Believe

By Katie Holland

Since saving her friends and family on the island, Alix's life has gone back to normal. Home school, being a teenager, and of course --  fighting evil. Ben has become her rock and she knows he will do anything for her. Shay is still the world's best friend and Alix is thankful for her every day.

Despite the many challenges she

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kingston Publishing Company
• Release date: Jan 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9781645332343

Book preview

Copyright

Believe is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

BELIEVE: A NOVEL

Copyright © 2020 by Katie Holland

All rights reserved.

Editing by KP Editing

Cover Design by KP Designs

www.kpdesignshop.com

Published by Kingston Publishing Company

www.kingstonpublishing.com

The uploading, scanning, and distribution of this book in any form or by any means—including but not limited to electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the permission of the copyright holder is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized editions of this work, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

Table of Contents

Copyright

Table of Contents

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Epilogue

Fun Facts

Author’s Note

About the Author

About the Publisher

Dedication

To everyone who has fallen in love

with Alix, Shay, & Ben and couldn’t wait to see

how their journey ends.

Chapter 1

Jan 27

I had another nightmare last night. I’ve had one or two every night since we got back from Miami. They’ve all been variations of the same thing; being buried alive and seeing everyone I know dead around me. It’s not hard to figure out why I’m having them. It took everything I had to get us to the surface after François tried to kill us in a series of explosions. That was the scariest experience of my life. I wasn’t worried about me, but about trying to save everyone who was with me. The only good thing to come out of it was that I’m sure François thinks I died and that works to my advantage right now.

In the two weeks since we’ve been home, some things are back to normal, but some things have changed a lot. I’ve been a lot more active on the Council, as well as trying to find François and Victor. We’re sure they’re planning something big, but so, far there’s been no sign of them. I’ve still had to go to school everyday, but at least with home school I can still fulfil my duties as the Chosen One.

Logan has fit in nicely here and I think that Shay likes him. I see her looking at him a lot when she thinks no one will notice. He said his family will be coming to visit soon and I can tell he’s really excited. He hasn’t seen them in months, and I know he misses them.

So, being the Chosen One, part of the Almati Council, and dealing with the Grynn have become pretty normal for me now. The thing I’ve had the hardest time with since Miami was finding out that my birth parents are alive. I mean, I’m glad they aren’t dead, but it’s really weird suddenly having a second set of parents. They’re still Sharon and Sean to me, I can’t bring myself to call them mom and dad because I barely know them. I know they’ve been trying to get to know me better, but I’ve been so busy, I haven’t really made much of an effort. I guess I really should though. I mean, they did give up everything to keep me safe, the least I can do is take the time to get to know them.

Things have still been going good with Ben. He tells me I’m beautiful every morning and gives me a good night kiss every night. I still get butterflies in my stomach when he does that, but at least I stopped writing about it every day.

****

Alix, Shay called.

In here, Alix called back.

Hey, are you coming down for breakfast?

Yeah, just writing in my journal.

Have another nightmare? Shay asked.

Yep. Unfortunately, it seems to be my new normal.

Sucky. But at least you have my smiling face to greet you.

Alix had to laugh at her. Shay might have been joking but having her there every day was always the brightest part of her day. Shay was the most positive person Alix knew. With everything that had happened because of the Grynn, Alix knew she could use all the positivity she could get. She put her journal away and the girls went down to the kitchen.

It was full of people when they got there. The only one missing was her dad who’d already left for the dental office.

Morning beautiful, Ben said with a smile.

Good morning, Alix said back, returning his smile. She made her coffee and remembered what she had just written in her journal about her birth parents. Hey Sharon, how are you this morning?

I’m really good actually. I’m going for an interview at the local doctor’s office to work part time as a nurse.

That’s great. Good luck, Alix told her.

We need to get to the classroom, Ben reminded them.

See you later, she said to Sharon.

Alix, Shay, Ben, and Logan left the kitchen and went to the room they used as their classroom. They logged into their computers and started on their lessons for the day. Alix was staring at the screen and Shay could tell she wasn’t thinking about school.

What’s up, Alix? Shay asked her. And don’t say nothing, because I’ll know you’re lying.

It’s just that it’s still strange having my birth parents here. I don’t really know how to talk to them. I feel weird calling them by their names, but there’s no way I can call them mom and dad. I remember when I first found out about them, all I wanted to do was know them but now that I have the chance, I don’t know what to do. I’m sure that sounds stupid.

No, it doesn’t, Shay told her. And besides, it’s not like you don’t have anything else going on. You’ve been a very busy lady.

True, but I still think I need to find a way to get to know more about them. Like, what happened after they left me with my parents? I know they went into hiding, but how did they work and where did they live? And I think the most important question is, how and when did the Grynn find them and how long were they held captive?

All great questions, Ben said, joining the conversation. I know dad said no one has really asked them what happened yet. I think they wanted to give them time to adjust to the situation.

Don’t you think it’s important that we find out what happened to them? Alix asked. I mean, maybe it can lead us in the right direction to finding François. We never know what little bit of information is going to be the key.

So, why don’t we find out a way to figure out what happened to them? Shay said.

And just how are we going to do that? Alix asked her.

I don’t know. I’m just the big idea person. Shay grinned.

Alix couldn’t resist that smile and grinned back at her. Okay, well everyone think about it, and maybe one of us will have an idea. But for now, I think we should try and get some schoolwork done.

Fine, Shay huffed, but had a smile on her face.

The four of them worked until noon and took a break for lunch. When they were on their way back to the classroom, Alix’s phone rang.

Hello?

Alix, it’s Ruth.

Hey, what’s up?

I just wanted to update you on what we know. There’s been no change in Lucie or James, but we have found a place they can stay and be well taken care of.

I still hate that they’re memories have been taken away.

I feel the same and we’re still working on finding a solution, but so far we’ve come up with nothing, Ruth said. We’ve noticed a small amount of increased Grynn activity in a few areas across the world, but no sign of where they might be hiding.

So, really nothing new, Alix said.

No. How are things on your end?

Still the same here. Thanks for the call, Ruth. I’ll let you know if anything changes.

So, will I. Take care, Alix.

You too.

Alix hung up and relayed the conversation to her friends. She didn’t see the point in keeping anything from them and always told them everything she knew, including Logan.

I want to know something, Logan said. How is it possible for something as powerful as the Almati Council to not be able to find the Grynn?

The Grynn are very good at hiding, Alix said. Just look at the building I blew up in Paris. To everyone, even the Nykara, it appeared to be just a normal business. Sure, they actually did business out of there, but it was staffed only with Grynn and no one noticed. They thrive on deception.

So, in order to find them we need to think like a Grynn, right? Logan asked.

I guess, Alix said. I can tell by the look on your face that you have something in mind.

What if we were able to purposely put some Grynn magic in a Nykara and see what we could find out? I mean they would be bound and stuff.

You’re talking about what the Grynn did to you Logan. I’m not going to put anyone through that. And besides, I destroyed all the magic that was in you and the other four Nykara, so it’s not like we have access to Grynn magic.

I see your point. What if we captured a Grynn? he asked.

I’m sure the Council has done that, but according to what Kris told us, it’s extremely difficult to get any information from them. And if they do get anything, it’s not always going to be true.

What about your dreams, Alix? Shay asked.

What about them?

Do you think there’s a way to direct them or something? I mean, is it possible to try and have a vision dream on purpose?

From what I’ve experienced, they just happen when they want to, or I guess when I need them to. And so far, that seems to be when there’s a dire emergency. I wish I could make them happen at will.

They were back in the classroom and started working on their assignments. Alix tried to concentrate on her Social Studies reading, but her mind kept going back to what Shay said. What if she could actually make her vision dreams happen when she wanted? And if she did that, would they still be true vision dreams that would help her to learn what she needed to know? As usual, she had more questions than answers.

About an hour later, Alix and Ben were done their schoolwork for the day. Since Shay and Logan both had four classes, they still had work to do. Alix and Ben left the classroom and headed to the kitchen. Ben grabbed them each a water and they sat at the breakfast bar.

So, what’s on your mind? Ben asked her.

What do you mean?

Ever since you got the call from Ruth, I could tell you’ve been thinking about something.

Actually, it was what Shay said. I was wondering if I could make a vision dream happen, but then if I did would it still be a true vision, and would I see anything helpful?

You know, you could always talk to Sharon about the dreams. After all, it was because of her vision dreams that she left you with your parents and they moved here to Sunset Creek.

Good point, Alix said smiling. Nice to know you’re more than just a pretty face.

Yep, that’s me, Ben said laughing.

But seriously, that was a really good idea, Ben. I’ll go find her and see if she can tell me anything about hers. It might even help us figure out what happened to them. Want to come with me?

I think this is something that you need to do on your own.

Fine. I’ll see you later.

Ben gave her a quick kiss and she went to find Sharon.

Chapter 2

Alix went straight to the room her birth parents were staying in. She knocked and waited. She knocked again and this time she heard movement.

Oh, hi Alix, Sharon said. Is everything okay?

Yeah. Do you have a minute?

Sure, come in.

Alix joined Sharon on the couch.

What can I help you with? Sharon asked.

I was wondering if I could talk to you about your vision dreams.

Of course, what do you want to know?

Have they always been kind of spontaneous or have you ever been able to make them happen?

I never thought about making them happen on purpose. Every time I have one, they seem to come out of the blue. The most intense ones I ever had was when I was pregnant with you.

Can you tell me more about that? Alix asked. Like when they started, what they were like, and how often you had them?

It was a long time ago, but I’ll do my best. I think they started when I was just a couple of months pregnant. At first, they were vague, but they were all similar. They were about my unborn child being special. Every parent thinks their child is special, but this was different. It felt much bigger than just being special to me. Eventually, I figured out that they were trying to tell me that you were going to be something special to the whole Nykara race.

I have a question, Alix said interrupting her. Are your dreams like watching a movie and you remember them exactly like they were, or are they harder to make sense of?

I’ve had both. I think that the closer it gets to the event in question, the stronger the dreams get, Sharon told her.

That actually makes perfect sense. I’ve never had anyone to talk to about this before.

I’m so happy that you came to me, she said smiling.

I’m sorry if I’ve seemed distant, Alix said. To be honest, it was just a little strange suddenly having you guys around. I didn’t think I’d ever see you and I guess I didn’t really know how to handle it.

No apologies necessary, Alix. This is an extremely unusual situation for all of us.

Okay. Can you tell me more about the dreams?

"It was about halfway through my pregnancy when I started to get worried. The dreams had become darker and I could feel that danger was surrounding you. I didn’t understand what it meant, but I knew that I had to find a way to keep you safe.

"Sean and I talked about it and decided that we needed to leave where we were and go into hiding. We sold everything we had and moved far away from Florida. It killed me to stop talking to Heather, but I still didn’t understand the dreams well enough to fully make sense of them.

"It wasn’t until after you were born that I had the final vision dream about you. It told me that the Grynn would be after you. That dream was as clear as day. I still didn’t know why, but I knew not to ignore it.

We decided that for your safety, it was going to be best if you grew up not knowing anything about our world. I knew when you turned seventeen that we couldn’t stop whatever was going to happen, but at least we could keep you safe until then.

Alix wasn’t sure what to say. She could see the sadness in her birth mother’s eyes at the thought of having to give her up.

Did you ever figure out that I was going to be the Chosen One?

"Yes. On the night before you were going to become Nykara, I had a dream that made all the other dreams suddenly make sense. I could tell that the young woman in my dream was my baby, even though I couldn’t see your face. But what I did see was your tattoo. I was thrilled, shocked, and scared all at the same time. I finally understood the danger the dreams had been telling me about.

Sean and I immediately packed the car and started driving. We had been living in Canada and were in Nova Scotia at the time. We didn’t know for sure if Heather and Ted had moved to Sunset Creek, but we were willing to take the chance. The last thing I remember before waking up in Miami, was checking into a motel outside Ottawa, Ontario. We have no idea what happened in the time we were captured.

That’s really awful, Alix said. I’m sorry.

You have nothing to be sorry for. If it wasn’t for you, we’d still be prisoners. And you can’t help that you were born the Chosen One.

Logically, Alix knew it wasn’t her fault but so much bad had happened since her birthday, that it was hard not to blame herself.

I’ve had some experience with locating and helping people with memories. Do you think I could have a look in your head and see if I can help?

Sharon was quiet for a minute before she spoke.

To be honest, Alix, I’d rather you didn’t. I don’t think I want to remember what happened to me. I hope you understand.

Uh yeah, sure, I see. But if you change your mind, please let me know.

Of course, Alix. Do you have any more questions about the dreams?

I don’t think so, at least not right now. Thank you.

Anytime, Sharon said.

Alix left the room and went back down to the kitchen. Shay and Logan were there sitting at the breakfast bar.

Any luck? Ben asked her, as she joined them.

Yes and no. She told me about her dreams. But there was nothing that would really help me. Hers were all true vision dreams that were warnings. But I did learn something interesting. Sharon told me that the night before my birthday, that she had a vision dream about me being the Chosen One and it was on their way here that they were taken by the Grynn. I offered to help her remember, but she said she doesn’t want to know what happened.

I can’t really blame her, Shay said.

I guess. But if it was me, I’d want to know, at least how they were able to find me.

What’s that look on your face? Shay asked.

Something is just bugging me about the conversation with Sharon, but I don’t know what it is.

Stop thinking about it and maybe it’ll come to you, Shay told her.

Maybe. But you know how I am when something is bugging me. I just hate that feeling and I have to figure it out.

I know, Shay said. But you have so many other things going on, maybe just this once let one of the things go, at least for now.

I can try, but I’m not making any promises, Alix said.

Well, that’s better than I thought I was going to get. Shay smiled. It’s time for me to go home now. I’ll see you on Sunday evening. Call or text me if you need anything Alix. Bye.

Everyone said their goodbyes and Shay went to find her Warrior escort. None of them still left the property without being accompanied by a Warrior.

Now, who wants to go watch some TV? Ben said.

They all agreed and went to the den.

Chapter 3

Later that night, Alix was in her room getting ready for bed. The conversation she’d had earlier with Sharon was still nagging at her, so she got out her journal.

****

Jan 27 – cont’d

I didn’t want to say this out loud to anyone, but when I was talking to Sharon earlier, I had the feeling that she was hiding something from me. And I don’t mean the fact that she can’t remember what happened to them. But more like she knows something and isn’t telling me. I don’t understand why she wouldn’t tell us everything she knows. I feel bad about being suspicious of her, but that’s how I feel. I know no one else sees it, but I think that’s why I haven’t gotten closer to her. Or maybe, I’m just tired and making up stuff that isn’t there. Here’s hoping I have a nightmare free night.

****

Alix had a nice, hot bubble bath to try and help her relax before she went to bed. When she crawled under the covers, she did her best not to think about the nightmares but instead, tried to focus on the conversation with her birth mother. She was hoping that some kind of answer might come to her in her sleep.

A few hours later, Alix woke up breathing hard. It was another nightmare, but there was a different element to this one. She was still buried alive, but it felt different. Most of the time she felt claustrophobic, but this time it was more like she was in the bubble she’d created to save everyone. She was alone this time. Her family and friends were not in this dream at all, but it was as if she could feel someone watching her.

She shivered and tried to shake off the dream. She was going to have to find a way to sleep through the night or pretty soon she was going to be useless from lack of sleep. She closed her eyes and did the opposite of what she normally did. She thought about the dream and tried to concentrate on the details. If there was one thing she’d learned, it was that the dreams wouldn’t stop until she learned what she needed to know. Maybe this time she could get the dream to finally play all the way out.

The sound of her phone ringing was the next thing she heard. She rolled over and grabbed it off her nightstand.

Hello, she said sleepily.

She heard giggling on the other end.

Wake up sleepy head, Sara told her.

Oh, hey Sara. What time is it?

10:30. I was sure you’d be up by now.

I’ve been having nightmares, so my sleep hasn’t been the greatest, Alix said.

I understand that. I don’t have them as often, but I still dream about being held captive in that cave. I’m just happy I can’t remember it all.

Hey, can I ask you something about that?

Sure.

So, if you had the choice would you want to remember anything that happened during that time?

I don’t think so. Why?

Well, I was talking to Sharon yesterday and I offered to help her try and remember what happened when they were taken by the Grynn. She said she didn’t want to remember what happened, Alix said.

I get that, Sara told her.

To be honest, I don’t understand, Alix said. If it was me, I’d want to know everything that happened.

Why would you want to know? Sara asked.

So that I could make sure it never happened and take care of the people that did it to me.

And that’s the difference between you and most other people, Alix. You have the ability to make that happen, whereas someone like me doesn’t.

I’d do it for you.

I know and you did, even when we didn’t know each other. And I have no doubt that if something ever happened to me again, you’d be there to take care of it.

Of course, I would. That’s what friends do.

True, Sara said, but you’d do it for strangers too.

I think that’s part of my job description, Alix said, with a smile.

Actually, I think it’s who you are. Anyway, I called for a reason.

Oh sorry, kind of distracted you, I guess. What’s up?

My first three weeks of school have been so great. I wanted to say thank you and maybe practice some of the things I’ve learned. Do you mind if I come over today? Sara asked.

"You’re welcome here anytime you want. And besides, I’m here