughed, Do you really think I am frightened by some prophecy? You’re a bigger fool than I thought.

I lose nothing by believing in something bigger than you; you however, will lose everything if what I believe is true.

The creatures swarmed the man; ripping and clawing at his skin, leaving nothing except raw strands of muscle. Semonic rose above them all, thundering and smiling to himself, Now who holds the power?

The man, streams of sweat and blood running across his lips, pulled all the strength his soul had and screamed one name into the night.

Katherine!

One

K atie Duncan bolted straight up in bed. A cold sweat glistened on her pale skin. Her strawberry-kissed curls bounced around, whipping at her sleepy eyes. Rays of sunlight peeked their way through the lavender curtains in her room. As she snuggled her way back down below her fluffy olive green comforter, she squeezed her eyes as tight as she could.

Ugh! Not dark enough, she thought to herself.

She burrowed her way beneath pillows and sheets until no light could shine its way into her foggy morning dream, and then took a deep breath as she tried to calm her racing heart.

Dreams had been creeping, no forcing, their way into her head. They threatened to take control of her life. She couldn’t sleep. Her lack of appetite was drawing unwanted attention from her mom. Each dream led to another, opening small pieces of a larger picture. A picture she had no desire to see. These dreams, more like nightmares, were horrible, and all she wondered was why she had to endure them at all. Her heart pounded in her chest as she thought back on the one that woke her that very morning; one of the darkest ones she’d had, it was driven by a beat. She shook her head, trying to clear it, but every thought muddled and converged at one nexus, a connection of sorts to something, to someone, and the dreams were building.

Why had the man yelled her name? Even though she wanted nothing to do with the dreams, she needed to connect the pieces and somehow decipher what they meant. She tried to revisit her dream and this time focus only on the man who had yelled her name. A knot stabbed her stomach as she started to twist a curl tightly around her finger.

A small thud sounded just outside her bedroom door, drawing her out of her tunneled thoughts. Ugh! Just one morning she would love to sleep in without anything, or rather anyone bothering her, specifically speaking, her mom. The white door creaked opened. Stupid creak. It was another thing her dad would fix when he returned home. Dad! Oh my gosh, he’s coming home today. Today’s Saturday, right? Yeah – yeah it is, oh my gosh. This wasn’t just any Saturday; this was the most important Saturday in months.

John Duncan, Katie’s dad, accepted assignments all over the world, and his latest one had taken him far away for twelve long excruciating months. Wonco, Inc., owned him, and had for twenty-six years. The company specialized in scientific explorations, the ones no one else could explain. That’s when her dad’s team would get called in, and they went to work. They were the best at what they did, and this particular job was the biggest one he’d ever been asked to take on.

It helped that he had wanted this type of adventure for years. The only problem was this adventure wasn’t ordinary. Their latest discovery brought the company into uncharted territory, causing a lock-down at every level. Everything involving it became hush-hush, even the letters her dad wrote to her were examined before they could be mailed. He wasn’t even allowed to call. But today, thank goodness, would end the yearlong stage of worry her mom had burrowed herself in. Unfortunately, Katie and her mom’s late night ice cream and coffee would cease to exist. Once her dad returned home, her mom would abandon those quiet evenings in exchange for making up for lost time with him.

Those late nights, their one saving grace, were about the only time Katie’s mom showed any interest in her. No talking took place, but when she couldn’t sleep, somehow she didn’t feel so alone when her mom endured the silence with her. Movies seemed to be the only thing they could enjoy together without an argument taking place.

Katie was more than ready for life to return to normal, or as normal as she had ever known it to be. Her mom was born to worry, and not receiving regular news from her dad brought her mom’s worry to an all-time high. Katie’s mom, Susan, only received sporadic letters, and Katie could tell she was desperate for more from him. Katie on the other hand received letters on a regular basis. Even with the letters it wasn’t the same as having him there in person, ready with a hug, whenever she needed one. Nothing could compare to the one on one time she got to spend with her dad out on the over hanging roof, which jutted out from her bedroom window, offering the perfect outdoor sanctuary.

Katie closed her eyes and could hear him telling her of his latest adventure, filling in all the missing details his letters couldn’t. His arms waved wildly in the air, and he jumped around pretending to be whatever crazy animal he had encountered. His eyes sparkled, and challenged even the brightest stars when he told stories.

Susan hated all the thumping that took place. Once, their reenactments had shaken a painting right off the wall. And the result was not pretty at all. Silent stillness framed her mom’s perfect sanctuary, not adventure, and it was definitely not filled with rambunctious activity.

Katie, it’s almost eight. Susan’s voice broke into her thoughts. If you’re going to get everything done, you need to get up. She patted Katie’s leg as she strolled by the bed toward the large bay window.

Eight? Really Mom— She sighed and rolled her eyes. Thank goodness her mom couldn’t see her, because she would be mincemeat for…

Katherine Marie, Katie froze. Maybe she could see through the blankets. Her mom always had a way of giving this tone that just ended any conversation that might have taken place.

Right! Got it Mom. Katie gave one more stretch, letting a long yawn escape her lips as she threw back the covers and rolled herself out of the bed.

Come on sleepy head. The day’s leaving you behind. Her mom whipped open the curtains allowing a sudden wash of warm sun beams to enter the room.

Mom, Katie groaned, really… Good ’ole practical mom, always thinking sunshine could brighten your day. Too bad it hadn’t worked for her worry-wart of a mother. Katie yanked her fuzzy brown blanket from her reading chair and pulled it over her head as she plopped down. Her mom really didn’t think sometimes. Not a morning person remember? Her muffled groan rose from beneath the blanket.

Oh come on, it’s beautiful outside, and you could use some bright sunshine. You’ve been moping around for months.

Mom, I don’t think a little light is going to fix that.

Sunshine makes everything better, and you need it. Her mom sounded way too cheery today. She had gotten really good at masking what she truly felt.

Me? What about you, huh? Katie inched her blanket down and squinted against the bright light. You’ve done nothing but worry ever since those men came and picked Dad up a year ago. I think you have me beat on the whole moping thing.

Susan’s smile, now feeling heavy on her face, faded as she turned to pick up some laundry off the floor. You are so much like your dad, she stared at a picture of John and Katie.

Katie giggled to herself as the memory of that day flooded in on her cluttered thoughts. They had discovered an odd looking insect on the driveway and couldn’t wait to capture it so they could study it. She had way more in common with her dad than with her mom. Her mom always seemed to be—well, she had always been the third wheel. Her mom didn’t like exploring outside her tidy box, which left her on the inside looking out at the world, and her mom was okay with that. Someday Katie hoped her mom would be able to find something that would connect her to them, but right now it was her dad that held them together.

It’ll do us both good to have him home, Susan said. Her mom stared out the window as if caught in memories of her own. Now get ready and come down for breakfast. Eggs and bacon aren’t good cold.

Katie stared in a fog of disbelief as her mom meandered out of her room, picking up stray pieces of clothes as she went. Her mom would never truly understand what makes her tick; she was… well, Mom. Her dad followed her quirkiness though. He understood Katie, it looked like her mom never would. Katie tried to understand her mom, but where Katie leapt off the page of life, her mom sucked the joy out of anything remotely adventurous. Lips pinched together, she shrugged off the confusion she felt when she had to deal with her mom.

Katie lunged for the rubber band on her nightstand and pulled back her unruly hair. She was done being sucked into the worry prison her mom had constructed. She’d give her mom one thing; she was quite the architect, because the walls in her prison were almost impossible to break down. Susan was tough. Tough to read. Tough to talk to. Just tough. She was right about one inescapable fact, the day was slipping away, and before Katie knew it, her dad would be home.

She squeezed her blanket and giggled like a little girl about to get a huge fluffy monkey. She leaped out of her oversized reading chair and started to run for the closet. Like so many times in her life, things didn’t go exactly as she planned, and her feet succeeded in tangling up in the blanket which caused her to look like a martinet doll dancing across the floor. Instead of Prince Charming, her dance partner took the form of her vanity stool which apparently had two left feet, because the silly thing helped her flip right over the top of it and land back on the floor with nothing showing but her bare feet dangling in the air.

White Kitten come in. A faint voice rose from the small black walkie-talkie by her window bench. White Kitten I know you’re there.

Katie propped herself up on her elbows. No way, she thought, Paul? Figures. She scrambled to find her way out of the tangled blanket. When light finally appeared she grabbed her walkie-talkie and sat down with a thud.

What do you want? Her voice sounded chopped and grumpy.

I’m sorry… who is this?

Katie turned and stared out her window, looking directly at the face she had grown to rely on over the years. Paul gave her a shrug and a smile that told her he understood things about her that no one else did. White Kitten here, she smiled.

And…

She shook her head and smirked to herself. Paul leaned out his open window and waited for her reply. They had played this game since they were eight. She had just moved in next door, and Paul gave her the first walkie-talkie she had ever owned. Their windows faced each other, and many nights their parents had heard talking till all hours.

In elementary school they chattered about the crazy people they lived around, and about whoever might be cruising in front of their porches that day. Middle School brought babble about boyfriend and girlfriend dilemmas. They had thought everything was so life and death back then, and then high school hit, introducing those topics that boys and girls weren’t supposed to speak of to each other. Paul and Katie both decided to break the gender codes and share the deep dark secrets of the opposite sex. Paul was the one person Katie felt she could completely open up to about her darkest thoughts and inner ponderings, even her dad didn’t get that privilege; there were just some things a little girl could not share with her dad.

She didn’t know any other eighteen year olds that still used walkie-talkies, but until Paul decided it was too silly, she would play along. She wouldn’t be the one to burst his childhood bubble.

Are you losing interest in me? His voice teased her back to reality.

Never—

"Well then?

White Kitten here, do you have any milk? She raised her window, and beamed into his green eyes.

Milk Man here! He gave a low bow, raising his hand to his heart.

You’re crazy, you know that, she giggled. Her eyes danced with joy at the closeness she felt with her best friend. She’d known for some time that she would do anything for him; this boy who was ever present in her life. The thought stopped her. He really wasn’t a boy anymore. When had that happened?

Crazy is that dance you just performed across your room, his eyebrows shot up, and a mischievous grin pulled at the corners of his lips.

Katie’s eyes grew huge as she gasped, You saw that? She gulped and waited for the answer she already knew was coming. Heat rushed to her cheeks giving them a cherry tinted hue.

Yep – the whole thing. If I had it on video, the social networks would already have it, but I did tweet about your talents as a dancer.

You wouldn’t – you didn’t – I’m going to kill you. She sat the walkie-talkie down as she squealed across to his window.

You’ll never know. He leaned out his window and hollered back.

You rat!

Hey, that’s a little harsh. I’m truly wounded.

Who was she fooling? No matter how horrible the offense, she would never be able to stay upset with him. No you’re not, she said. But if you’re not a rat you are definitely—

Let’s just leave it at adorably charming. His smile radiated through his eyes.

After pretending to give it serious thought, she shrugged her shoulders and said, Maybe.

I’ll take it, he quickly said. So, today’s the day, right?

Ya, just in time for graduation next week. I have so much to do. I can’t believe it’s finally here. Katie couldn’t contain her excitement.

Do you need any help getting your stuff done? If so, I’m your man.

No, I should be good, thanks though. Wait a minute; I thought Mark was coming over to hang out in your man cave.

Ya, but you trump any dude. He waved it off as if it were no big deal. He had to do a better job at hiding his feelings or she was going to figure out more than he was ready for her to. Better than any dude? That was the understatement of the year. Katie was his best friend, and he was not ashamed to admit it. She was spunky and had a way of understanding him that even his guy friends didn’t get. He didn’t know how, but it was as if they were connected by some force, some power that pulled at them, and tethered them together. He would rather spend all day lounging and listening to her stories, than even playing football; now that would be a secret not even Katie would find out.

I’m so touched, she fluttered her eyes and put her hand up to her heart. I’ve always wanted to mean more to you than a guy, she snickered.

Hey now, be nice.

Always… I better go. She stood up and waved as she tugged her window closed, wishing she could just linger there and talk to him all day.

I’m here if you need me. His voice came across the walkie-talkie loud and clear. His voice calmed her like a blanket softly wrapping her in safety.

I know… White Kitten out. She blew him a little kiss, a ritual they had started about a year ago. He caught it and took it to his chest. Katie watched as Paul left the window. A strange spark tingled on her lips. She licked them; rubbing them together as her mind retraced the floating kiss she had sent his direction. For the first time in her life, she was oddly aware of that part of her face. She nibbled on her lower lip as her breath teased the wet surface. A smile played across her face as she twirled around to clear her head before dressing for the day.

Two

K atie couldn’t believe her dad was coming home today. She danced along to the CD he had bought her before he left on his latest assignment. The vacuum was an excellent partner because it couldn’t cringe every time she stepped on its toes. She held a tight grip on the handle as she twisted and turned across the living room floor.

She didn’t necessarily enjoy working, but her dad had always told her work goes by quicker if a person tries to make it fun. Since dancing was her favorite thing to do, she thought, why not dance and work, seemed like a logical joining to her.

The house smelt like a pine tree forest. Freshness floated through the air. She already had the bathrooms sparkling and dishes clean; all she had left to do was hang the lopsided banner she had painted. Tangy strawberry drifted down the hall from the kitchen as her dad’s favorite cake cooled on