The Dark Queen: A Young Adult Urban Fantasy Novel: The Soulless War Trilogy, #1

By Dana Gricken

When the Dark Queen rises, our world will crumble...

 

For centuries, war has been brewing below the surface of New York. People known as the soulless—immortal humans with strange powers—have threatened life on the surface. The Dark Queen seeks revenge for a crime long forgotten and wants to rule the world.

 

Eighteen-year-old Riley Stark—a new recruit in the Sentinels, a military group that protects Earth from the Underworld—thinks she's joining for the right reason. As a child, she narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on her life, and has wanted justice ever since.

 

After Riley goes snooping through her records, she finds the terrible truth—her ancestor was Mira Stark who killed the famous Dark King, and the soulless have wanted her family's blood spilled. When Riley falls in love with a soulless boy she's been taught to hate, she realizes that she can't trust anyone—soulless or otherwise.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fire & Ice Young Adult Books
• Release date: Oct 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9781680468335

Book preview

The Soulless Trilogy

1. The Dark Queen

2. The Dark Evolution

3. The Dark Cage

Part I

Prologue

THE SHADOW’S OMEN

TEN YEARS AGO

---

Istill remember the day the soulless tried to kill me.

It was during the middle of the night when darkness had swept over my room like a fog. The trees clanged against the window, trying to claw their way in, and I cowered under the blankets for protection. The whispering wind quieted for a moment, and that’s when I heard it—footsteps outside my door in the hallway, and not those of my parents.

A stranger was in my house.

I sat upright in bed, throwing off the covers and running into the closet. I had just locked myself in when the door handle to my room jiggled. Then, the door opened with a squeak and a streak of light shot across the hardwood floor. My heart thumped wildly as the person entered my room.

I tried to see the intruder through the small slots of the closet door. It was a man, as tall and as strong as my father, wearing a long, dark cloak. I swore his eye color was the same as the darkness outside, but I assumed I was just imagining things.

I was too young to understand how much danger I was really in.

I know you’re in here, Riley Stark, the man said. Come out wherever you are.

I held my breath as the man inspected my room, looking under the bed and behind my curtains. As soon as his back was turned and he was far enough away, I bolted out of the closet and headed straight for the door. I didn’t scream or cry, and I didn’t call for my parents. My only concern was getting out alive.

He noticed me as I sprinted past him, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw something I still couldn’t believe to this day. The man’s entire body faded into a shadow, like the sun eclipsing the moon. There was nothing left of him besides a black mist.

You’re not getting away that easily! his disembodied voice hissed. "The heir to the Stark legacy must be stopped!"

I had managed to make it down the staircase when he—or, a part of him—finally caught up to me. Like a tidal wave, the shadow swept over me, pulling me back. I thrashed and kicked, but it was too strong. It was suffocating me more as the seconds ticked by, and I couldn’t scream for help.

And then, everything stopped. The shadow released me and I crawled away.

The shadow dissipated, transforming back into the man I saw before, and he slumped to the ground. A strange dagger protruded from his chest, and he tried to remove it, but it remained in place.

He attempted to reach for me but I moved away, right before he began to cough up black blood. You can’t escape it forever, Riley Stark! Death will become your legacy!

My father appeared in the hallway, watching over the man carefully. Once the man stopped breathing, Dad removed the dagger from his body and scooped me into his arms.

Are you all right, Riley? he asked. Did he hurt you?

I shook my head. I’m fine. Who was that man? What did he want?

Dad was quiet for a moment. It’s nothing you need to worry about, kiddo. You know that I’ll always protect you, right?

I nodded as my mother entered the room. She flicked on the kitchen light and stared at the dead body on the floor.

What’s going on here? she asked. Should I call the police? What do we do?

Dad shook his head. "The police can’t help us, Claudia. That was one of them—the soulless. I’ll inform the Sentinels right away."

The…soulless? my mother asked, placing a hand over her mouth in shock. I don’t believe it!

Dad nodded. It’s true. We’ll stay at a hotel tonight. I don’t feel comfortable keeping you two here.

That was the first time I saw a dead body, but it wouldn’t be my last. I’d never forget the stench of blood, and the unsettling feeling I had watching someone’s life slip away.

We moved to a new house a week later and never spoke of the incident again. No one tried to kill me after that, but I never felt completely safe after the events of that night. I had a feeling whatever was chasing me wouldn’t stop—and I was right.

The soulless wanted me dead, and it was personal.

1

GRADUATION DAY

PRESENT DAY

---

The class of 2030 threw their graduation caps into the air with a cheer. High school was over and thank God for that. No more homework, mean girl cliques, or awkward school dances for me. Besides the Underworld, it was the worst place on Earth.

I looked around at my hopeful classmates. They were young, naïve, and helpless. I wanted to be their protector. No child deserved to wake up in the middle of the night to find the soulless at their door.

It was a perfect day in New York City—bright blue skies, birds chirping above us, and the sunlight kissing my skin. After living here for so long, you eventually learn to block out the constant honking and busy roads. But other than that, this city was a paradise.

It was so different from that night ten years ago.

Spencer, my best friend of twelve years, nudged my shoulder. His blue eyes twinkled with delight, his blond hair sticking up carelessly. Can you believe we’re finally finished?

I shook my head. It feels like we’ve been stuck here forever.

And I just traded in four years of high school for another four years of college. I got accepted into the journalism program at NYU.

I smiled, although it was half-hearted. Good for you, Spence. You worked hard for it.

He nodded. So… What about you? Did you hear back from any of those schools you applied to?

Should I tell him the truth? That I hadn’t applied to any colleges like everyone else? That I wasn’t going to have a normal life?

I sighed. No, not yet.

Well, don’t sweat it. You’re smart. I mean, you’re smarter than me and I was accepted. I’m sure someone will take you.

I shook my head before leaning in closer. Spence, I need to tell you something.

Before I could tell him my secret, my mother, Spencer’s sister Elaina, and her fiancée, Violet, walked over to us on the lawn. Elaina was beautiful—luscious blond hair, blue eyes, and the perfect makeup—while Violet was more of a tomboy, with brown hair and matching eyes, freckles, and the same doctor’s coat she wore every day.

A flash of light blinded me and I knew exactly who it belonged to.

I rolled my eyes. "Really, Mom? Another photo?"

My mother wiped away tears from her hazel eyes. I’m sorry. I can’t help it. My baby is graduating!

I shook my head, turning towards Spencer and the girls. Do you see what I have to put up with?

Elaina laughed. Oh, I think it’s sweet. I still remember my graduation day. Class of 2020. It was such a happy time.

Violet smiled and wrapped her arms around Elaina. I can’t forget it either. It’s where we fell in love. Weren’t you dating the high school jock at the time? I was just some science geek back then. You barely even noticed me.

I’m just glad I came to my senses, Elaina replied, pecking her cheek.

Spencer gagged. Can we save the lovey-dovey stuff for private? You’re going to make me sick.

You can make fun of your big sister all you’d like, Spencer, but one day soon, this will be you.

Gross.

I looked around the school courtyard. Where’s Dad?

Mom shrugged. He was around a minute ago before he disappeared. Who knows what goes through his head?

Mom looked worried. Dad hadn’t been the same since his promotion to detective—and the stress was getting to him.

Actually, I thought I saw him talking to Mayor McClain. It looked serious, Elaina added.

The mayor is here? Spencer asked, wide-eyed. Why? What could he want from us?

Violet watched me out of the corner of her eye. It was like she knew my deepest, darkest secret.

Why don’t you go find Mr. Stark? Riley and I will wait for you here.

Mom nodded. Good idea. Jeffrey should be over here with his daughter on her graduation day, not interrogating the guests.

"I should go, too. There’s an old gym teacher I want to have a few words with. Now that I’ve graduated, I can tell him how I really feel about all of those laps he made us run, Spencer said, before gesturing towards Elaina. Come on. I don’t want to do it alone. The guy is a little intimidating."

The three of them scurried away, and it was just Violet and me left behind. She stared at me for a few moments, before looking over her shoulder to make sure everyone had left. The look on her face was enough to make me nervous.

I’m glad they’re gone. I need to speak to you in private.

I gulped. Am I in trouble?

She laughed. No, but it’s important. Let’s find a better spot.

We walked through the crowded schoolyard, looking for a place to talk. We finally found a spot in the shade, where the heat of summer couldn’t catch us. After a while, she finally broke the silence.

Now that high school is over, you have a bright future ahead of you, she began. Have you given a thought to what you’ll do now?

Of course. It’s all Mom’s been talking about this year.

And? Did anything catch your eye?

I shrugged. "I’ve looked at all of the colleges here. They don’t interest me. I want to do something exciting—something important—with my life."

I know that you applied to become a Sentinel, she whispered. "Are you sure about this, Riley? Have you really thought it over?"

I’m eighteen, Violet. I can make my own decisions, I said before I scoffed. It’s none of your business.

She sighed. You remind me of myself, you know. After graduation, I wanted to make a difference. I swore I could change the world.

And did you?

She was silent for a moment. Yes. The Sentinels have helped me do great work.

I gasped. You’re with the Sentinels? Does Elaina know?

She shook her head. Elaina thinks I’m just a doctor. With all of the news reports about the soulless, I didn’t want to worry her. I work for the Surgical Ward at the Sentinel Headquarters. I’ve seen so many young people—just like you—killed. The surgery is risky. You could die before you even step foot in the Underworld.

If you work for the Sentinels, then you understand why I have to do this, I replied. Do you remember what happened to me when I was a little girl? I haven’t forgotten. Dad was able to save me, but what about all of the other kids in trouble? I can’t let them suffer. I have to do something.

I just want you to think about it. It’s a big commitment. Everything you know will change. You’d be putting your family in danger.

I shrugged. I’ve already decided. You can’t change my mind.

Your mother won’t like it. She’ll be worried about you every day. Your father is a detective. What if he gets a call that you’ve been killed in the Underworld? Can you imagine him finding your body? And what about Spencer? He cares about you more than you’d think.

Just stop it! I yelled, and a few bystanders looked over at my outburst. What’s done is done. I’m going to be a Sentinel—so let it go.

Spencer and Elaina walked over a few seconds later. They both looked at the two of us with a suspicious glare.

Ry, you look tense. What did I miss? Spencer asked.

Elaina placed a hand on Violet’s arm. Are you okay, sweetie?

It was nothing. A bee wouldn’t leave us alone and it freaked me out, I muttered, looking away.

Violet nodded. Yes…a bee.

"Well, we’d hate to interrupt that, but I heard the mayor’s getting ready to give a speech. Judging by all of the news reporters that showed up, it seems pretty important."

It was like a madhouse. There must’ve been at least a hundred news reporters at our school. We pushed our way through the crowd, which was beginning to swarm around the mayor. He was a short and chubby man, with balding hair and a suit that looked more expensive than my car. The mayor stood at a podium, with many cameras and microphones shoved in his face. He looked somber and defeated.

God, those journalists are so annoying, Spencer muttered.

And you’re going to school to become one of those annoying journalists, I joked.

He shuddered. Don’t remind me.

Just then, Dad walked out of the school and stood beside the mayor, Harvey McClain. Mom waited nearby, watching with the same serious look on her face. A cluster of police officers patrolled the school grounds, sealing it off with yellow crime scene tape. Something was seriously wrong.

Okay, now I’m getting worried, I whispered. Why is Dad up there?

Don’t worry. Everything’s probably fine, Elaina replied. Maybe the mayor gives a speech at every graduating class?

On national television? I’m not so sure, Violet said before the crowd quieted down.

The mayor cleared his throat and rearranged his papers at the podium. Thank you for your patience. It’s come to my attention that early this morning, a graduating student at John F. Kennedy High School by the name of Christopher Todd disappeared. We want the public to know that we’re doing everything in our power to find this promising young man.

Amelia Rayne, lead reporter for the New York Daily, a red-headed woman said as she pushed through the crowd with a microphone in her hand. Are the citizens of New York City in any danger?

I don’t believe so, the mayor replied, nervously adjusting his tie. I’m sure this is an isolated incident.

Is it really? What about the other missing people? Do you think it’s connected somehow? Amelia asked. The people of New York deserve to know, Mayor McClain. Are the soulless involved?

The mayor shook his head, dabbing a line of sweat on his forehead with his handkerchief. I’m afraid I can’t comment on an ongoing investigation. I’m confident we’ll find Mr. Todd very soon. I have one of the best detectives on the case. If he’d like to say a few words…

Dad stepped forward, begrudgingly. He hated public speaking. He was still wearing the suit he’d loaned for my graduation, but he had attached his badge and gun. He ran a hand through his black hair, nervously.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. My name is Jeffrey Stark, lead detective on the missing person’s case. If I learn anything new, I’ll share it with the city as soon as possible. In the meantime, I’d like the public to remain vigilant and watch out for anything suspicious or unusual. Thank you.

As Dad walked away, the mayor stepped up to the podium again as the journalists began shouting questions. Both of my parents started to make their way over to us.

A missing student on graduation day? Maybe he just took off as soon as he was free from this place? I have to say, I’ve thought about it myself, Spencer joked.

Spencer Holland! Elaina said. This is no time for jokes! I hope they find him. His parents must be worried sick.

Is it true? I asked, as soon as my parents caught up with us.

Dad nodded. I’m afraid so, kiddo. I’ve questioned a few students and teachers, but no one has seen Mr. Todd for a while. It’s a little odd that someone could disappear at their own graduation without a witness, isn’t it?

I remember the kid. I think I had him in my remedial math class. He was a little weird, to be honest. He was shy and kept to himself. I don’t think he had any friends, Spencer replied.

It’s been an awfully long day. I think we should go home and try to forget about this. It’s a time for celebration, after all. I made some of my special cake. Everyone’s invited, Mom said.

Oh, you know I can’t resist your cake, Claudia, Elaina exclaimed. Violet always asks me when you’re going to make it again.

Violet laughed. Maybe one of these days you’ll share the recipe with us?

Mom nodded. It’s all yours. How about I give it to you as a wedding gift?

In the distance, I saw a hooded figure lingering around the school. Whoever it was looked young, but I couldn’t see any of their features with the dark jacket they had on. They were out of place, and the sinking feeling in my stomach told me something was amiss. No one else seemed to notice.

Are you coming? Spencer asked. I hadn’t realized they’d all begun walking towards the car.

When I looked back, the mysterious figure was gone. It was like they had vanished into thin air.

In a second, I replied. I just have to do something first.

I raced over to the side of the building where I’d last seen the unusual visitor, but no one was there. If it had been any cloudier, I wouldn’t have noticed it: sunlight reflecting off a metal surface, drawing my eyes to the ground.

I bent down and realized there was a black ring in the dirt. Maybe that person I saw dropped it. As I examined it, I saw an inscribed symbol of a crown. In bold red letters, it read: CALEB, THE DARK SON.

I knew then exactly what had happened to Christopher Todd. He was never coming back.

2

REVELATIONS

Iwas quiet the whole ride home. Between what Violet had told me about the Sentinels and seeing that stranger at the school, I needed some time to think. Spencer leaned over in his seat, before checking to make sure my parents, Elaina, and Violet couldn’t hear us from the backseat of the van.

Hey, are you all right? he asked. You don’t look so good.

I’m fine, I replied, a little too quickly. I’m just thinking about my future, that’s all.

Yeah, I’ve been there. He nodded. What were you trying to tell me at the ceremony?

Oh, um, I stuttered, searching for an answer. It was nothing. Nothing at all.

Well, whenever you need to talk, I’m here for you, Riley.

I smiled. Thanks, Spence.

The van came to a screeching halt, and the six of us made our way into my house. Banners reading CONGRATULATIONS were strewn across the walls, and blue graduation balloons floated around. The dinner table was set with a pretty lilac centerpiece and enough silverware for all of us. Everything looked great, but I wasn’t in the mood to celebrate.

Where’s that delicious cake I was promised? Spencer asked, as soon as he walked through the door.

My mother laughed. Hold your horses, Spencer. We’ll eat dinner first before we get to dessert. It’ll be ready in a few minutes.

He groaned. No fair.

Everything is perfect, Claudia. Elaina said. The next graduation is on us.

Dad stood near the windowsill in the hallway, a distant look in his green eyes. I walked over to him as everyone grabbed a drink and waited around for the food.

Hey, Dad.

Hi, kiddo, he replied, not even bothering to look at me.

What are you doing? I asked as I looked out the window, too. There was nothing there.

I’m just thinking about that disappearance. How many kids go missing on graduation day? And without a trace? It’s so unusual, don’t you think? I’ve been running theories through my head, trying to figure it out, he said. Don’t go telling your mom what I’m thinking about. She’d just get upset.

About that…I need to talk to you, I said.

He tore his gaze away from the window to look at me. Do you know something I don’t?

I pulled out the ring. I saw someone, behind the school when everyone was leaving. When I got over there, the person was gone, but they left this behind.

He took the strange piece of jewelry from my palm and read its inscription aloud. The Dark Son…no, it can’t be…

I know. I came to that conclusion, too.

He shook his head. Why didn’t my officers find this? Seriously, if you ever want a career in law enforcement, you got it. Your mom wouldn’t like it, though.

I shrugged. That never stopped me from doing things before.

Thanks for giving this to me, Riley, he whispered as he placed the ring in his pocket. This confirms what I’ve always suspected.

What do you suspect? I asked, but Dad was silent in response.

Jeffrey! Riley! Mom called out from the kitchen. Dinner will be ready soon. Are you coming to sit with us?

In a minute! Dad replied, before gesturing toward the basement stairs. I just need to show Riley something. Should only take a few seconds.

What is it?

Look, I know you have questions about the missing kid. You helped me, now let me help you.

The stairs creaked as Dad and I walked into the dusty cellar. He usually didn’t allow anyone to come into the basement. It was his private sanctuary, he said—whatever that meant.

He flicked the light on, illuminating the stacks of files and photographs. In the center of the room stood a tall bulletin board with hundreds of newspaper articles attached to it. Many of them included information on suspicious disappearances and reports about Sentinels struggling to stop the growing population of the Underworld.

"What is all of this?" I asked.

Since the nineties, I’ve been following cases like these. Of course, I was just a police officer back then, but I noticed the patterns. People going missing without a single clue, and they never come back—just like the boy at your school.

So what do you think happened to them?

I’ve had my suspicions. The government wants us to think the Sentinels are our protectors—that they can handle the soulless down in the Underworld and stop another uprising. I think the soulless are kidnapping people—and only God knows why. Probably for some kind of army they’re building. They have immortality and special powers. We’re nothing compared to them, even with the implants those Sentinels get.

And the ring? I asked. How does it fit into all of this?

No idea. I’ve never seen a piece of jewelry like that before. I think one of the soulless people might’ve dropped it. Whether it was on purpose, I might never know.

I nodded towards the bulletin board. So tell the others at the police station what you think. You’re a detective now, Dad. You’re not a rookie officer anymore. They’d believe you!

He sighed. I can’t, Riley. Comfortable lies make it easier to sleep at night. I have to do this alone. I need to find out why the soulless are taking these people, and why it’s only getting worse. Something big is coming—and it’s happening soon. It’s what we’ve always feared.

I looked down. Dad, about the Sentinels...

Before I could finish, Mom’s voice bellowed down the staircase. Are you two finished being anti-social down there? The roast beef is getting cold, and I worked very hard on this meal!

Well, we’d better go. The only thing scarier than the soulless is your mother.

I laughed. I can’t argue with that.

I know you’d never go behind my back, but can you promise me you won’t tell anyone about this? It’ll just sound like crazy conspiracy theories, and we’ve got enough of those floating around.

I nodded. I’ll keep quiet, Dad. I don’t want to jeopardize your new job. Getting promoted to detective is a big deal. I’m proud of you.

He smiled. Thanks, kiddo. Now, let’s go eat. I’m starving.

By the time we had reached the dinner table, Spencer, Elaina, Violet, and my mother were already sitting down. Their food was on plates in front of them, untouched.

The Starks have finally made an appearance, Mom joked as Dad chuckled and sat next to her. I was beginning to think you two would never show up.

Are you kidding, Claudia? Dad asked as he tucked a napkin into his shirt. I’d never miss my favorite meal with my favorite people.

Spencer patted the chair next to him. I saved you a seat, Ry.

I smiled and slid beside him. Thanks, Spence.

Who’s going to say grace tonight? Mom asked, looking around the table.

Why don’t we all go around the room and say what we’re thankful for? Elaina asked.

Violet nodded. I like that idea.

I’ll go first if you don’t mind, Spencer said before he looked at me. I’m grateful for Riley. Without her, I don’t think I would’ve survived high school. You’re my best friend, Ry. Wherever life takes us, I want us to stay in touch. I can’t lose you after high school.

He was going to lose me. I had never felt so guilty.

I faked a smile. Thanks, Spence. It means a lot. I’m grateful for you, too.

Obviously. I’m fabulous, he joked, and I playfully slapped his arm.

Mom squeezed Dad’s hand. Isn’t that cute?

Dad rolled his eyes. Yes, very cute. Can we eat now?

Not quite, Mom said. Not until everyone has shared what they’re grateful for. Who’s next?

Before we could continue, there were three rough knocks at the door. Everyone looked