Gatebreaker: Gatebreaker, #1

By Michelle Wilson

A dangerous world filled with magic. And now there's no way home.

 

When Lydia and her friends get trapped after an earthquake, their only chance for survival is walking through the mysterious gateway they find deep within the mountains. They arrive in the world of Adylra. A land of magic, unicorns, and danger. When the gateway back home disappears, they find themselves stranded and searching for a way back.

 

As Lydia struggles with the growing power inside her Aidric, the Prince of Thavell, discovers her secret. Together they work to unlock the mysteries of her magic. But the more Lydia learns, the more she realizes the prince and the king may have their own plans for her magic. As alliances strain and her friends are thrust into dangerous situations, the answer to how to get home eludes them. And Lydia worries what will happen when her friends find she's the reason they're lost.

 

And she may be the reason they can't get back home.  

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michelle Wilson
• Release date: Aug 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393846307

Book preview

Chapter One

The sunlight beat down on me as I rested with my feet dangling in the cool water of the pool. The book I had been half-heartedly reading lay on my chest. Next to me, Erin chuckled. I opened one eye to watch her typing on her phone.

You realize if the coaches catch your boyfriend texting he’ll get in trouble, right? Practice will be over in an hour. Can’t you wait that long? 

Oh, Lydia. Who says I’m texting John?

I scoffed. Come on. I’m here. Who else would you be texting? 

Erin kicked her legs, sending a cascade of water in my direction. I clutched the book against my body as water pelted my back and hair.

Hey, I was almost dry!

Erin shrugged. 

With that, I gave up on drying off. I tossed the book across the patio where it wasn’t in jeopardy from annoying best friends. A chill surged up my spine as I lowered myself into the cool water. I swam up and down the length of the pool until my heart pumped fast and my limbs felt limber with the exercise. Closing my eyes to the glare of the sun, I flipped over on my back and floated.

Summer was my favorite time of year. Erin and I spent every day in her grandma’s pool. Even though I was excited to start my junior year of high school in a couple of weeks, I would miss these lazy days of summer. 

Once the warmth from the sun refused to fade from my skin, I swam to the edge of the pool and hoisted myself out. The droplets of water made rivulets down my leg and stained the concrete patio. I draped a towel around myself and threw another one at Erin.

Let’s go inside. I’m getting sunburnt.

You and your pale skin. Erin rolled her eyes, glancing up from her phone as she attempted to wrap the towel around herself one handed.

Are all redheads as pale as you? She mumbled while holding one side of the towel in her mouth. 

I’m not sure. I’m the only one with red hair in my family. My wavy red hair hung in tangles down my back. Grabbing it in fistfuls, I attempted to wring most of the water out of it. I sighed with mock longing as Erin ran a brush through her long blonde locks.

We can’t all be blonde and beautiful like you. 

Erin looked up long enough to roll her eyes at me. I laughed as she scoffed and went inside. Now dry, we made our way through the screened-in patio and into the house to change. Erin’s grandma kept the air conditioner on full blast, even when she wasn’t home. By the time we got to our bags in the living room, goosebumps ran up and down my arms. I pulled my linen shorts and floral tank top on as quickly as possible.

As Erin took her time changing, I studied my reflection in the mirror that hung above the massive fireplace. My green eyes stared back at me. A splattering of new freckles ran across my nose and forehead. The rosy glow on my shoulders told me I’d been right about the sunburn. 

Why do I even bother sunbathing? My skin never gets tan. It only gets more freckly. 

My brush got stuck in my hair and I made a face at myself in the mirror while I tugged it out. Giving up, I piled my hair on top of my head in a bun then threw myself onto the nearest couch to wait.

Erin wasn’t paying any attention to me. She was busy applying mascara to her eyelashes. Her blonde hair looked like she’d just come from a salon. I sighed despite myself. Erin made being beautiful seem easy, but she enjoyed working on her appearance. I didn’t have the time or the patience to keep up with her assortment of makeup or skin and hair care products. I was fine with settling for low maintenance and cute.

Erin’s phone pinged again. She paused lacing gladiator sandals up her leg to grab it. I was debating throwing a pillow at her when she caught my eye in the mirror with a wicked grin plastered on her face. Oh no. I knew that look. 

Have any plans tomorrow? She asked sweetly. Too sweetly. 

Nope. Not a thing.

But isn’t tomorrow a big day? 

It’s a Saturday. 

Lydia, I know better. 

I sighed and covered my head up with the couch pillow. Erin, you know I don’t enjoy making a big deal about my birthday. 

Whether Erin understood my muffled words was anyone’s guess. I peeked long enough to see her dance over to the couch and throw herself down on top of me. 

What if I were to tell you a certain senior boy named Murphy just asked me to ask you if you’d like to go on a sunrise hike in the morning? John and I are going too. 

I sat up so fast I knocked Erin to the floor. She laughed and rolled over, still grinning. She had me. 

And why would that matter to me? The betraying blush that crept up my cheeks told her why. I became very interested in studying my nails.

Erin shoved my arm as she straightened out her sundress. I still think it’s weird you have a crush on my brother. 

I threw the couch pillow at her, and she batted it away. 

How did you find out? 

It wasn’t hard. You started turning red every time you saw him, and you forget how to string two words together when he’s around. When did this start, anyway?

I don’t know. After he got back from that baseball camp it was like all of a sudden, he wasn’t just Murphy anymore. He’s so charming. And handsome— 

The pillow hit me in the face. I squawked, falling back on the couch.  

Enough, enough. I don’t need to hear about how charming or handsome you think my brother is. She made a face at the thought. So, are you going with us tomorrow or not? 

I shrugged.  I guess so.

Again, the heat that crept up my neck and face betrayed my nonchalant attitude.

Erin cackled so loud I jumped. She grabbed my hand and pulled me before shoving me toward the door.

In that case, we have to get to the mall. 

Why? I protested.

To get you a new outfit!

My clothes are fine.

New clothes are always a good idea.   

I shrugged and went along. There was no point in arguing with Erin when she got in a mood. And besides, she was right about new clothes.

The next morning dawned sticky and warm. The four of us crowded into the cab of Murphy’s old red pickup truck. Murphy and John had Erin and I sandwiched in between them. Even though it was dark outside, and Erin was falling asleep on my shoulder, I was on edge. I’d tossed and turned all night on an air mattress in Erin’s room. I chalked it up to the fact that I was sitting so close to Murphy our legs were pressed together. 

I took a deep breath to clear my head. Erin was right. Murphy and I had been friends for years. Why was I so nervous around him? No amount of logic soothed my nerves, though. With each bump in the road, I was acutely aware of Murphy’s leg pressed up against mine. The hiking shorts and tank top Erin had convinced me to buy yesterday felt revealing compared to my other clothes. And now that I was sitting so close to Murphy, I was sure the tank top was too tight around my ribs. As we hit another bump, and a blush crept up my cheeks, I found it hard to breathe.

 I tried to look out the window, but I kept getting distracted by Murphy’s chestnut hair. It had gotten long and shaggy over the summer. There was a piece dangling in his eyes and a sudden desire to reach out and brush it away filled me. My arm twitched. What was I thinking? I jerked it back the other way, right into Erin’s side. She squeaked as I jarred her awake. 

Ow! Are we there yet? She rubbed her eyes and looked past me at her brother. 

Almost, Murphy said. Thankfully, he seemed oblivious to my inner turmoil.

We pulled onto a gravel road, and just as the sky was turning pink, we stopped. With no slight amount of grumbling from Erin about being awake so early, we all got out of the truck.

This is it, Murphy told us as we all gathered at the trail that snaked up the mountain ahead of us. John and I found this trail last week. We thought you ladies might like it. Let’s get going before the sun’s all the way up. 

Lead the way, Erin told John, motioning her boyfriend to start. Erin followed. I fell in behind her, and Murphy brought up the end. The back of my neck tingled as we started up the trail. 

We hiked in silence as the day awoke. Not even the birds and the other forest creatures were awake just yet. The air was unusually heavy, even for so late in the summer. Before long, sweat drenched my hair and face. We stopped after fifteen minutes for a water break. 

Storm must be moving in soon, Murphy remarked. 

I hope so. I tilted my water bottle back and took a deep drink. It would cool everything down.

We continued to walk in amicable silence. I kept my eyes on the trees and scouted for any signs of wildlife. It was a vain attempt to distract myself from the fact that Murphy was so close behind me.

All the animals must be napping. Erin stopped as the trail widened to suppress a yawn. I don’t blame them; I wish I was napping.

Oh, this is fun! Murphy moved in between Erin and I and linked arms with both of us. John hooked up beside Erin. My skin was hot where Murphy’s arm touched mine. Where else can you find this kind of entertainment with two good looking ladies?

I was blushing furiously now. Erin shot something back at Murphy, but I couldn’t hear her for the roaring in my ears. The boys pulled us along. 

What do you think, Lydia? John was talking to me, but I had no idea what he was saying. Murphy nudged me with his elbow and smiled. Suddenly, I couldn’t even remember my name. The trail narrowed. We shifted back into our single file positions, saving me from embarrassment.  

We hiked for an hour before we reached a broad ridge that faced out over a gorge. The sun had just appeared. I pulled blankets out of my backpack, and we all gathered on them to relax. The early morning start was worth it as I watched the horizon change from pink to red and then yellow as the orb of the sun rose over the hills. Even though I’d lived in these mountains my whole life, I never tired of the view. We all looked on in silence as the sky turned blue.

I glanced over to see Erin and John making out. I rolled my eyes at them. Murphy chuckled, and I realized he was watching me. 

This the most beautiful place in the world, I whispered, turning my attention back to the view before us. 

You’ve got that right, Murphy said. He shifted his weight, and our hands touched. I froze. I was certain if I so much as breathed Murphy would realize his mistake and move. But he didn’t. Instead he left his hand there, lying on top of mine as we watched the end of the sunrise. 

A few minutes later, Erin stood up. The sudden movement made me jump and Murphy moved his hand.

All right, she said. That was fun. Now we’ve got some exploring to do. You didn’t drag me out here just to watch a sunrise.

What did you have in mind? John asked. This is as far as Murphy and I have come on this trail, so lead the way, ladies. 

From where we were standing, the trail split in two directions. Instead of pointing to either of the marked hiking trails, Erin pointed west. Barely discernible through the undergrowth was a game trail. 

I groaned. Seriously, Erin? There’s two perfectly smooth trails ahead of us.

Typically, I wouldn’t mind traipsing through the undergrowth. But today the heat was only getting worse. The last thing I wanted was for Murphy to see me sweaty and fighting my way through the woods. I conveniently forgot all the times he’d seen me like that before. 

Those are boring. Plenty of people go that way. Are you afraid of getting lost? she teased.

Yes. That’s exactly what I was afraid of. But I would never admit that in front of Murphy. And Erin knew it. 

Of course not, I said instead. I was starting to hate that grin she kept plastering across her face.

Besides, Erin said. We are right above that subdivision we passed on the way here. If we get lost, we just have to hike down the mountain. We’ll end up in someone’s backyard. 

I shrugged, conceding the argument.

 All right, single file then. I’ll hold up the end of the line, Murphy said. 

Erin struck ahead first this time, with John following in her wake. Murphy and I walked like we had before. The game trail led almost straight to the west along the side of the mountain. It took us into denser foliage. I ambled down the trail, letting Erin and John do the major work of pushing the plant life aside for us to get through. The trees overhead provided welcome shade from the sun, but the air underneath the canopy was stifling and unmoving. 

I could feel a headache coming on. It was creeping up from my temples to my forehead. I rarely got headaches. This one was getting distracting. I closed my eyes for a moment against the pain and ringing in my ears.

Murphy drew up behind me and leaned down close. A little birdie told me it’s your birthday today.

His voice broke through the fog.

Oh, yeah? I asked. I was sure this close he could feel my heart beating through my chest. Would that little birdie’s name be Erin? 

He laughed. You’re sixteen today, that’s exciting. You’ll be able to drive soon. 

I twirled a twig between my fingers and tried to convince my brain to keep working with Murphy so close.

Yeah, I guess. I don’t know. I’ve just never been interested in making a big deal about my birthday. It’s just another day. Life moves on.

That’s an interesting philosophy.

He reached me and pushed a branch out of my way.

Not to make a big deal out of it or anything, but I was wondering if you’d like to go get a birthday milkshake once we get back from the hike? Just you and me.

It took me a minute to find my voice.

That sounds nice, I squeaked out.

I glanced over my shoulder at him. He smiled, and I couldn’t help but notice how his teeth shined against his tan skin. My toe caught a root sticking out from the forest floor. I pitched forward, heading straight for the ground. Murphy grabbed my arm to pull me back and keep me from falling further. It worked for a moment, but he tugged so hard I ended up falling the other way. I stretched my arms out for balance and elbowed Murphy right in the ribs. 

Oof! he said, doubling over and grabbing onto a nearby tree.

I’m so sorry! I wanted to make sure he was all right, but I was afraid to touch him. Are you okay?

Yeah, I think so. he straightened up, rubbing his ribs. How about you? You didn’t twist your ankle or anything? 

No. Thanks for grabbing me. I would have face-planted in the dirt, for sure.

Murphy laughed and reached out to squeeze my shoulder. Good. I would hate to see you hurt yourself. 

Hey! If you two are finished flirting, come here and look at this, Erin called. She and John were ahead of us. Erin pointed at something through the trees. As we drew up next to them, we could barely make out something dark and rocky.

A cave, Erin announced.  

Murphy, John, and I all shared a glance and raised our eyebrows at one another. I burst out giggling. Erin had a well-known fascination with caves. We never went hiking without her finding one she wanted to explore. Erin shook her head at us and marched off toward the cave. We picked our way through the forest behind her. 

The rocky outcrop visible from the trail didn’t appear to be much. I was hoping this wouldn’t take long. My headache was getting worse. But I was certain a milkshake would be the cure. As we rounded the side, the dark opening of the cave greeted us. I stifled a groan.

I didn’t know there were any caves on this trail. Murphy looked as happy as I felt.  

Maybe we’re the first to discover it! Erin said. 

Somehow, I doubt that. We’re behind a subdivision, remember? I pointed out.

Erin ignored me. 

Come on, John said, pushing past us to enter the darkness of the cave. It’s hot out here. Let’s see what we can find inside.

Chapter Two

W ow, it’s big in here.

John’s voiced echoed off the rock around us. He voiced my thoughts. After we ducked through the opening, the cave opened wide in the side of the mountain. There was even a small pond in the back corner.

I can’t believe we’ve never heard of this place before.

Erin’s voice was barely a whisper. She was standing next to John over by the pond. The breeze blowing through the cave and across the pond carried the sound. I was grateful for the cool wind as it blew my hair and lessened my headache.

Let’s cool off here for a while, John said.

He sat his backpack at the mouth of the cave and the rest of us copied him. I took a long drink from my water bottle before tossing it in my pack and followed the other three deeper into the cave.

Good call, John, I told him.

I sat down next to him and Erin on the edge of the pond. Now that we’d stopped walking, I was fading fast. My head was throbbing now, and I was getting nauseous. I piled my hair on top of my head and leaned against the cave wall. The dampness that seeped on my neck and down my shirt soothed me.

Next to me, Erin pulled off her shoes and socks and stuck her feet in the pond.

Ah, that’s much better. It’s hotter than fire out there.

I attempted to nod my agreement, but the movement caused the cave the tilt precariously in my vision. I shut my eyes instead. A flash of light caused me to peek through my eyelashes. Murphy had a flashlight out, and he and John were checking something out on the opposite side of the pond. I closed my eyes again.

You and Murphy looked like you were getting close watching the sunrise earlier, Erin said.

I didn’t bother opening my eyes.

Did you see us when you came up for air?

I know you mean that as an insult, but what can I say? We are young and in love. Between his football and my riding lessons, we barely get to see each other.

I snorted in reply.

Mock if you want. Not everyone can find a love like ours.

She sighed like a lovesick woman in a black and white movie. I didn’t bother replying. The beam of Murphy’s flashlight kept bouncing over my eyelids. I shifted down and laid on the cool earthen floor. I knew I would get my new outfit dirty, but I didn’t care. What good was a hiking outfit, no matter how cute it was, if you couldn’t get it dirty? I folded my hands and put them under my head.

The water splashed as Erin kicked her feet. John and Murphy’s voices floated through the cave. They sounded further and further away. I just wanted to rest for a minute to make my headache go away. I readjusted my shoulders a bit and then gave myself over to the welcoming peace of sleep. The pain in my head lessened. For a moment, everything was dark and peaceful.

I wasn’t sure how long I’d been asleep when I opened my eyes to find myself in the middle of a vibrant green forest. In an instant, I was on my feet. Where was I? I spun around, but no one else was in sight.

Erin? Murphy? John?

There was no reply. The sound of my voice was eaten up by the silent forest around me. It was thick and green. The trees were so tall I couldn’t see the tops of them. Leaves blocked out the sun. The air crackled with energy. It was like it was running through the air and into my body. My headache had disappeared.

The forest floor tilted under my feet, and for a