The Secrets of Elimeare: Wielder of Light

By Suzy Rosenow

Shelby's life is about to change forever. Not only are her parents getting divorced, but her best friend of eleven years is not who she seems. Join Shelby as she journeys around the globe then steps into a world far different from her own. A place where powers are revealed, friendships are forged, and the truth will set her free.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Aug 2, 2019
• ISBN: 9781543976632

Book preview

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1

Boy, was I out of practice! I used to be so good at listening to that voice in my head.

You know the one that tells you everything is going to be all right when another less sane part of you is screaming that it’s not.

I love that voice of reason.

Today, however, that was not the voice I was hearing. I was giving in to the less sane part of myself, as my world came tumbling down around me.

My parents had just walked out of my room after announcing their divorce... and that’s literally all it was, an announcement.

There was no, I’m sorry honey, we love you, it will be okay. Just a, We’re getting divorced, got to get back to work, see you at five.

Sixteen years old and I suddenly had no idea where I’d even be living two months from now. I knew my parents didn’t get along, but I never thought for a minute that they would ever give up on their marriage.

That they would give up on our family.

Laying on my bed, staring at the ceiling, I became oblivious to the passage of time and life around me. A sense of numbness overtook me.

Then I noticed an incessant noise coming from somewhere. My phone. Someone was texting me… again and again and again.

An emotion was breaking through the numbness.

Annoyance...

That’s what it was.

Picking up my phone to fling it at the wall, I caught a glimpse of Ashley’s name. Slowly lowering my arm, I opened her texts.

Meet me at the park in 10 minutes.

There were about ten texts after that, saying my name, Shelby, over and over. My arm and phone dropped to the bed and I continued to stare at the ceiling.

My phone kept buzzing. Clearly, she was not giving up, so I looked at the screen again.

It’s important!

Sighing, I forced myself to stand and change out of my sweats into some dark blue jeans. Leaving on my t-shirt that said, The Book was Better, I slipped on my teal Converse high-tops and threw my hair in a messy bun, then walked out the door.

Eyeing the trees wishing they would show signs of Autumn, I made my way down the street to the deserted park in our neighborhood. It was October during fall break from school, but the trees refused to change. They were green like they always were in Arizona.

Ashley was sitting by the lake near the waterfall in a slightly baggy, black and white striped t-shirt with black skinny jeans and her favorite pair of Vans.

Her short brown hair hung in an edgy bob just below her chin. Dropping down beside her, I heaved a depressed sigh. Hi.

Where have you been? I’ve been texting you for an hour!

Sorry, I was a little preoccupied.

She took in my slumped shoulders and monotone voice and frowned. You sound awful. What’s wrong?

I looked into her green eyes. My parents are getting a divorce.

What?! They can’t! I love your parents!

The sound of the waterfall soothed me as I watched the water tumble down the rocks. She put her arm around me. Do you want to talk about it?

Heaving another sigh, I decided talking about it might cause me to actually feel emotions. Numbness was the better option.

No.

She stared at me like she was trying to make a decision, then said, This may not be the best time for this…

She seemed to rethink that and threw her hands out. Or maybe it’s the perfect time. I don’t know, but there’s something I need you to see.

She stood and reached out to help me up. Come with me.

I stared at her hand, not wanting to move, but something in her voice pulled me from the ground.

Trudging along behind her toward the bike trail I noticed she had our jackets draped over her arm.

Tugging on mine, I said, How do you have my jacket and why?

She looked down at it then glanced at me. You left it at my house back in February and we may need them later.

The cloudless, sun filled sky said otherwise, it was at least ninety degrees outside. Same as yesterday, and the day before...

I can pretty much guarantee, we’re not going to need those. Ever.

It was sad to realize it hadn’t been cold since February. Hence the reason, I hadn’t noticed my missing jacket.

After we’d been walking for a couple of minutes, she stopped suddenly, and I ran into the back of her. I steadied myself and peeked around her to see what was in the way.

On a large rock, next to a tree, sat a man.

Not your average everyday man. A very small man. His skin had a golden hue, he wore brown pants and a light blue shirt. His nose was long and crooked, and his pale blue eyes glittered like the sun.

I stood dumbfounded, not knowing what to do.

Expecting Ashley to be equally surprised, I turned to her. Instead she was smiling at him like they were old friends. Hello, Howard.

Howard?

He stood up on the boulder and still didn’t come to my shoulder. I’m pretty short so that’s saying something.

He took her hand and shook it, then Ashley said, Shelby, this is my friend, Howard.

He held out his hand as I continued to stare. Shaking myself I realized I was being rude… Maybe. I was pretty sure there were no rules for this.

What to do when you meet a small, golden man….

My hand reached out of its own accord and took his. It was softer than I expected and filled me with a warmth I’d never felt before.

He smiled with strangely perfect teeth. Hello, Shelby, I’m happy to finally meet you.

His words whispered over me like a warm breeze.

I couldn’t help but smile in return. It’s nice to meet you, Howard.

A sense of peace flowed through me. The numbness I felt about my parent’s divorce faded and I felt calm inside, like everything was going to be okay.

He stood smiling at me with a tremendous amount of love in his eyes.

Not wanting to move or lose this feeling, I stood there with his hand in mine completely enveloped in warmth and peace.

After a moment, he said, Come, my friend. Follow me, we need your help.

He hopped down from the rock and took off down the path, pulling me along behind. For such short legs, he could move surprisingly fast. I had to run to keep up.

As we ran down the trail, the scenery began to change. Where the trees had been few and far between, they were now everywhere.

It felt like I was in a forest and the temperature had dropped 30 degrees. Letting go of Howard’s hand, I slowed my pace.

What was happening?

Ashley threw my black leather jacket at me as she ran past. Slipping it on, I ran to catch up, but before I could question where we were, I stepped out of the trees into a clearing.

We were in a giant park surrounded by tall buildings and sky scrapers.

It looked a lot like New York City.

Howard was standing at the tree line. I can’t go any farther, he said. Listen carefully, there is someone not far from here who needs you. You will know her when you see her.

At a loss for words, I turned to Ashley hoping she could make sense of this. From Howard’s side she took a step toward me then turned into a blue jay. She flew over and landed on my shoulder.

Could this day get any weirder?

Turning back to Howard, I found that he was no longer there. I stood in stunned silence, not knowing what to do. Then the bird on my shoulder started talking to me.

Yes, this day could definitely get weirder.

I’m sorry, Shelby. I couldn’t tell you before, but I’m a shapeshifter.

And you thought the best way to tell me would be to turn into a bird, completely freaking me out, then fly over and land on my shoulder?! Get off me! I waved my arms to shoo her away.

She flew to a nearby bench and perched on the back. Very slowly I said, What is going on, Ashley? Where are we and why are you a bird?

Calm down, come sit by me, and I’ll tell you what I can.

I’m perfectly fine where I am, thank you. I started pacing. "What do you mean you’ll tell me what you can? And why do I feel like I’m in Central Park? In New York City?!"

Because you are.

I stopped pacing and turned slowly in a circle trying to make sense of what I was seeing. What? How? We were in Gilbert, Arizona not five minutes ago!

The path Howard brought us down is a portal. It takes him anywhere he wants to go.

Attempting to comprehend her words, I said, "I’ve been down that trail a hundred times and I did not end up in New York City."

You weren’t with Howard. He’s the only one who can make that path a portal.

Annoyed!

I was getting annoyed again.

This could not be happening.

Putting my hands on my knees, I took a deep breath. Who is Howard and why is my best friend since kindergarten, a bird?

I work with Howard and I’m your guardian. I was sent here to protect you and I’m not a bird. I’m a shapeshifter.

Protect me from what?

I can’t tell you that, at least, not yet. We need to get going or she’ll be gone.

What? I turned to her, but she was already flying away. Throwing one last glance over my shoulder at the path I wasn’t sure could take me home, I ran after her.

Chapter 2

We moved farther into the park, which seemed to keep going and going. Memories flooded my mind of the trip my family had taken here when I was six.

My mom said I got lost and she found me by The Pond watching the ducks.

The Pond is the big lake in the middle of the park. I don’t remember getting lost, just the carousel and the giant city around us. It’s like a beautiful, green oasis in the middle of a desert of cement.

Exhaustion began to flood me, and the park felt endless.

I was looking up following Ashley and managed to collide with someone. The sound of things tumbling to the ground invaded my mind and arms wrapped around me as I lost my balance. Grabbing on to keep from falling I made eye contact with the cutest guy I’d ever seen.

As our eyes met, I felt a jolt run through me.

His eyes were a deep blue that pulled me in and didn’t want to let go. I forgot how to breathe. There was a vague impression of a straight nose and a square jaw framed by short, dark hair.

He looked about my age, maybe a little older, and I was now locked in his embrace. We stood frozen. I don’t know how long.

Time stood still until a bird squawked in my ear and we both jumped.

I took a step back and he released me. Dumbfounded, I stood there unable to move.

What. Was. That?!

There was no way that I had felt what I had just felt. I absolutely refused to get involved with a guy. Ever. I had spent my entire life watching my parents fight.

There was no way this was happening.

Then I realized I was in a giant city filled with millions of people, so I would probably never see this guy again. This was not going to be a problem.

Relief flooded me.

He held his arms out as if he might need to catch me any second and said, Are you okay?

Yes, I’m so sorry!

He said, That’s okay, as he bent down to retrieve his books which were now all over the ground.

Bending down to help, his eyes found mine and he seemed to take a closer look.

He paused and said, "Have we met? I feel like I know you. I mean, you look really familiar."

I don’t think so.

Looking more closely at him, I realized that he was beautiful. I know that’s not a good word to describe a member of the male gender, but there was no other word for him.

His cream-colored button-down shirt hugged his tall, lean build accented with a black jacket and black suede half-boots.

His hair, which was short on the sides and longer on top, was swept to the side with rebellious curls here and there.

Forcing myself to stop staring, I gave myself a stern talking to as I finished picking up his books. What was wrong with me? I was not the type of girl who gaped at good looking men.

I was a strong independent female who didn’t need anything from men. Returning my gaze to his, I saw that his eyes were still fixed on me, seeming confused. Feeling extremely uncomfortable, I stood up.

He did the same and said distractedly, I’m sorry. It’s just that you look so much like a friend of mine.

I do?

Yeah, her name is Mia. Your face is almost identical to hers except she’s taller and has brown hair instead of blond.

Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Ashley on the branch of a nearby tree.

After handing him his books I took a large step back putting some much needed space between us. That’s weird. My name is Shelby, by the way.

He smiled. Hi Shelby, I’m Jack.

Wow. I refused to notice how much cuter he became when he smiled. He was still speaking. What was he saying?

Shelby? He said, with a grin.

In an effort to clear my mind, I shook my head. What? I’m sorry.

His grin turned into a smile. I asked where you’re going.

How was I going to respond to that?

Where was I going?

Honesty is always the best way to go. I have no idea. I pointed to Ashley. I was following that bird, actually.

He looked at her and then back at me with a puzzled expression. Um, why?

She’s my best friend.

Feeling every bit as confused as he looked, I paused. Just how honest did I want to be here? I decided to go all in, I’m nothing if not thorough.

What are the chances I would ever see this guy again anyway? New York City was huge! He would most definitely forever remember me as the crazy chick he ran into in Central Park.

I took a deep breath and pointed toward the bird. "Ashley is a shapeshifter. About thirty minutes ago, I was in Gilbert, Arizona feeling slightly devastated because I just found out my parents are getting divorced.

"Ashley, who I had no idea was a shapeshifter, introduced me to a very small, golden hued man who took us down a bike trail in my neighborhood in Arizona, thought I’d emphasize that part in case he missed it the first time, that led us to Central Park.

At which point, Ashley turned into a bird and the small man told me to find a woman then he disappeared. So here I am, looking for someone I’ve never met or even seen, in the biggest city in the United States with a bird as my guide.

He studied me for about twenty seconds.

Nervousness had settled in when he finally said, You’ve had kind of a rough morning.

My mouth dropped open. Why aren’t you running away screaming or dialing 911?

He looked at me, I mean really looked at me, like he could see into my soul. Not sure what he found there, but he seemed to decide something in that moment.

My friend, you know, the one that looks exactly like you? Nothing you told me sounds crazy, because she’s a shapeshifter too. About a week ago, she turned into an eagle and said she needed to check something out, but she never came back. I haven’t seen her since.

While he was talking, Ashley flew over and landed on my shoulder. She said, What was your friend’s name?

Jack didn’t even flinch. He just replied to the bird like this was an everyday occurrence. Who was this guy?

He responded, Mia, her name is Mia Black.

Shelby, that’s who we’re looking for, we’re too late! Howard thought she might be in trouble. We have to find her!

Jack said, Hey, if you’re looking for Mia, I’m in! Where do we start?

Wait! What? He was not coming with us!

The plan was to walk away and never see him again. There had to be a way out of this. We could just find Mia quickly then he’d be on his way. No worries.

Ashley flew to a bench. As she landed, she turned back into my friend and sat down.

Feeling perplexed, as I sat beside her, I asked, There are people everywhere, won’t they find it strange that a bird just turned into a sixteen-year-old girl?

She smiled and put her arm around me. No, I have a shield around myself, no one can see me. You, on the other hand, look like you’re talking to your invisible friend.

I smiled. "Great, thanks for that."

She laughed. Just kidding, I removed the shield when I sat down. If anyone saw me, they’d think their eyes were playing tricks on them.

Jack sat beside me. So, what’s the plan?

Why was he sitting beside me? He could easily have chosen to sit next to Ashley. Mentally sighing, I realized this was going to be a very long day.

Ashley leaned forward to speak to him. Excellent question, Jack. We should probably start by talking to a friend of mine, but I’m starving. Let’s get some lunch first, shapeshifting always makes me hungry.

We followed Ashley to a stand selling hot dogs, then sat on the grass by The Pond while we ate. Admiring the view, I suddenly realized that I was actually in Central Park in New York City.

A place where the weather changed according to the seasons, unlike Arizona- and it was autumn! The leaves were changing color and I could not have been happier to stand witness.

On the lake, a father rowed his son in a boat. It was the most peace I’d felt in a long time. Which didn’t seem right considering all that had happened in the last couple of hours.

Ashley asked, Do you remember coming here when you were six?

I nodded. Yes.

Do you remember getting lost?

No. My mom said she found me here, by The Pond, but I don’t remember it.

She found you here, in this exact spot, actually.

Confusion swept me. How do you know that?

She looked deeply into my eyes as if trying to make me understand something very important. I was here, with you, that day. I led you to this spot, so your mom could find you.

How is that possible? You were only six at the time.

She shook her head and spoke slowly. I was sent here as your guardian. I’m a shapeshifter, remember?

My brain couldn’t seem to make sense of what she was saying. Was she actually an adult? She was sixteen, right? We’d been friends since we were five. We had grown up together. At least, I thought we had. How old are you?

She took a bite of her hot dog and chewed slowly as if waiting for everything to sink in. Beginning to freak out a little, I repeated with more force, How old are you?!

She swallowed. I’m not really sure. We measure time differently where I’m from. Let’s just say, I’m older than your parents. She thought for a second. Okay I’m probably older than their parents too.

My jaw dropped. She reached over and pushed my chin up to close my mouth. I was at a loss for words. We sat in silence for a few minutes eating our hot dogs and watching the row boats while I tried to grasp what she was telling me.

She finished her food, then stood and pulled me up. Let’s go see my friend.

Jack took my outstretched hand and pulled himself up. As he stood, I became aware of how far up I had to look to see his face. He literally towered over me. How tall are you?

He gave me a half smile. I’m not sure, I think I’m about five-eleven, maybe six feet. It’s been a while since I was measured.

I frowned. I’m only five-three. I hate being short.

He looked deeply into my eyes. "I think you’re perfect exactly as you are."

Okay, that was really sweet, but I was not falling for it. Did girls really fall for this stuff? He smiled, reached down, and took my hotdog wrapper. Then he took Ashley’s wrapper and jogged off to the trash can.

Ashley gave me a knowing look which I ignored.

Not. Going. To. Happen.

Chapter 3

As we ambled to the subway I began to worry about this friend of Ashley’s.

Turning to her, I said, I’m not sure I can handle meeting anymore of your friends. The last one led me from Arizona to New York in about five minutes.

She laughed. Don’t worry, you’ll like this one.

I didn’t say I didn’t like him.

We took the subway to Washington Square Park. As we made our way above ground Jack said, Hey, I live near here, mind if we stop by my house so I can drop off these library books?

Ashley shook her head. Of course not, lead the way.

We followed Jack to a beautiful, red brick building. It reminded me of a scene from a movie. Doors and windows trimmed in white with roman columns and a black wrought iron fence around the perimeter.

Jack ran up