The Wonder Soul

By Alysia Seymour

Zoe thinks life is working out just as she planned, only she'd forgotten that the dream of holding down a steady job, marrying the high-school sweetheart, and starting a cookie-cutter family wasn't her own. And when this perfect life crashes down around her, the decision to leave her old life behind will catapult her into a pool of lost memories and magical places that she left behind long ago. 

She finds herself at the cottage by the sea where she is befriended by the most unlikely people, surrounded by a magical force that haunts her waking and sleeping moments. Zoe must decide if she will continue to fear this magic, or embrace it as part of who she is and uncover why it's calling to her.

To make things even worse, Zoe also faces a life-threatening experience and is a witness to death for the first time.

But most importantly, Zoe must discover the true magic that exists within her and all around her. If she fails, not only will Zoe risk her sanity, but the potential to forget who she was before she lost her child-like wonder—and her connection to magical unseen places—to the cruelty of the world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alysia Seymour
• Release date: Nov 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386312451

Alysia Seymour

Alysia Seymour is a fantasy author who loves to explore stories through a spiritual and internal focused lens. She believes fantasy stories are the gateway to our imaginations, not only within fantasy worlds, but within our own lives. Through her novels, Alysia uses her own life experiences as her story ideas and to create real, vulnerable characters. After writing three novels in this way, and coaching her clients to do the same, Alysia decided to write a book on the subject of the internal writer’s journey to make this idea more accessible to aspiring fiction writers. She writes in a straightforward, honest, and unveiling way that allows the readers to absorb the ideas presented in a way that’s personal to them. Through this book, Alysia guides you to a new perspective on what it means to be a fiction author, exposing the side of the writing journey that isn’t as popular to talk about—the internal journey.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Virgil waited by the secret door hidden deep within the forest that led into the Unseen. He fidgeted with his vest, tugging at the bottom to make sure it was perfectly in place. A nervous habit. It was nearly three o’clock when the human world determined it a decent hour for their children to be set free from the industrial-looking building they called a school.

He didn’t understand why people felt the need to assign time to their days. It was much more freeing to live by the sun. To wake up at first light, travel and explore, and then settle in at sunset—magical.

It made Virgil sad that these wonderful children were forced into such constraints and societal expectations. He already sensed that Zoe was slipping away from him. She needed what the Unseen offered, and Virgil feared for her child-like wonder if she lost touch with him and the magic that the Unseen held. He was determined not to let her get sucked into the terrible mindset that most adults in the human world conformed to.

Yet, a deep nagging in his gut that told him something wasn’t right. Zoe should have been here by now. She said she would be. By the position of the sun in the sky, Virgil knew it was getting too late. Soon Zoe would have to stay inside to do homework and eat dinner.  

He felt uneasy.

Just when he was about to give up and return to the safety of his home behind the secret door, he heard footsteps pounding against the leaf-covered ground, headed right for him. Someone knocked him down, covering him in waves of long red curls.

Zoe sobbed into his shoulder. She was twice his size, but he did his best to comfort her with an arm wrapped halfway around her back.

What is it Zoe? Virgil asked, his voice filled with worry. She faded so fast, he could sense it—the pain within her at this very moment and he knew the pressures of her society were getting to her.

Zoe sobbed for a while longer before catching her breath to speak. It was awful Virgil, she said, pulling away to look at him with her dirt-covered, tear-stained face. They don’t understand. They all hate me.

Who? What happened? Virgil asked. Zoe shook her head as if signaling to him that she didn’t want to talk about it.

Virgil helped Zoe to her feet and guided her through the door, into the Unseen. As Zoe passed under the archway, the surrounding air pulsed and shifted until she was safely on the other side. Inside, a long tunnel lit with lanterns showed the way. Virgil led Zoe toward a vast cavern. The bare ledge where they stood looked over an entire magical city filled with creatures much like Virgil.

Carved from the stone walls of the cavern, enormous, intricate structures that were used as common places for gathering. In the shadow, where the light of the lanterns didn’t reach, the rocks twinkled like stars, casting a mystical glow over the whole of the city.

Virgil took her hand and started down the winding path, guiding the way, but Zoe held back.

I can’t, Zoe said, tears filling her eyes again. I can’t go with you. Not anymore.

Virgil stared at Zoe, the flickering light of the lanterns reflecting in his eyes. Tell me what happened Zoe. Who doesn’t understand?

Zoe flung her hands in the air. The other kids at school. They think I’m a freak for believing in magic and reading my books.

She looked at Virgil, standing just one head taller than him. They hurt me today, she said. "Pulled out handfuls of my hair and ripped my dress. And now my mom wants me to see a professional to help me grow up and forget about all of this nonsense.

Virgil’s eyes widened. He rested his hand to her shoulder and spoke softly. Zoe, you deserve none of that. Your soul is far too bright, and your mind is far too creative to be held down by any of them. The gifts you possess—

Zoe ripped herself from Virgil’s grasp. Stop it, she said in a harsh tone.

Virgil pulled away. Zoe never got angry with him.

I’m sorry, Zoe said. Tears flowed down her freckled cheeks again. I can’t keep coming here. I have to stop. It’s the only way.

Virgil looked at his longtime friend. The one he’d observed as a five-year-old girl running barefoot through the forest with feet covered in mud.

You don't mean it, Virgil said in almost a whisper. You know what that will do to us. He bowed his head, and closing his eyes, took a deep breath. But if it’s what you feel is right, then you must do it.

Zoe paused, thinking over her decision. You would just let me walk out and never come back?

Only you have the power to choose your path Zoe—whatever that path is. I can’t decide for you.

Zoe bit her lip. With a heavy sigh, she decided. I have to go.

You understand what it means if you leave right now with the intention of not returning?

I won’t be able to enter the Unseen or see any of you again, Zoe answered, sobbing between her words. Of course I don’t want that, but I also can’t live as the weirdo in my school anymore. It’s awful.

Virgil nodded. It made sense that Zoe would think that walking away from the magic would end her misery. Most children fell into this belief at some point. Should you change your mind, it will be a long journey back. But it is possible. Always know that.

Zoe held her breath, trying to keep more tears from pouring out. She quickly bent down and kissed Virgil on the top of his head. Before he could say anything else, she turned and ran down the tunnel, her footsteps fading away as she reached the secret door, vanishing beyond it.

She was gone.

CHAPTER ONE

Betrayal

The summer air drifted through the window of a Pacific Beach restaurant. There was a subtle purple and orange color to the sky as the sun set and the moon smiled down on Zoe from over the ocean water.

She gazed out into the starry sky as Jeremy spoke about his fancy new BMW. Not that she wasn’t interested in what he had to say, but he had been talking about it since they’d sat down. Zoe understood his excitement, but she had a hard time discussing a car for any length of time. However, this was what Jeremy did whenever he got a shiny new toy, but Zoe couldn't share his enthusiasm when half the population of San Diego drove a BMW.

A shift in the tone of his voice pulled Zoe’s attention back to him.

Zoe, I need to talk to you, he said, dropping the BMW conversation without warning and clearing his throat awkwardly.

She watched as he loosened the collar of the shirt around his neck. His face looked pale and sweaty, and he stumbled over his words.

What is it? asked Zoe. This wasn’t like Jeremy, the calm and confident man. I’m here for you, tell me.

She reached her hand across the white table cloth and touched his arm. At her touch, he pulled away. Zoe sat back in her chair, an uneasy feeling filling her stomach. She waited, watching him fumble with his watch, avoiding eye contact with her.

This isn’t easy . . . he started. His tone created heavy tension throughout Zoe’s entire body, all her muscles tightening to keep herself composed. She knew that voice. It meant nothing good was coming. Whenever he had bad news to deliver, a froggy croak overtook his usual smooth talking. He lifted his gaze to look at her, those brown eyes now cold as ice.

I can’t be with you anymore, Jeremy said.

Zoe’s heart pounded in her chest, and she felt the thumping in her head. She didn’t expect this level of bad. What are you talking about?

This isn’t working, Zoe, Jeremy replied, gesturing the space between them with his hands. It seemed easier for him to speak now that he had spilled initial declaration. His words poured out like vomit. You and I, we don’t mesh. We haven’t for quite some time, and I’ve been involved with someone else. Someone who gets me and what I need. I hope you understand.

He gave her a weak smile from across the table.

Zoe couldn’t focus. Did she hear him right? The clanking dishes from fellow restaurant goers enjoying their meals rang in her ears. The crystal light fixtures turned into blobs of melted glass as a blackout threatened her consciousness.

Zoe? Jeremy asked. Please, say something.

Her disorientation faded as she slowly came back to herself, their relationship becoming clear for the first time. She looked at Jeremy with his pathetic expression, as if smiling at her like that would make everything okay

Are you telling me that you’ve been cheating on me? It was written all over his face. Guilty, though he didn’t seem to care. Smug. Proud to have accomplished having two women believing his lies. His reaction to her question was all Zoe needed. Nothing else mattered.

She stood up.

I never want to see you again, she said with so much contempt in her voice he recoiled from her as she passed by him and walked toward the door of the restaurant.

She sensed the eyes of fellow diners on her. She’d made a scene which was so unlike her. Sweat broke out around her forehead and neck. Being the center of attention was the last thing Zoe wanted. But Jeremy brought out the beast in her. The one that she kept hidden because she dreaded hurting anyone’s feelings.

Not anymore. He didn’t care about her. The pent-up emotions from the last two years—heck, from the last decade of her life—began to surface. She moved in slow motion, heads turning to watch her as she pushed the door open and felt the cool rush of air through her hair, passing from the light of the restaurant into the night.

She fought the salty, warm tears that threatened to spill out. She wouldn’t show weakness.

Despite her better judgment, Zoe had agreed to come to this here. She always did it for him. Everything was for him. But tonight, all of that changed. Tonight, he ended all of it in one short sentence.

Zoe, wait! Jeremy called out. She heard him burst through the front door of the restaurant and run after her even though she had already reached the sand of the beach. But she didn’t look back.

Zoe ignored him. He was scum. She slipped out of her Converse without stopping and headed straight across the boardwalk and onto the sandy beach, passing onlookers but giving them no attention. Her face flushed with anger.

Jeremy's footsteps closed in on her from behind.

Zoe let's go to the car and talk about this on the way home. His hand grazed her arm as he tried to reach her, but she pulled it from his touch.

Get away from me, Jer, she said. I told you, I never want to see you again. She turned and looked into him. That face she had grown to love, that she trusted—or at least used to. Now all she felt disgust.

Jeremy stood feet away from her, looking at her like she was a lost dog.

I didn't want to keep living a lie, Zoe. It hasn't been working for a while, you know that.

Oh, do I? Is that what you think? She took two large steps toward him, standing inches from his face. You don't speak for me, Jer. Not anymore, never again.

She turned, the sand squishing between her toes as she made her way to the street to find a cab. She sure as hell wouldn't ride home with him. He had betrayed her trust. She loved him, had given him everything, and he was so shameless to throw it in her face.

Zoe! he called after her again, his voice far in the distance. She ignored him. He didn't follow. He wanted a clear conscience, she knew. But she wouldn’t give it to him. Though part of her wished he would follow her, fall to his knees and beg for her back.

Ass.

Certain that he wasn't coming after her, she let the tears come. The pain and the hurt overpowered her. Two years of her life . . . gone. It was supposed to be forever. She looked down at the promise ring he had given her last year and, ripping it off her finger, shoved it into her bag.

The sobs came out in uncontrollable waves. 

He repaid her for all she’d done for him by sleeping with another woman and being an ungrateful bastard. Her dream to go to college and travel the world had been put on hold, and she took a job she hated just so they could start their life together.

Idiot! she said aloud to herself.

She passed the shops along the boardwalk, hurrying toward the main street. The pavement was warm under her bare feet and her old, tattered Converse waved in the air when she hailed a cab.

One thing she was sure of . . . she wouldn’t let him hold her down anymore.

A cab pulled up to the curb. Resting her hand on the door handle, Zoe paused, tempted to look back. Just to see if he was following.

No. Don't do it.

She gritted her teeth, using all the strength in her to not to give in and see if he'd followed her because the pain would only intensify if he wasn't there. Tears streamed down her face as she climbed into the backseat of the cab. University Street, please, she told the driver. She hoped that Jeremy wouldn’t follow her home. Thankfully, she hadn’t given him a key to her place.

The cab pulled away from the curb and headed down the lamp-lit street. Zoe was unaware there was a presence inside with her. A pair of large eyes filled with sorrow watched her from the shadows. They stayed with her for a while, hoping beyond hope that Zoe might notice.

But she never did.

Zoe was too overcome by her grief and a broken heart. It didn't matter that the cab driver saw her. She cried because nothing else seemed possible. The one person she thought she could trust and that would never leave her side had done exactly that.

The mysterious pair of eyes faded into the darkness when she took no notice, and she was alone again.

When she arrived home, by herself instead of with Jeremy, Zoe went to her bedroom where she had set up a romantic evening for the two of them. Roses scattered across the floor and up onto the bed, the lights dimmed to the lowest setting.

A sickness swept over her, as if she had a hole in her chest and a brick in her stomach. She fell to her knees and cried the entire night.

CHAPTER TWO

Reality

Amonth had passed since that disastrous night. Zoe sat at the foot of her double-sized bed, the sheets and covers tousled in a mess that she hadn’t bothered to fix in weeks. She often felt the walls of her small bedroom closing in around her. The living room wasn’t any better. It held too many memories of time spent with Jeremy on the couch.

The painting of a vast cavern that hung on her wall was the only sign of hope in her tiny apartment. She had purchased it a few years ago at a swap meet, and something about the glittering effect on the walls of the cavern, like stars twinkling in the night’s sky, comforted her.

Her gaze shifted from the beautiful cave to the silver ring in her palm. Only it wasn't made of silver, but white gold, with one amethyst stone centered on the band. It had once symbolized everything that she ever dreamed of as a little girl—friendship, commitment, and love. The first time Zoe laid eyes on it, she knew how perfect it would be for them, sharing their lives together. Jeremy’s hand holding hers while he confessed his love for her, the warmth of his touch and the feel of his kiss after she accepted his promise to stay with her forever. The months that followed were a dream come true to Zoe, but short-lived. 

Now, this promise ring was nothing more than a bitter reminder that her dreams had been broken apart, along with her heart. She had given up everything for him. College passed her by after high school because Jeremy wanted her to get a job to pay for the life they would to start together. Travel was out of the question because he frowned up wasting time and money on that nonsense. She’d even started reading less to fit in more time for him—watching movies and TV, going to dinner parties with his parents, and gallivanting at the golf course, Jeremy’s favorite place. 

Yet, he had left her with nothing. Not even good memories. She closed her hand around the ring, tears welling in her eyes, and shoved it into her pants pocket. 

She couldn’t bring herself to get rid of it. She carried it with her everywhere, feeling somehow unable to let it go. He hadn't asked for it back either. An emptiness burned in her chest. To make the entire situation worse, it was impossible to find motivation in the mornings because she despised her job.

Right after high school she had taken a job at a bank. She sat at a cubicle desk for eight hours a day, typing mindless data into systems the bank created to store customer information. Every morning, Zoe forced herself to climb out of bed and drive to that miserable place.

Zoe would quit, but she didn’t like confrontation. She'd never quit a job before and didn't understand how she could work up the courage. She thought back to the day Jeremy talked her into taking the position with the bank. His soft brown eyes were irresistible. Not only that, but he'd mastered negotiating his side to make it sound like the only right decision.

Idiot!! she said aloud. With no one to talk to, she often mumbled to herself about all the reasons she should have seen the warnings. But being young, and eager to belong, she didn't.

She instinctively reached for the charm around her neck that she’d worn since a child. It was a small fairy, wings spread to flit off to some magical place. This charm resembled all that Zoe aspired to be again—free and alive somewhere that she belonged. 

Jeremy never liked her charm necklace and often tried to convince her it was too childish for an adult woman to be wearing, that she should get rid of it. But Zoe didn’t back down. This charm was more special to her than anything she owned, even If Jeremy thought it foolish to wear.

A soft whisper drifted like a breeze through her room, catching her attention. Only the window wasn't open. In the fall, the morning air felt too cold for Zoe, so she rarely opened them. She looked around, standing still. Nothing. She shrugged to herself and decided she might be losing her mind . . . just a bit.

In the kitchen, Zoe reluctantly grabbed her purse from the counter and her half-finished cup of coffee before heading out the door to start another workday.

She backed out of the drive-way in her black Jetta Volkswagen, its paint fading in old age. Her current book in progress, The Night Circus, lie on the passenger’s seat. The radio was loud enough to drown out Zoe's thoughts. Through the passenger window the sun rose over the eastern horizon, breaking through the blanket of clouds. She admired the sky, dreaming of a day when she would feel as free as the birds that soared high above her.

When the gray building came into view, her heart sank a little. It loomed over her like a dark tower on a stormy day, it’s windows black holes waiting to suck her in. Three stories of pure cubicle hell.

She