Fate of the Stars

By Arwen Paris

When the fate of the world rests upon you… Allison Delaney wants to spend her senior year healing from the loss of her father, to leave the shadows of his death and her junior year break-down behind. A Labor Day beach party seems like a good place to start…but there’s more danger lurking than anyone could imagine. Death is co

• Language: English
• Publisher: Legendary Prose, LLC
• Release date: Sep 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781947334007

Arwen Paris

Arwen Paris is the author of young adult fiction. Her debut YA Sci-fi Urban Fantasy novel FATE OF THE STARS released September 1, 2017. The second book in the Fate of the Stars series RIVAL is coming in 2018. The actions packed pages of her novels are filled with characters that are forced to face fears they never expected. When she's not writing, you can see posts of her (too many) vacations that keep her sane. Arwen lives in Washington, has a big crazy family & after the day job, she writes Fiction For the Fearless - #F3Fanatic

Book preview

Chapter One

BEACH PARTY

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I’m not going to spend another year as the notorious crazy girl. In three days I’ll be a senior—this is my chance to be someone different. I should be excited about Becca’s party tonight. Seated next to me on the cool sand, Becca’s quiet for now, though she’ll start up again soon.

Orange sunlight glints off the cresting waves as the last few boogie boarders roll in. Most of the tourists left before the wind picked up and the sun died down. The smoky scent of barbecue sausages and burgers still lingers. Labor Day celebrations in southern California are usually more packed than the one here. Avilene Beach is too small to bring in crowds. The Under-21 Club will stay for the bonfires down near the two piers. Seagulls scavenge the shore hunting for scraps, squawking loudly when a quarrel breaks out among them.

Stop, a man shouts in a deep voice at a boy who runs past me kicking up sand before he races into the surf. The contrast of white shorts against his dark skin makes the boy stand out, even in the fading light. The massive man, tribal tattoos winding up his arm, laughs as he jogs after him. As he wades out into the water he roars, and the child squeals in mock terror before he’s swept up into his father’s loving embrace.

A vise clenches my heart and for a moment, I can’t breathe, so I turn away from the joyous duo.

Tight lines crease Becca’s slim face. I know since your dad passed, it’s been hard.

That’s one word for it. My mom’s been gone a lot, and even when she’s around, she’s gone. A lump forms in my throat. It’s like Mom’s been on another planet lately, or something. I swallow hard at the onslaught of memories of Dad. "I miss—them."

Stray blond locks escape Becca’s layered braid and whip at my face. The setting sun begins to sink into the sapphire ocean.

There’s something else bothering you, she says. Becca and I have been best friends since kindergarten, and even though I’m older by a few months, she’s always been protective of me. She knows me so well. I’m not in the mood for a lecture, so I angle for flattery.

I love that dress, Becca, it matches your eyes. Did your mom buy it while you were shopping today? She smiles, shaking her head while she smooths the fabric down her small waist.

I miss going out with my mom, or doing anything with her.

Don’t try to change the subject, she scolds. You should’ve come, it was a girl’s day and Dad stayed home with the twins. I can’t believe they’re starting third grade in three days! Becca beams whenever Tyler and Trevor come up. She dotes on the adorable terrors.

Honestly, at this point, I would, too. A brother or sister would be wonderful right now.

Hand in hand, the father and son rush past us. Water droplets from their swim shorts splatter against my already chilly skin. I need to stop torturing myself.

Between Mom hiding out at work all the time and you switching schools, I just can’t handle it all. A gust triggers goose bumps across my bare arms, a sharp contrast to the nervous fire weaving through my belly.

I thought she was going to cut back. Why didn’t she? Becca shouts, as if I’m not sitting right beside her. Her blue eyes shift to a wayward twig on her aqua dress, which she flicks hard toward the waves.

I sigh, closing my eyes.

Allison, you aren’t going to be at the party alone. Becca rubs my cold arm. I’m friends with some pretty amazing people. There has to be at least one of them you’ll like, who’s as awesome as me. She nudges me with her elbow.

I can’t help but chuckle, bumping her shoulder with mine. Like, so totally awesome.

There’s that smile. You’ll need it tonight.

Easy for you to say, I mutter, burrowing my toes into the dry sand. I watch the grains cloak them and wish they could envelop all of me.

Becca wraps her arm around me in a hug. You need to talk to your mom about it. You know that’s what your counsel— She cocks her head to the right as her focus shifts to something behind me. Shooting her arm up, she waves, and my stomach sinks.

I hug my knees tight, letting my head drop while wild strands of auburn hair flick my cheeks. I say a silent prayer—I’ll need the help to avoid making a fool of myself tonight. Don’t stand in the way of yourself, kiddo. That’s what Dad would say, in his gravelly smoker’s voice.

Becca fidgets with impatience as she waits for me. Let’s go! She bolts off, her dress snapping in the increasing wind as she races to meet her party guests.

I look up just as Stephen enters the beach from the busy parking lot. I think I’m going to be sick. His white button-down shirt blows tight against his muscular body, made dark and strong by a summer of volleyball. As our eyes meet, a sly smile spreads across his face. I blush and drop my gaze. Of course. I swallow hard at the memory of his younger half-smiling face, and force the knot back into my heart. That was years ago.

Main Street runs along the beach, with businesses on one side and a wall of concrete on the other, towering fifteen feet above the sand. A stairwell comes down from the parking lot from the left, and a ramp from the right, while a wide boardwalk guides visitors to the end of the pier. Several of Stephen’s friends descend on both sides, trailing after him. They race and shove one another as they move through the dwindling crowd, past small groups loading up their cars after a long day of sun, food, and surf. Even the vendors are packing up the rainbow of tents bordering the sidewalk. The streetlights flicker on, starting out dim, while strings of bright bulbs illuminate the restaurants below. The guys head toward the South Pier, where we’re meeting up for the party.

Stephen strides up to Becca and tucks a wayward lock behind her ear. Judging by the coy way she’s tossing her sundress, he must be flirting. He’s notorious for attracting beautiful girls and then breaking their hearts. I stand and swat the loose sand off my tan shorts before jogging toward Becca. Someone’s got to watch out for her.

The long gray pier, with its thick black columns reaching out into the harbor, is impossible to miss. Down under the boardwalk the stench of cold seaweed and dead fish grows stronger the closer I get. A group of girls from school huddle near the massive column, waiting for Becca. Altogether the party consists of about twenty teenagers. A few are gathering driftwood for the fire. Two guys shove each other. Several others laugh at the macho display. Stephen and Becca reach them, and she immediately begins hugging each of her friends, her small body disappearing as it’s enfolded into the group. I slow down because I can’t bring myself to follow her.

The circle opens a little, revealing Becca pressed close to Stephen. He dwarfs her in stature, but the duo dominates everyone’s attention. She waves me to her and I shake my head. Which just makes her gestures more forceful and embarrassing.

I take my time entering the crowd. A few faces are recognizable, but I’ve never been good at remembering names. I nod with a fake smile plastered on my face.

The circling crowd pushes me forward, knocking me into Stephen. My chin strikes his collarbone hard, snapping my teeth together. I yelp, pushing back from him, but his tight chest under my hands brings the heat back to my face, so I drop my hands to my sides. Opening my mouth to apologize, I’m slammed against him again. I pivot to curse the culprit among the laughing idiots.

Warm hands press down on my shoulders, interrupting my outrage. He’s four inches taller than me, forcing me to look up at him, which doesn’t happen that often because I’m six feet tall. Stephen turns me to face him. Those ice-blue eyes peeking through tawny windswept hair captivate me. His thumbs graze my collarbone as he steadies me. The drum of my heart takes off.

Sorry, I mumble, dropping my gaze.

He steps in closer and smiles softly, making his brilliant blue eyes light up. Alarms go off in my brain. I recoil, jerking back from him.

That was too far. I turn back to apologize, but his smile is gone.

Stephen cranks his neck to the side, creating a loud pop as the vertebrae crack. You know, Allison, you should attempt to have fun for once. His strong voice carries, and the small crowd erupts into a chorus of laughter.

A pang of panic flashes through me. This can’t be happening.

Becca spins around, tilting her chin up to glare hard at Stephen before turning her back to him in dismissal. There’s no smile on her face as she grabs my hand, dragging me behind her.

Oh, come on, Becca, says Stephen.

Of course he follows us.

I didn’t mean anything by it, he shouts.

She marches us to the fire pit. All right, you guys. Now that everyone’s here, let’s get going before it’s too dark. Who’s in charge of the fire tonight? All attention turns to her, and for the moment, I’m forgotten. A few guys are quick to build a makeshift bonfire. I move to the fringe of the group and sit close enough to the fire pit without being in the way.

A light pulses against the purple hues of the sunset, catching my attention. The bright object plummets, arcing across the sky at an unbelievable speed. I don’t remember hearing about a meteor shower tonight. I’ve seen lots of shooting stars, even falling satellites, but nothing like this. In an instant it stops, pausing on the horizon. I tense, not even breathing. I count eight long beats of my heart before the object takes off again and disappears. I exhale, then take a shaky breath, hugging myself.

Only a faint mark remains in the sky, but I can’t help feeling that something’s wrong. Everyone begins whispering as they watch it fade. I bolt to Becca’s side near the bonfire, sitting close to warm the chill that’s reached into my bones, hoping to drive off this menacing sensation.

That was weird, I say, with a shiver.

Yeah, Stephen says.

Becca nods her head in agreement.

As I stare into the flames, my thoughts drift back to Mom. This year I’m going to apply for that study-abroad program, regardless of what she thinks. After graduation I can go anywhere I want. All I have left here are painful memories. If I can get my grades up and pull myself together, I can get that scholarship. No more crazy girl without a future.

Don’t think so hard. You might hurt yourself. Stephen laughs as he thumps down on the sand beside me, so close that his bare leg touches mine. What’s got you so deep in thought?

I’m just thinking about… this year, I stutter. I can’t believe we’re almost done. The rising pitch of my voice makes me clamp my mouth shut. Pull yourself together, Allison.

He offers me a red plastic cup, which I sniff with suspicion. What is it?

Seriously, have you ever tried relaxing? he asks, rolling his eyes.

I scowl and take a gulp of the diluted sweet drink to prove myself. Stephen watches for a moment, then nods in surprising approval. I cock my head to the side and grin at him. In the flickering firelight I can make out a half-smile, as if I’m amusing him.

Good job. His eyes are dark as he stares at me, a rebellious shadow crossing them as he moves closer. Stephen places his warm hand on my thigh, giving it a little squeeze as he stands.

I flinch, splashing myself with mystery drink. The cold liquid soaks through my tank top down to my skin. Great! Laughter erupts around me. The few girls nearby turn toward each other, talking and giggling as they keep turning back to look at me. Humiliated, I stand up, turning my back to them, and begin the dark walk home. These are Becca’s friends, not mine.

Footsteps race up behind me. You’re leaving and weren’t even going to tell me? I whirl around, facing Becca. My throat thickens at her accusation.

I’m sorry, I just need to get a clean shirt. I give a half-hearted smile.

She frowns at the large dark stain on my tank top. Let me say bye to everyone, then we can walk back together.

You… don’t have to do that. She would ditch her own party to walk home with me? I’m so lucky to have Becca for a best friend.

I know. She laughs. Wait down by the shore and I’ll meet you in a few.

I watch as she dashes back to the bonfire. A few minutes to say bye to everyone? Right.

I walk toward the crashing waves and let the sound of their ebb and flow carry my anxiety away. The loose sand under the pier slides beneath my sandals. I veer closer to the foaming sea. Moonlight reflects off the bubbling saltwater, creating a luminescent path. I follow it, lost in memories and daydreams until a violent shiver awakens me.

I look back for the fire pit, straining to see it. I can’t really be that far away, it feels like I just left a few minutes ago. Judging by the distance I’ve walked, it must have been a lot longer than that. I nibble on my stubby nail. The hair on my arms begins to prickle and stand on end.

Something is wrong.

A bright white light explodes above me, revealing the empty beach, the black ocean, and the fact that I’m very alone. My heart thunders. A tingling sensation spreads across my face, lingering on my lips, until I think I may pass out. The intensity increases, matching the rising panic within me. I attempt to search for the source of the radiance above me, but I’m frozen. Defiantly, my eyes refuse to obey.

What the hell is wrong with me?

The sound of waves crashing, even the water lapping the shore, drags to a stop. The world is silent as a weight descends upon me. I fight with every fiber of my being to scream, to run, or do anything, as terror overtakes me. My stone body topples over, crushing me to my knees, and I am bowed down. I break out in a cold sweat. All my effort amounts to nothing more than trembling and a weak moan. Then, unexpectedly, warmth spreads through my limbs, leaving serenity in place of fear. My eyes close and I crumple. The world goes black.

Chapter Two

FALLOUT

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Specks of grit blow against my eyelids. I rub them. A pair of seagulls float on the stiff breeze. Why am I still at the beach? I sit up, surprised by the rising blood-red sun. The nightmare of the party rushes back and I cringe at the last memory of being paralyzed, my cry for help locked in my throat. I flex my feet in slow up-and-down motions, then do the same with my fingers. Analyzing every sensation, I take my time standing. Nothing out of the ordinary.

I can’t believe no one came looking for me. Becca just left me out here all night. How am I going to explain this to Mom? She’s going to freak out!

I jump up, breaking into a run back toward the dark pier. Deep measured breaths fill my lungs. Mom doesn’t work at the hospital today, so she might still be sleeping. That’s what Saturdays are for, right? I replay the events of last night and wonder if I had a seizure or something.

The charred remains of the fire pit come into view and I swerve wide around it, making a break for the ramp up toward Main Street. I’ve never run this fast in my life, yet I’m not panting or gasping. Sprinting across the parking lot, I run up to my block and turn right, continuing uphill at the same speed until I reach our house.

The morning sun reflects off our dying grass. Yesterday I couldn’t wait to put those faded white stucco walls, surrounded by the decaying fence Dad built, behind me. Right now I can’t imagine anything more beautiful. With my key in the lock, I turn the handle and quietly open the door.

Please let Mom be asleep.

I stand in the entrance examining every movement from the rippling pale curtains to the noisy air conditioner. I sigh in relief and close the door with a soft click.

I rush upstairs in silence, taking precise steps to avoid the creaky spots. Just before I reach the safety of my room, Mom walks out of the bathroom in her bathrobe, clutching her phone.

Where have you been? she shouts, grabbing me in a suffocating embrace. I’ve been so worried. As she draws back, her eyes narrow as they sweep over me. The strong scent of her shampoo, amber, vanilla, and grapefruit, wafts after her.

I choke at the idea of explaining what happened last night. Just the thought

Reviews for Fate of the Stars

[alysinbookland · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Fate of the Stars has a good storyline. I like what the story was trying to show or tell me. The book cover is also eye-catching, and I love it. Though even if it does entertain me, I couldn’t deny that the story has some minor flaws that failed to make this book to be part of my favorites.The story started well, especially when those aliens came to Earth, but I noticed that as I go on, the story started getting boring to me. I think the reason of it was that Allison was, most of the time, being kept or hidden away from different reasons and the actions that started from the beginning began to lessen as more chapters passed by. The only good that happened is it was able to pick its pace again, and that was how I was able to finish this even if it bores me on some point.The protagonist is a wonderful character. She started as someone who hides inside her shell, but after the descent of those aliens, she started going out of it. Her character developed awesomely. The other characters though are not noticeable because they don’t shine like the protagonist and only a handful of supporting characters made me like them.Overall, this is an interesting story about aliens invasion. I am looking forward to knowing what will happens next to Allison. I am recommending this book to anyone looking to read some books about aliens. If you also like some pretty unique sci-fi story, I also suggest this one.Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy from Xpresso Book Tours.