Garkain: The Uluru Legacy, #1

By Anna J Walner

A vague text and a life-long search for her biological family, sends Amelia on a quest to discover the story behind her heritage. But the family she finds is far from what she ever thought possible. She'll become something she never thought existed and agree to things she never thought she would. She'll find a life worth dying for.

 

In this unique and delicious twist on the genre you love, vampires exist in a secret society, deep within the heart of Australia. Defying expectations, this debut novel by Anna J Walner, begins the Uluru Legacy Series, and leaves you craving more. A remarkably new experience, that doesn't disappoint.

 

Welcome to your new obsession.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Silver Dawn Publishing
• Release date: Jun 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393016847

Book preview

Garkain

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Book One of the Uluru Legacy

Coming Home

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Amelia stared at the man in the seat next to her, watching him breathe deeply in a dreamless sleep as they flew over the Pacific Ocean on their way back to the States.

She would be going home to tie up loose ends and delete her former life completely. Roan would be seeing the States for the first time, both of them making the most of their three months before returning to a life that would be a huge commitment for them.

A life that she never dreamed of, but now she couldn’t imagine any other way. She still pondered the events of the last few weeks, and their future to come. How they would unite two separate worlds as one. How they would lead a new community into the future, reshaping it and bringing fresh ideas to an archaic society.

For now though, she tried to push the thoughts from her mind. This was their time together now. Their last three months of freedom.

Amelia brushed the hair from Roan’s forehead as she watched him for a while. It was hard for her to completely process the events that led up to this moment. Only a few months ago she’d been a girl with no family. And now she was a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, and in December, she’d be a wife.

Twenty-five years of wondering and questions. Imagining the why’s, searching on the internet for a possible connection. Taking the DNA test two years ago and signing up for the online registry. Bouncing from foster home to home, never finding a place to fit. If she’d only known, if she only had a clue what awaited her . . .

The two weeks she spent with the Uluru Colony, or just the Colony, as they called it, had changed her in ways she never imagined were possible. Psychically, emotionally, and spiritually. She was, quite honestly, a completely different person.

The things she had seen and experienced defied explanation for anyone outside of their community. She had been Unbound, no longer tethered by human rules or laws. What she was now must remain a secret to anyone outside of their hidden world. No one could ever know. Not her friends or her family in the States. No one. It was safest that way.

So much had happened in such a short time. She’d met her family, and fallen in love with the country, was intrigued by the culture of her people, and made the decision to accept a proposition that would change everything. She had agreed to things she never thought she would. Become something she never thought existed. And found a life worth dying for.

Only three months, she thought sadly. She had such a short time to sever all ties with her former life, adopted family and friends, and return back home to her duty, and her future.

Something that she was looking forward to. They were her real family now. The Colony. Michelle, Robert, and Ambrose. Anatole and Phoebe, and of course Roan. This was the life that she had chosen, and the reason for her birth. The experiment of her adoption had been successful, and it was time for her to take up her position as a leader. 

For now, she had to make the most of her time, putting in her notice at work, and selling the home she had worked so hard to buy. She’d decided to tell everyone that she had taken a job in Australia. She would tell them she needed a change of scenery. A fresh start. She would promise to keep in touch. The less they knew the better.

She’d fed just before getting on the plane, she made sure to see to that before the long flight. But she was starting to get hungry again, and peanuts wouldn’t do it for her. She needed a mid flight snack, one that wasn’t on the menu. With just over six hours left, one good meal should hold her until they landed.

She looked at Roan again, asleep next to her. She pressed the call button on her seat, as a friendly flight attendant came quickly to see what she needed. First class did indeed have its perks.

Amelia stared at her for a moment, then followed the attendant into the bathroom. Her mouth was already burning, her gums tearing as she tasted her own blood for a moment.

Closing the door to the spacious restroom, the attendant held out her arm. No words were exchanged, no fuss, and no drama. Amelia’s double set of fangs emerged, as she punctured the cocoa colored skin, tasting the friendly attendant’s blood.

She drank for several seconds, filling her mouth and her stomach, before she withdrew. The marks were so small, hardly noticeable, as she brushed her thumb over them. The natural coagulant in her saliva stopped the flow of blood, and the attendant went on her way casually, as if nothing strange at all had happened. 

She took a quick look in the mirror, smiling and rinsing the red blood from between her teeth. Yes, she had changed during her time with the Colony. She was immortal, Unbound, and now engaged to a man she’d never met until last week, who sat sleeping peacefully on the plane next to her.

She made her way back to her seat, replaying the trip, the events, the surprises, and her death all over again. Roan was still asleep as she knew he would be.

She slipped into her seat, and put her earbuds back in, letting the gentle music drown out the emotions and the sounds around her.

Meeting Mom

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Amelia Wilson had been found at the local hospital in Houston, TX when she was just a baby. Sitting outside the sliding glass doors with no note and no clue of who might have left her.

Two years ago, she took a chance and ordered the DNA kit, sending it in and waiting, scrolling through distant matches until an alert popped up on her phone one day:

Phoebe Alura. Listed as Close Family, Biological Mother. Location: Perth, Australia.

She frantically opened the app and paused on the empty message. There were so many things she wanted to ask, to say. So many things she’d imagined for so many years. And now she was drawing a blank.

She was still deep in thought as another alert sounded on her phone, showing up on the screen. A message sent. Just now. She stared at the phone, looking at the waiting message as the tip of her finger hovered just above the icon. She pressed it, watching the short message appear on her phone.

We’ve been searching for you. It said.

A shiver ran down Amelia’s spine as she read and re-read the short message. Thinking of how to respond. So many questions sprang from one sentence.

Who were ‘we’, and why were they looking for her?

She started a message, then erased it. Then started it again. How do you even begin to answer a message like that? She thought.

She decided to be direct, typing her message and pressing send: We should talk. Call me. [phone].

She had no idea what time it was in Australia, but whatever time it was, Phoebe was apparently awake.

A few minutes later her phone rang, a string of numbers showed on the screen, with the location under it stating simply: Australia.

She ran through all the possible things that she could say as she watched the string of numbers pulse on the screen. She swiped just in time, slowly easing the phone to her ear.

Hello? She said with the hint of question, wondering what this woman could possibly have to say. What explanation she had. What truths she had to tell that Amelia needed so desperately to hear.

You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to hear your voice, A thick Australian accent came across the speaker. We’ve been looking for you for years, darling.

The voice sounded young. Much younger than she expected, as caution and suspicion overtook her excitement. If this was someone’s idea of a trick, it was certainly a cruel one.

The voice continued, as Amelia searched for how to answer. I know you must be confused. You must have so many questions, She said.

I have hundreds, actually, Amelia said, on guard and slightly peeved.

And I’m ready to answer them, The woman on the other end of the phone said. At least the ones I can.

Where did you drop me, when you decided you didn’t want me? Amelia let her anger slip through just a bit, as she waited again.

At the hospital in Houston, just outside the sliding doors. Snuggled in a white blanket and tucked into a basket. We made sure you were safe before we left. And you were not unwanted. Not one bit. I never wanted to let you go. But it was for the good of us all, She explained.

You’re not making any sense, Amelia said, wishing the woman on the phone would stop talking in riddles. "Who are ‘we’?"

I need you to come home Amelia. Home to Australia. It’s time you rejoined the Colony, She said.

The next day she put in her vacation request and three weeks later, found herself at the airport in Perth. Ready to meet a woman she’d always wondered about, and to find the answers she needed.

Amelia looked at her phone, still re-reading the texts from the woman who claimed to be her mother. The pictures she sent must have been from a while ago. The vague and confusing explanations all ran through her mind as she sat.

Finally, the pilot came over the speaker, announcing the time, asking all passengers to stay seated until the seatbelt light was turned off.

Even the direct flight had taken nearly an entire day. An entire day spent sitting on a plane. Even with the first-class treatment it was still an entire day spent sitting on a plane.

Amelia was irritated as she walked down the ramp. The time change was messing with her mind. And she was minutes away from meeting the woman who dumped her at a hospital shortly after she was born.

She didn’t know what to expect, but at the same time, if this turned out to be a shit-show, she had two full weeks to discover the land down under. She’d make the most of her time, regardless.

When she stepped into the terminal, she spotted her name on a card. Walking up to the strange man, she introduced herself. I’m Amelia, She huffed. He flashed a bright smile, then bowed. I’m so happy to meet you, Ma’am. I’m Trevor. Let’s see about your luggage, He said, grabbing her carry on without asking.

She followed him through the terminal, thankful that he knew where they were going at least. She looked at the other people around her, passing by, lost in their own thoughts and plans. She noticed their attire was drastically different than hers. The light tank top layered with a cardigan and shorts she wore said to her that she was slightly underdressed.

Leaving Texas in July it was nearing 100 degrees in the early afternoons. She’d packed light, cool clothing. From what she knew about Australia, it was just as hot as Texas, but covered in dusty deserts and filled with kangaroos.

Excuse me, why do I get the feeling I misjudged my outfit? She asked Trevor, who grinned good-naturedly at her question.

Because it’s about 11 degrees outside today. Celsius, He said with a laugh. Don’t worry, Miss. Your mother has a suitcase for you in the car.

She’s not my mother, Amelia shot back. She’s . . . I don’t know what she is.

Apologies. Miss. Phoebe has taken care of your wardrobe. She has excellent taste, He said.

Mentioning Phoebe as her mother made her think. What would she call this woman? This person who for all purposes, did have the title of being her mother. If only in a biological sense. But nevertheless, her mother.

Even though she did drop her off at a hospital when she was days old, just to seek her out after 25 years and beg her to come home to Australia, half a world away. Her mind continued to spiral as they walked.

Would she be offended to be called Phoebe, or even Mrs. Alura? She didn’t want to offend the woman, but yet again, she couldn’t think of a title that felt comfortable to her yet.

Trevor was nice enough to pick up her suitcase filled with useless clothing from the carousel, wheeling it through the throngs of people, and into the chilly outside air. At least the sun was shining, she thought.

She continued to follow her escort to a long black limousine parked along the curb, in the reserved area at the terminal entrance, which only further piqued her curiosity. Was Phoebe trying to make an impression, or did she have this kind of money? The questions only mounted on her already long list.

They must have been in a hurry, or late. Trevor nearly threw her case and bag into the trunk, then hurried her into the car, running around to the driver's side and flinging himself inside. All set Miss, he said brightly. Window up or down, Miss? he asked.

Oh, down is fine. And please, call me Amelia, She could tell he was trying to be polite, but they could skip formalities. They were about the same age, from what she could tell. And she wasn’t sure how to respond to the over the top treatment he was giving her.

Sure thing Amelia. Your, uh, Phoebe is waiting for you at one of the best restaurants in town. I hope you’re hungry, He said.

I’m starved and still chilly. Did you mention something about warm clothes? She asked with a grin.

Yes Ma’am. I’ll turn up the heat. And they’re in the suitcase right behind me. I’ll put up the window to give you some privacy to change, He said, raising the blackout partition window. In fact the entire car was blackout windows she noticed, as she groped for a switch, turning on the overhead dome light.

She drug the suitcase toward her, with a bit of effort. There must be a ton of things in there. Apparently shopping was a favorite activity of Phoebe’s. Either that or she figured that Amelia would come unprepared, which irked her for some reason.

Unzipping the top, she saw a carefully packed trove of pants and sweaters, along with a pair of black combat or hiking boots, which seemed odd, considering they were going into town.

Amelia shrugged. It wasn’t her idea of fashion, but then again, what did she know about Australian fashion anyway? She chose a pair of jeans and a deep green sweater along with a pair of socks for the boots.

She kept her back turned to the front of the limo as she quickly stripped, piece by piece, and put on her new clothes. They fit perfectly. Together they looked nice, and most importantly, she was warm now, thank God.

They made the drive in under ten minutes, which had barely given her enough time to change, let alone think. She felt the limousine start to slow as she looked out the heavily tinted windows at the massive hotel that towered into the sky. We’re at a hotel, She said flatly, as Trevor rolled down the window to the back an inch or two.

Yes, Ma’am. Miss Phoebe wasn’t sure if you’d want to stay with her or have a place of your own, so she reserved the penthouse for you. I’ll bring your bags up to your room for you, while you get to know Miss Phoebe in the restaurant downstairs whenever you’re ready.

I’m good, Amelia said, throwing her light clothes in the suitcase and zipping it back up.

Again he darted out of the front, running to the back for her personal luggage and opening her door while grabbing the suitcase from inside. She took her time getting out and looking around, then noticed how uncomfortable Trevor looked as he waited impatiently for her to come inside.

She supposed there would be plenty of time for sight-seeing. She’d be here for two full weeks. Walking up the to the hotel, Trevor darted past her, opening the door wide for her, then following right behind. Inside the building, under the florescent lights, she saw the reason for Trevor’s discomfort.

The skin on his arm had darkened in blotches, some kind of reaction to the sun she guessed. At once she felt bad. If he had told her, she wouldn’t have dawdled. But, by the time they had checked in at the front, the spots had already begun to fade.

Thank you so much for the ride, Trevor, She said. Which way to the restaurant? She asked, instantly nervous again at the thought of meeting the woman who claimed to be her mother.

Trevor pointed directly behind her. Just through there, Miss. I’ll have your things in your room, and here is the key card. He handed over the white plastic card, as she slipped it into her back pocket. With a swift nod or half-bow, he excused himself to the elevator banks just off the main lobby.

She was stalling. She was nervous. Incredibly nervous, and scared. Now or never, she said to herself, putting one foot in front of the other, and heading toward the hallway. Café LuLu was, from the outside, quite an elegant place for a hotel restaurant.

The hostess opened the door wide to an empty room. Empty except for one table by the window. Welcome Amelia, The hostess greeted her by name, showing her into the dining room.

Either this was an elaborate set-up, or she was being put on some kind of creepy reality TV show.

The woman at the table looked wrong. She looked . . . young. Too young. The two women looked nearly identical. So similar, it forced Amelia to blink against the bright light, questioning whether or not she was imagining things.

They had the same curly dark brown hair and light blue eyes. The same nose and the same high cheekbones. The