The Heart of Terrenon

By Kimberly Briggs

Kennah Brenner is ready to begin her adult life starting with a weekend alone while her parents are on their month-long anniversary trip. All is going according to plan until she finds out that her parents will not be coming home. Devastation and confusion are not the only feelings Kennah will experience now that her parents have gone missing. Kennah’s aunt and uncle drop the biggest bombshell of a secret that she has ever received: she was not born on Earth. Nor is she anywhere close to ordinary. Kennah's magicless days are about to end. On the day she turns eighteen, she will be gifted the power to control one of the four elements and be sent to her home world.
The story of Terrenon is one that will pull at the minds of young adult readers, give a voice to those who are far from neurotypical, and give readers a place to explore something new.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Dec 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781662920738

Book preview

Part One

Releasing

Chapter One

The elegant chain slid between Kennah Brenner’s small fingers, her green eyes sparkling in awe. Each white link shimmered like an opal, colors appearing and disappearing under the early rays of the sun. Opposite the delicate clasp was a glass orb, transparent and round. The gift had come as a surprise: Kennah never received her birthday present prior to her parent’s anniversary trip.

Mom, Kennah breathed, her eyes still on the bracelet.

Do you like it?

It’s beautiful. Kennah looked up at her mother, whose identical eyes met hers. I’ve never seen anything like it. Did you find it at one of your sites?

Kennah’s mom, Amanda Brenner, was an archeologist. She often brought home strange stones and artifacts for Kennah, who had made a small museum in her bedroom to display them.

No, actually. I made it. And I really didn’t want to wait until we got back to give it to you. Amanda grinned as Kennah handed the chain to her and held out her arm. Amanda bounced on her toes as she gently clasped the bracelet to her daughter’s thin wrist.

But how—

I can’t reveal all of my secrets to you, Amanda winked, her small mouth curling into a mischievous smile.

Kennah looked down at the bracelet, her curiosity only growing. Her thoughts were interrupted by Amanda grabbing her hand and spinning her around. Kennah let out a joyous laugh as her mom yelled, Dance party!. The two had a tradition of awkwardly dancing before embarking on any trip. Today proved no different as the short auburn girls began wiggling their bodies in an uncoordinated dance.

Amanda breathed out a bubbly laugh as she slowed her dance moves, looking her daughter up and down. Oooh, I’m going to miss you.

I’m going to miss you, too, Mom, Kennah smiled.

Don’t forget we are coming home a week early this year, Amanda waggled her eyebrows.

And picking me up right away, I know, Kennah made a face. You have to at least tell me where we’re going so I know what to pack.

Every year Kennah’s parents took a four-week vacation for their anniversary. Kennah’s birthday, May 17th, was exactly one month after, and her parents had never missed it. This year she would be turning 18, and her parents were coming back a week early to take her on some secret adventure.

Don’t worry about that. Dad and I will handle your packing.

Mom, just tell me! Kennah pleaded.

Not a chance, little lady!

Kennah protested with a smile, her head shaking gently. Mom, I’m not a little lady anymore.

Amanda squished Kennah’s cheeks between her palms. "You will always be my little lady." She leaped at Kennah, her arms wrapping tightly around the girl’s small frame. She squeezed as hard as she could until Kennah started screaming in laughter, begging her to stop.

Muahaha. Amanda squeezed for another second before finally relenting. She pulled away from her daughter, gripping her arms tenderly. Don’t ever forget how much I love you, Bug, further than eternity.

I love you too, Mom. Without end. Kennah dove into her mom’s arms for one last hug.

Now, go hug your dad. And tell Zeus to come say goodbye to me.

Kennah turned and saw her dad kneeling in front of a large grey and black canine, his lips moving quickly as he talked. Daymen Brenner was a beastly-looking man, tall and broad with his wide chest and chiseled arms. He was intimidating, the kind of man who chased away anyone who tried to take his daughter on a date simply by opening the door.

Kennah chuckled as she watched the child-like behavior of her dad pretending to have a legitimate conversation with Zeus. Despite his exterior, her dad was a soft and kind man. He looks busy. Their conversation might be important, Amanda snorted in reply and pushed her daughter toward the boys.

Zeus, the sizeable black timber wolf, was the most important thing in Kennah’s life. The year of her sixteenth birthday, her parents had brought him home from their trip to Alaska. They had spent part of their trip getting a special license that allowed them to own a wolf. The moment Kennah had laid eyes on him, she had fallen in love. The two were inseparable, becoming best friends instantly.

Dad! Kennah called. Leave the poor guy alone. He has no idea what you’re saying. Zeus let out a small howl in response and ran over to Kennah. Hey, buddy, Mom wants to say goodbye, she said, letting her hand run down his velvety neck. His head dipped, oddly resembling a nod as he slipped past Kennah.

Daymen let out his deep laugh, his large hand running through his thick dark hair. We were having a nice chat, thank you very much, Kennah rolled her eyes. Want to sit? he asked, already climbing onto the hood of his truck. He held out his hand for Kennah and pulled her up. She sat next to him, leaning her head on his shoulder.

Last month as a kid, huh. You ready to join the adult world?

Like anything is going actually to change, Kennah joked.

A lot changes when you turn 18. Especially when you’re a Brenner.

"Right. Because we are so special," Kennah said with an innocent sarcasm.

You have no idea, Daymen murmured. You know we love you, no matter what, right, Bug?

Of course, Dad. Why are you being so weird?

Whatever do you mean?

Kennah looked up and snorted. Her dad was staring at her, his eyes crossed and his teeth over his bottom lip like a beaver. She shoved him playfully and leaned back on the hood, staring at the fading pink sky. Where are you guys going this year?

Daymen leaned back next to her. You know I’m not going to tell you.

Kennah groaned. Her parents went somewhere new every year, but they never revealed the location of their trip until they returned home. They always kept it a secret so that they could surprise Kennah with stories when they got home. Kennah had always assumed they didn’t even choose a destination until they were in the air.

Daymen was a privately contracted pilot, and he owned his own small private plane. Daymen didn’t trust anyone but himself to fly his girls around, so he never let them on a plane unless he was the pilot. Kennah loved flying. Being up high, looking down on the world below her, soaring through the air at incredible speeds. She was an adrenaline junkie; anything that spiked her heart rate made her happy.

Aunt Carter and Uncle Rex can reach you, though, right? Kennah asked. She and her parents had a no communication-unless-it-was-an-emergency rule during the anniversary trip. So, they used that time to enjoy a break from one another and thoroughly enjoy what was around them. Carter and Rex were Amanda’s younger twin siblings, and they stayed with Kennah every year. The twins were the only ones who knew where her parents were headed and how to contact them if anything were to happen while they were away.

They know how to reach us, but…. Daymen said hesitantly. Kennah looked at him questioningly. I don’t know if I should tell you.

Dad! Kennah exclaimed, sitting up to look at her dad. Tell me!

Well. This year, your mom and I have decided that you can stay at home alone if you would like.

Kennah slid off the truck. No way. Her face went slack before a huge grin spread across her face, her white teeth gleaming between her full lips. NO WAY! she yelled and began jumping up and down, pumping her fists in the air. Daymen slid down next to her, and she jumped into his arms. He squeezed her tight, laughing as Kennah whooped in his face. You guys are the best. Oh my god, thank you so much. I’m so excited!

I take it you’re okay with that? Daymen asked, his lips curling into a smile.

Yes!

But no parties.

Of course not.

And no illegal activities.

I swear.

And home by 8:00 every night.

Dad! Kennah shoved him gently.

He let out his deep laugh one more time. Hey, I have to set rules, or I’m not being a responsible parent. He gave her a crooked smile before leaning in to kiss her on the top of the forehead. Come on, let’s go check on your mom and see if she’s done nesting.

Kennah smiled as she skipped her way to the small silver plane, her dad chuckling behind her. Kennah quickly went to the pilot’s side and opened the door. Zeus! Get down. Dad hates when you cover his seat in fur.

Dad will survive, Amanda joked as she pushed one of the bags toward the rear of the plane. Kennah motioned for Zeus to hop out of the plane anyway, and she closed the door to walk around the curved nose. Of course, her dad was staring starry-eyed at his tiny wife as though he had never seen anyone like her. Kennah shoved his shoulder playfully and gave him a dirty look. Stop staring! You get to look at her for the next month. Get her down here so I can give you both one last hug.

She’s not done nesting, though, the love-sick man protested. Kennah turned and saw that her mom was still stuffing pillows and blankets into strategic places. She rolled her eyes dramatically and pushed past her dad. She leaned into the passenger side and started tapping her mom’s back.

Amanda turned around, flashing her award-winning smile, and jumped past Kennah to the ground. Then, she leaped into Daymen’s arms and planted a giant kiss on his full lips. Thanks for supporting my nesting habits.

Always, my love, Daymen responded.

You guys are gross, Kennah stuck her tongue out, her nose scrunching.

You’ll understand one day. When you find someone worth giving your heart to, Amanda breathed, her eyes locked on Daymen’s. The handsome man winked before gracefully dipping her.

Okay, I get it! You two are ready to get to your 25th honeymoon. Can you break it up for two seconds to say goodbye? Kennah groaned.

Amanda and Daymen burst into laughter as they each grabbed onto Kennah, pulling her into the tightest hug they could give.

We love you, we love you, we love you! Amanda yelled.

What your mom said! Daymen shouted back.

Kennah groaned, glad nobody was here to witness this embarrassing scene. I love you guys, too.

You asked for it, Amanda said, waggling her eyebrows. But in all seriousness. We love you. No matter what happens in this life, you are our Ladybug. Further than eternity.

Without end, Kennah said back, smiling at her parents. Amanda and Daymen both pressed their faces to Kennah’s cheeks, giving her giant kisses before letting her go. Kennah watched them climb into the plane, her mom wiggling her fingers in a goodbye. She waved back before turning to walk to the truck. She opened the door for Zeus, who jumped all the way to the passenger side with one leap, and she climbed in after him. She turned on the ignition as she watched her parents start-up their plane. She reached over to scratch Zeus’ ears, waiting for her parents to take off before driving out of the airfield.

Kennah didn’t want to admit it, but she was already excited for them to come home. Her parents traveled a lot, and they had a tradition when they returned from any trip. Whether it was winter or summer, the three of them would build a fire in their tall stone Colorado home fireplace. Kennah would curl up in her mother’s arms and listen to their stories. Half of them seemed as though they were made up, but Kennah didn’t care. She loved feeling safe and comfortable in her mother’s arms, watching her dad stoke the fire. Her tiny ears would soak up every word they used to describe their adventures. She loved listening to her mom’s musical voice crack with laughter. She loved watching her dad’s facial expressions change as she asked questions, and his deep amber eyes light up as he dove in to tickle her and answer each one.

Kennah loved that her parents traveled so much. She liked to be independent and loved how much closer their relationship was due to their periodic distance. She admired their thirst for adventure, their dedication to living life to the fullest. Having traveling parents was unique and amazing. That is… until they don’t come home.

Chapter Two

Kennah sat at the back of the study hall with her friend, Isabella, as her mind wandered from her physics homework. Nobody in the room was focused on work, as they only had a month and a half left of their senior year, and everyone’s minds had already checked out. Isabella was complaining about how Kennah couldn’t come on the girls’ trip to Cancun that she had planned. Isabella’s boyfriend had just broken up with her, and she was convinced a wild vacation would solve her emotional problems.

Kennah had been quick to decline the invite. She loved spending time with Isabella and the girls, but parties were not her scene. As Kennah tried to convince Isabella that her trip to the cabin was a non-negotiable family affair she couldn’t get out of, the classroom phone rang. Kennah watched Mr. Perio answer the phone out of the corner of her eye, and her stomach began to knot as he turned toward her, his eyebrows furrowed.

Mr. Perio noticed Kennah looking at him and waved her over. Kennah, you won’t be walking home today. Your aunt and uncle are here to pick you up, so when the bell rings, you can go to the main office.

Why? Kennah asked.

I’m not sure, but your aunt and uncle are already here. You can leave now if you’d like; we only have about ten minutes until the final bell.

Kennah’s stomach began to plummet as she stared blankly at Mr. Perio. Okay, thank you. I’ll just… grab my stuff. Kennah walked slowly to get her bag, her stomach continuing to sink. The only reason her aunt and uncle would be here was if there was an emergency. Her parents were coming home on Sunday, and she had planned to spend her next two days of freedom hiking with Zeus and collecting wood for their story-time fire.

Is everything okay? Isabella asked, a sweet yet concerned look on her face.

My aunt and uncle are picking me up. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I’ll let you know tomorrow. Isabella nodded and squeezed Kennah’s hand. Kennah smiled back and turned to leave, walking quickly out of her classroom.

As Kennah walked through the office door, Zeus trotted over to her side. She knelt to pet his head, wondering why he was in the building but quickly observed her aunt arguing with the secretary about that very topic.

Listen, he stays with us. We come into the building; he comes into the building. He’s well trained and won’t be a problem. Our niece will be here any second—

Rex, pacing next to Carter with his fingers to his temple, looked up and noticed Kennah. He nudged Carter and nodded in the direction of his niece.

Well, look at that, she’s here. We’ll take our perfect gentleman of a pup and be on our way. Carter stuck her nose up at the secretary before turning back to Kennah.

Hey, Ken. Let’s get going before your secretary has a heart attack over Zeus stepping foot inside the school, Carter said coolly.

But what’s going on? Kennah asked, trying to read their faces.

Hey, Angel. Let’s get to the car. Rex pulled Kennah up from the ground and hugged her, tighter and more comforting than usual. Then, using his large hand, he began to steer her toward the door and called over his shoulder for his twin. The four of them walked toward Rex’s car while Kennah’s stomach continued performing queasy flips. Her aunt and uncle were some of the goofiest people she knew, and their somber mood was making her uneasy.

Kennah observed her aunt first. Her usually free-flowing plum hair was in a tight bun, something Kennah had rarely seen. Her eyes were sunken as though she hadn’t slept in a week. Kennah furrowed her eyebrows before turning her attention to her uncle. She quickly noticed his eyes were the same as Carter’s, dark and sad.

Kennah slowed her step, lightly grabbing Carter’s sweatshirt sleeve. What happened? She asked, trying to keep the note of concern in her voice to a minimum.

Ken, we have something important to talk to you about, Carter started, avoiding Kennah’s eyes. But I think it would be better if we waited until we got home.

Kennah came to an abrupt stop, her feet skidding on the gravel path as she let go of Carter’s arm. Absolutely not, she paused and entirely took in their looks of despair. I can see your faces, you know. And they both look like someone just died. Tell me, or I’m not going with you. Kennah took a shaky step back as Carter reached for her hand.

Rex let out a deep sigh. Is there at least a place to sit down in private?

Kennah eyed the dark-haired twins. It was rare to see them so austere, and it was making her heart rate climb. It wasn’t hard to figure out that something grave had happened. She nodded toward the senior courtyard and began walking to the front of the school.

The three of them sat down at one of the tables that rested under a small cherry blossom tree. Velvety pink petals covered the ground where Zeus lay down and wrapped his giant body around Kennah’s feet, his tail draped across his muzzle.

Now explain. Please. Kennah’s knee bounced impatiently under the table as the twins avoided eye contact. Kennah’s eyes began searching their faces, desperately seeking answers.

Carter glanced at her brother; her lips pressed into a thin line. Rex let out a deep sigh. Ken, your parents are missing.

Kennah stared at him blankly. What?

Carter opened her mouth slowly. We don’t know where your parents are. We haven’t heard from them since their last check-in.

Kennah felt as though her thoughts were stuck in quicksand, her mind struggling to pull them free. A broken string of questions spilled from her mouth, How do you—What if—How long— Her plummeting stomach shot up into her throat, panic erupting through her like lava from a volcano. She quickly rose to her feet, her hands coming up to cover her mouth. Zeus stood up next to her, his tail brushing against her thigh. Then she took a deep breath, channeling her thoughts and speaking coherently. What happened to them?

Carter’s aqua-colored eyes were full of pain as they locked with Kennah’s in a silent plea. Please sit, Ken. We will tell you what we know.

Kennah gritted her teeth, her panic overshadowed by her growing impatience. Finally, though reluctantly, she sat down and repeated her question. What happened to my parents? Her eyes became steely as she refused to break eye contact with her aunt.

Carter gently moved to the bench Kennah was sitting on. She let her hand touch her niece’s cheek as she opened her mouth to speak. We don’t know for sure. We get updates from your parents throughout their trip, but we stopped receiving them about a week ago.

They have been missing for over a week? Kennah gaped. "And you haven’t told me until now?"

Rex adjusted himself on the bench opposite the girls. We were trying to find out if it were possible that they just couldn’t reach us or if—

They’re dead or something? Kennah filled in harshly, her eyes beginning to brim with tears.

Rex’s jaw tightened under his thick beard. They are not dead.

How—

Trust us, Ken. They aren’t dead, Carter said, putting an end to the question. We are doing everything we can to find them. But until we do, we are going to stay with you.

Kennah pressed her face into her palms, trying to breathe and control her emotions. She couldn’t even fathom what she would do if she lost her parents. They were her entire world, her rocks, the reason she was the woman she had grown to be. She had to find them, no matter what it took. And she wouldn’t stop until they were home.

Kennah brushed the tears from her eyes with the back of her hand. So, what now?

Right now, we are going to take you home and try to keep your mind off—

You aren’t serious, Kennah interrupted with a snap. We aren’t going home and sitting around like nothing is wrong. We need to go find my mom and dad.

Kennah. There is nothing you can do to help us right now. And we need to get you home and packed so we can head to the cabin tomorrow morning.

What? I’m not going to the cabin, Kennah stated defiantly.

Rex nodded at Carter, who was biting her lip. She slid her hand into her pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper, and softly said, Your mom gave this to me before she left. She knew you wouldn’t listen to us blindly.

Kennah snatched the paper, unfolding it quickly.

Hey Bug. We wrote this in the event anything happened to us. Please don’t fight your aunt and uncle on what they are telling you. We’ve asked them to take you to the cabin until we can get home to you. It’s important.

And don’t forget. No matter what. We love you.

– Mom and Dad.

Kennah’s face went slack, and Carter reached out to touch her hand. I promise you we will find your parents.

Kennah pressed her lips together. Everything in her head and heart was jumbled with noise. The note in her hands was cryptic, but it was also clear. She blinked back her tears and nodded at her aunt.

Why don’t the three of us grab some food and bring it back to the house. We can talk more once you’ve had a chance to process, Rex said gently, rising from his side of the table.

A wave of exhaustion rolled through Kennah, her mind shutting down from all the overwhelming thoughts and feelings. She stood up slowly, her eyes on the ground as she began walking out of the courtyard. Zeus stayed glued to her side protectively as though he could feel the hurricane reeling inside her.

Kennah lay sprawled out on her bed in tattered jeans and a Star Wars t-shirt: it had been a long and restless night. It had only been a little over half a day, but there had been no word about her parents. Kennah had become increasingly withdrawn, avoiding all contact with friends and her family. Her aunt and uncle were being evasive, her friends were overly sympathetic or obsessing over graduation, and Kennah felt completely and utterly alone. At the moment, she was hiding from Carter, who had been on the phone all morning trying to get in contact with her principal. She couldn’t deal with her aunt’s discontented mumblings as she stomped around downstairs.

A soft ding sounded from the pillow next to Kennah’s head, and she groaned. She had been ignoring Isabella’s incessant texts. Isabella would be respecting her need for space if she cared more about Kennah than finding out what happened just for gossip’s sake. Isabella was one of Kennah’s only friends, but even she was more of an acquaintance than anything. Kennah had never really connected with anyone before, and she didn’t feel like confiding her feelings to someone like Isabella. Kennah rolled over and pulled the clip from her lengthy hair, her silky auburn bun unraveling. She rotated the clip in her hands, studying it absentmindedly. It was her mom’s, and Kennah began to think about where she might be.

She reached out to place the clip on her side table and gently picked up a wooden-framed picture instead. It was of her parents, the photograph taken a few years back. She looked at their faces, burning the image into her mind. Kennah looked just like her mom, only subtle hints of her dad hidden in her face. Kennah’s features reflected her mom’s in her heart-shaped face and olive skin. A spray of freckles danced across both their tiny button noses, large almond eyes sitting perfectly distant from each other. Their eyes shared the color of a soft green meadow, a deep forest color outlining the rim. But her long eyelashes and full lips — those came from her dad.

Kennah placed the picture back on her table, sending a silent love you into the air, hoping it found its way to her parents. She looked at her feet, where Zeus was lying and saw his ears perk up.

Ken! We’re about to leave. Grab whatever else you need and come down, please.

I guess Carter got in touch with principal Alabaster, Kennah mumbled as she rolled off her bed. She tapped her leg, and Zeus followed as she made her way downstairs. Carter intercepted her on her way out the front door to explain that she had made a deal with the principal allowing Kennah to end her school year early. She had a 4.0 GPA and had already been accepted to Penn State, so her final exams weren’t necessary. Kennah hadn’t known what to say about the whole ordeal, so she just nodded and climbed into the back of her uncle’s pearl white CTS-V, putting on her headphones to tune out the world.

The smooth and quick ride of Rex’s Cadillac was usually one of Kennah’s favorite feelings. But right now, she was ignoring the butterfly flips her stomach was performing as he wove in and out of traffic. An hour later, they pulled into a long stone driveway, and Kennah looked up to see the large log cabin that held the majority of her fondest memories.

Her family owned almost 100 acres of forest in Maroon Bells, where they had built a cabin. They spent a large majority of their time here; weekends, school breaks, holidays. The place was a textbook vacation cabin: a large front porch housing a swing and rocking chairs, a back stone patio covered with moss, and a large grassy yard bordered by the lush evergreen forest and a beautiful pond.

Usually, Kennah would have been delighted to see the cabin,