Expanded Chaos: Chaos Awakened Saga, #2

By Niki Livingston

Earth's transformation swept like wildfire across the globe, but now threats of extinction hover in the heavens as well as on sturdy ground. 

  

Whispers of her mother returning consume Kia Lynn's every thought, but she quickly realizes the intentions of her mother might not have always been pure. An unbroken bond between them lingers, convincing her she can still save the woman she loves most in the world. 

  

Zoe Dawn's confidence has soared because of her elemental connection to Mother Gaia. Revealing her true nature is now more important than ever, but a secret exchange between the Doyen and a stranger could dim her fire and have her questioning her place among her people. 

  

Alex's hidden past is being unraveled through spiteful actions of her aunt, who also threatens Alex's very existence. An uncle who risked his life to protect her and the time machine that gave her a new beginning, have been ripped away to ensure her past escape will become her eternal grave. 

  

The three elementals believed their obligation was fulfilled, but as the world awakens, new foes and challenges arise intent on destroying all they have created.

 

If you enjoyed The Hunger Games or The 100, then you will love Niki Livingston's new mystical series.

 

Buy book one, Marked Chaos, to begin the adventure today!  

• Language: English
• Publisher: Niki Livingston
• Release date: Nov 10, 2020
• ISBN: 9781952537042

Niki Livingston

International Bestselling Author Niki Livingston writes tales of epic and dystopian fantasy worlds filled with magic, mysticism, and mystery. When she’s not busy writing enchanting stories of diverse women rising in their power and strength, she spends her time walking her rescue puppy, quieting her mind with meditation and yoga, diving into the newest books of Veronica Roth and Anne Bishop, and binge-watching The Vikings, The Mandalorian, and Lost In Space. For all her latest releases and updates, subscribe to Niki Livingston’s newsletter!

Book preview

Books by Niki Livingston

Theia’s Moons Series

Eyes Wide Shut

Enyo’s Warrior

Protectors of the Stars

Guardian

The Chaos Awakened Saga

Marked Chaos

Expanded Chaos

Transformed Chaos – coming February 2021

Novels

Be My Leprechaun

Novellas

Wrong Side of the Mirror

Novelettes

A Web Through Time

Wicked Heart

Wicked Soul

Jolly Old Monster

Unable to Wake

EXPANDED

CHAOS

Blood ties could be their undoing

NIKI LIVINGSTON

Expanded Chaos

This book is a work of fiction, including, but not limited to, characters, events, and features. They are all the imagination of the author and any resemblance of any aspect or persons, living or dead, is entirely circumstantial.

Copyright © 2020 Niki Livingston

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission from the author, except for brief quotations.

ISBN: 978-1-952537-04-2

Publisher: Unbound Wonders Press

Editor: Novel Nurse Editing

Cover Artist: Niki Ellis Designs

To connect: www.NikiLivingston.com

Table of Content

Chapter One – Family

Chapter Two – Lindon

Chapter Three – Missing

Chapter Four – Two Choices

Chapter Five – Strangers from Up Above

Chapter Six – Searching for Uncle Henry

Chapter Seven – Papa’s Revelations

Chapter Eight – Stopping Her

Chapter Nine – The Cruiser

Chapter Ten – Brody

Chapter Eleven – The Empty Cavern

Chapter Twelve – The Happiest Place on Earth

Chapter Thirteen – A Toxic Alliance

Chapter Fourteen – Black Hole

Chapter Fifteen – Reckless

Chapter Sixteen – Alarix’s Secrets

Chapter Seventeen – Fighting for Our Lives

Chapter Eighteen – The Sky is Falling

Chapter Nineteen – Family Lies

Chapter Twenty – The Void

Chapter Twenty-One – Water Elementals

Chapter Twenty-Two – Broken Heart

Chapter Twenty-Three – Ball of Fire

Chapter Twenty-Four – All for Nothing

Chapter Twenty-Five – Crushing It

Chapter Twenty-Six – Sapphire Spirit Tribe

Acknowledgements

About Author

To Chandler.

I hope the winds take you to the highest heights of your dreams.

My mind rages with a whirlwind of chaos and madness.

A fragmented heart of piercing beauty.

Guarded, but fierce.

Heartbroken with the strength of a warrior.

A powerful tempest that evil fears.

CHAPTER ONE

Family

KIA LYNN

I stared dumbfounded at Jax and Alex, then scrunched up my nose in distaste.

We are family? I asked, my gaze shifting between the two as I pointed at myself and then at each of them.

Jax nodded with a hopeful eyes. I would be considered your uncle, and Alex is your cousin.

I tilted my head. Rafael was Zoe Dawn’s cousin and they hated one another. But I had always believed family was what mattered, even though the ones who were not blood seemed far more loyal than the ones who were. Mama was blood, and supposedly her brother was standing in front of me. How was it possible I never knew he existed? Why would she have kept that from me?

No, I snapped, unable to wrap my mind around what they were telling me. Mama would not keep you from me.

Jax’s brows lifted and Alex released a heavy sigh.

Your mother was not the most honest woman, Alex whispered, averting her eyes.

Your aunt and my mama are not the same person, I hissed between clenched teeth. My hands tightened into fists and a gust of wind wrapped its way around us, pushing them closer together.

Jax steadied Alex and held his other hand out toward me. Kia Lynn, you have every right to not trust me, but do you really believe Alex would be lying to you?

I inhaled a long breath and looked past them at the butterfly swarm. The air softened as the sharp winds dissipated. No, I do not believe Alex would lie to me. I swallowed back the fear pounding in my chest and returned my focus to Alex and Jax. She is my mother. Why would she not tell me about her family?

Because I betrayed her. Jax hung his head in shame. When her anaman traits began to recede, I was embarrassed of her. I let her fall into the hands of tormenters, never once protecting her like I should.

And what about Alex?

She did not know Alex existed until after she left you, Jax replied as he wrapped a protective arm around Alex’s shoulders. In the end, Kia Lynn, we want to be your family. I want to make amends for the transgressions I committed against your mother by having a solid presence in your life.

I pressed my lips together, still unsure if I could trust him.

Alex stepped forward and grabbed my arm. No matter what you decide, I am your sister. Connected for life. I can be your cousin as well, but we are family either way.

My shoulders relaxed from her touch. She was right. I grasped her hand in mine and squeezed it. Then we are all family. Now—I rubbed my palms together—if my mother is really alive, how do I find her?

Alex’s jaw twitched as she dropped my hand and turned away from me. She was hiding something. I turned toward Jax and lifted my brows in waiting.

We don’t know if it is possible to find your mother, Jax said, his hand resting protectively on Alex’s shoulder. Tallisa’s offensive behavior forced us to separate before we arrived to your world, and we have not seen her since.

I shook my head, frustration crawling up my spine. We never leave family behind.

But she left you behind, Alex whispered, her eyes still turned toward the rising sun.

Alex, please don’t, Jax muttered, squeezing her shoulder. This is not the time.

Alex whipped around and glared at Jax, then turned her narrowed eyes toward me. Kia Lynn, I am most definitely your family. After what we just went through, I will forever be joined with you and Zoe Dawn. Her gaze dropped to the flowers below our feet. But I cannot help you find your mother.

She then pivoted on her heel and trudged toward Malcolm’s small city, which was nestled between the cliffs of the red mountains he called Zion. The landslide that now covered the giant tunnel, the one Tatum and his people had dug to infiltrate Malcolm’s protective shield, was a new feature to the city, and it marked the graves of many enemies to me, but those who were friends of my mother.

The entire situation was overwhelming and confusing.

My newfound bond with Alex was enough to question Mama’s actions. Two days earlier we had revived Mother Gaia to her full beauty, releasing the vibrancy back into the vegetation, along with the insect and animal life that had long been forgotten. I had learned magic really did exist. It now surrounded us, but even the mystical elements did not have the power to force a person to reveal their secrets.

I stared after Alex as she disappeared into the orchard of fruit trees. I would speak to her later.

My gaze drifted toward Jax. What do I need to do to find my mother? Papa always told me I had received my stubborn streak from Mama.

He sighed. Mama had inflicted much grief upon him and his daughter. I could see the agony bubbling up in his eyes, but it did not change the fact I wanted to see her again. Touch her face. Smell her hair. The thought of wrapping my arms around her neck, just like I had when I was a child, nearly made me giddy inside. But I held back my sudden elation and focused on Alex’s father.

I will look into it, Kia Lynn. But no promises.

I threw my arms around his neck and squeezed him tightly. He tensed from my embrace, but then relaxed and wrapped his arms around me.

Thank you! I dropped to be flat on my feet again and stepped away from the large anaman. Wait, this makes me part anaman, correct? The realization swept over me like a raging whirlwind, sending goose bumps up and down my arms.

His eyes widened, as he must have seen the disappointment in my expression. It is not all that bad to have anaman blood in your veins. Ask Alex. He leaned forward and wrapped my hands in his. We are family, and family takes care of one another. Anaman or human, it does not matter in our world.

It just seems strange is all, I said with a small smile. Anamans have always been the enemy in my life. It is odd to know I am one of you. And even more bizarre that Mama was able to hide that information from the Doyen.

Your mother is only half anaman and barely has any features resembling our kind. Jax released my hands and straightened. Tallisa appeared more like an anaman as a child, but the color of her skin lightened as she aged and freckled from the sun, just like yours. Any sign of her anaman skin disappeared by the time she reached your age, but she still possessed a heightened ability to sense other people’s intentions. She is also unfazed by the wind, so it makes sense that air is your elemental gift.

I nodded slowly, faded memories popping into my mind. Mama’s mystical tendencies either impressed the Doyen or frightened them, I replied, remembering how Mama would glide just above the ground at times. I had thought it was normal. It was not until after she disappeared when I realized not all adults could do it.

Zoe Dawn waved from the top of the hill, right outside the umbrella of the orchard trees. The ship is ready, Kia Lynn. They are taking us home. She leapt into the air, clapping her hands with excitement.

I grinned and waved.

It is time we all returned to our homes. Jax beckoned for me to lead the way. We can always talk about this more at a later time.

I stopped and glanced back at him. Not too much later.

He nodded and I continued up the hill, smiling to myself. A whisper of my young life danced on the edges of my memories. Mama’s voice carried as she belted out her melody on our long strolls through the forest surrounding our village. Then she would twirl me under her arm and lift me high above her head, laughing as if she did not have a care in the world.

Sugar Plum, she had called me. My sweet, sweet Sugar Plum.

Her words had held power and were a force not many challenged in the village. She saved her gentle nature for only me. I knew I was her one love, and she had been mine. She was a beauty with her vibrant auburn hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of fire. I idolized her when I was a child and had placed her on a pedestal after her disappearance.

Zoe Dawn met me half way down the trail and dragged me at a jog the rest of the way. Covyn was waiting just outside the bay door. She had decided to join us in our village until Jax and his people ensured Beck was no longer hiding in her little ancient town. Once she saw how we lived, she would not want to stay long. I was positive of that.

Alex ran toward me and threw her arms around my neck. If you really need to see her again, I will help you, she whispered in my ear.

I pulled back. There were tears shining in her eyes. I reached up and wiped away the ones from her cheek, then grasped both of her arms.

We will talk soon, cousin—sister. I corrected myself with a smile, tightening my hold on her. Whatever my mother has done, she will answer for, but first I must see her. Then we will judge her for her crimes.

Alex’s chin quivered, but she nodded in reply.

We will see you soon, Zoe Dawn said, squishing us both in her embrace.

I wiggled my nose as her fuzzy, inky-black hair pressed against it. She squeezed us tighter, and I blew out a laugh as I tried to turn away from all her curls, but she only held me closer.

Zoe Dawn, I will jab you with my fist if you do not let go, I muttered behind her veil of hair.

She dropped her arms and stepped back with a wide grin plastered across her face. I dare you, sister, she jested, putting her fists up in front of her face and bouncing on her toes.

Tiordan whisked around the corner with a smile gracing the edges of his lips. My three favorite elementals, he gushed, holding out his hands toward us.

I took one and Zoe Dawn took the other.

Are we not the only elementals? I asked, realizing I had never even thought there could be more.

Alex’s palms pressed together, and she held her thumbs against her chest. Are there more of us, Tiordan?

Possibly, he replied, glancing at each of our faces. But if there are more, your connection with them will only be apparent when they are needed. He dropped his arms to his sides, then clasped his hands behind his back. His eyes held a quizzical look. I wonder... He paused and stared off behind us.

What do you wonder? Zoe Dawn asked, after several silent moments. Her lips pursed as she waited for him to answer.

He scratched his chin. You are about to see your creation from up there and the moment will be one you will never forget. He jabbed his thumb toward the sky. But I do not believe this is the end.

My smile faded.

His arms folded in an X over his chest and he shook his head as if he was shaking away a thought. He did not notice our troubled gazes. The beauty that has unfolded across our Earth is astounding, but there is more to come. He finally focused on our faces. I sense another.

Really? Like another elemental? Alex’s fingers wrapped over my shoulder.

Yes. He nodded, then he quickly shook his head. No. His eyes closed and he tapped his fingers against his forehead. Maybe. I cannot see it just yet, but I feel there is more to come.

My heart leapt in my throat. I did not want another battle. Beck. Jacko. Tatum. Nikita. None of them.

Tiordan opened his eyes. I am rambling. He grasped my hand and smiled. I could be wrong. The stories tell of a shift and in my mind I had an idea of what that would be. I thought it would be physical, a movement through space perhaps, but maybe it is more of mental shift in our consciousness.

Malcolm moved out of the shadows of a nearby tree. Tiordan, it is time. He nodded toward the three of us. Goodbye for now. We will stay in touch.

Tiordan nodded and one by one touched us on the right shoulders. Do not mind me. You three were astounding. Perfectly splendid. His palms met together at his lips and he bowed his head. Until we meet again. May Mother Gaia shower you with all the love and abundance you deserve.

Cheers to that notion, Zoe Dawn replied, glancing at me.

Alex and I both nodded in agreement as he and Malcolm turned and walked away. I noticed Tiordan lean in to Malcolm and whispered something before throwing us one last glance. Did he really believe we had not completed our duties to Mother Gaia?

Time to go, my new friends, Covyn said. Her fingers circled over Zoe Dawn’s arm and drew her in close so she could plant a soft kiss on Zoe Dawn’s cheek. Then she turned her smile toward me. Are you ready to introduce me to your family?

I eyed Covyn suspiciously. Zoe Dawn only let me and Aly close like that. And now Alex.

The real question, is Zoe Dawn prepared for you to meet her mum? I asked, raising my brows at Zoe Dawn. I held back a laugh as her eyes widened. I knew it. This day is just about to get interesting.

I skipped past the two, waving at Alex and my new family before I disappeared inside the bay door. Alarix was waiting for me. I stopped in front of him and circled my arms around his neck.

Hello, mate, I whispered and kissed him softly on his lips. My eyes searched his as he locked us in an embrace, his lips pressing hard against mine.

When he broke away, a concerned expression had replaced his smile. What will your people think about us? Your father in particular.

He will be happy I found a suitable partner, I replied, lacing my fingers with his and pulling him into the interior of the ship. We will make it official as soon as we can.

Malcolm and Aly both glanced up when we stepped into the main room. The lights from their machines glared back at me and my heart leapt into my throat. I dug my heels into the ground. It looked nearly identical to Beck’s ship.

The resemblance is spooky, isn’t it? Covyn muttered. She stopped next to me and folded her arms over her chest. I’m not sure this is a great idea. Crash-landing a ship is not an easy memory to forget.

I shook away the cobwebs gathering in my mind and patted Covyn’s shoulder. Beck does not get that power over us. We fly again to drive out those horrifying memories. I nudged her with my elbow and then pulled her farther into the room.

You have more courage than I do. She settled into the chair between me and Zoe Dawn.

Zoe Dawn grinned at us both. "Don’t ruin my first real spaceship ride, sisters. I have been waiting my entire life for this moment." She patted both of her armrests like a small child.

Malcolm and Aly glanced at one another and I wondered what Zoe Dawn meant by real spaceship ride. She had been in this ship before, hadn’t she?

I didn’t have time to ask as we lifted off the ground and slowly rose above one structure after another, followed by the red mountains. It was a smoother ride than Beck’s, so I released my held breath. The view from here was enchanting. Mother Gaia was most definitely awake in all her glory.

Alarix leaned forward in his chair, and Covyn’s sigh sent goose bumps up my arms. Our view was like nothing I had seen before. The ground was covered in the brightest green trees I had ever seen, with a rainbow of blossoms spread out as far as the eye could see. The land sparkled like fresh rain had washed it clean. I was mesmerized.

We did that? Zoe Dawn asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Aly turned our way. I always knew you had greatness in you. Both of you.

Was this what the planet looked like before the stars struck Her? Covyn asked as her fingers absentmindedly found Zoe Dawn’s. Her eyes never left the outside world.

Malcolm shrugged, his attention remaining on the controls around him. It is possible, but I believe even then it was not this stunning.

Malcolm moved the ship forward, then sped up gradually, allowing us to take in the view around us. Taking a slight detour, we sped past the sunken hole that Tatum’s excavator had dug to Malcolm’s city. The machine was gone, along with their ship. I thought they were all buried underneath the mountain, but Tiordan claimed their energy still lingers nearby. To me, that just meant they have chosen to not pass on and nothing else. The few who had survived, cleaned up and left. Good riddance.

But what about their friendship to Mama? The question pounded at the back of my mind. With all the memories I have of my childhood, I would have never placed myself in this situation today. My mother danced, played, and showered her child with love and affection, then one day used men and women, anaman and human, to hunt and hurt that child who’d grown into a woman.

The thought consumed me, nearly broke me inside to face it. I pressed it away, doing my best to focus on the upcoming outside scenery.

Malcolm slowed as we neared Beck’s ship. The ground cover had completely changed. The massive ancient’s pole I had been tied to was now overtaken by vibrant green vines, and the vegetation crept along the ground in every direction.

We circled around the ship, which was being cleaned, and Alex’s people were preparing it to be taken to their village. They wanted their belongings returned, but more so, they were hoping to find out where Beck was hiding.

We hovered nearby for a few moments. Zoe Dawn turned my way, and I shot her a tight smile. I was stronger than my experiences, and I was most definitely better than the man who had believed he could use me to take control of our world. As for the news of Mama’s possible return—that would be kept between me and my new family. For now, at least. It would only worry Zoe Dawn and I needed to find out what Papa knew before I set out to find the one woman I loved most.

My attention returned to the view just beyond the glass. After turning the ship toward home, Malcolm zipped through the sky. My breath caught in my throat for a brief second, but when the black mountains came into view in front of us, I pried my fingers from the armrest and relaxed my shoulders.

CHAPTER TWO

Lindon

ZOE DAWN

I stretched my legs