Nykara

By Katie Holland

Nykara is the first novel in a thrilling young adult fantasy series. 

For sixteen-year-old Alix, life was simple in her small town.

However, that all changed the moment a mysterious boy moves into her town. Alix begins to discover strange occurrences all around her.

Only, she quickly learns the magic she once believ

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kingston Publishing Company
• Release date: Aug 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9781949050790

Book preview

Chapter 1

Alix sighed as she looked in the mirror and stared at her reflection. Long brown hair, blue eyes, and skin tanned from the summer. I still look the same, she thought, but tomorrow was the start of her senior year. She’d never been a huge fan of high school. She got good grades and didn’t hate school itself, she just felt like she never really fit in with the kids in her class. Of course, her best friend would tell her she was crazy. Shay was always telling her that everyone loved her. Shay with her short, funky blonde hair, big brown eyes, and fashion-forward clothes was far more popular than Alix was. It’s not that Alix was unpopular, she just always felt a little out of place around most everyone she knew. Of course, it didn’t help that she grew up in a small town where everyone knew everyone, or at least that’s what it felt like. Sunset Creek was a small place in Montana near the Wyoming border. She’d known everyone in her class since the first grade. No one had come or gone in her grade for eleven years. In a nutshell, it was boring. Alix craved a little excitement every now and then, but there wasn’t much excitement in Sunset Creek. She knew she wanted to move away for college, and she was going to apply to some as soon as she figured out what she wanted to do with the rest of her life.

The only thing she was looking forward to was her birthday. Next month she was going to be seventeen, in one month and one day to be exact. Alix didn’t know why but the thought of turning seventeen always brought a smile to her face. Maybe it was because she was that much closer to finishing high school and becoming an adult. Whatever the reason it made her happy. As her thoughts swirled in her head her phone rang. She smiled when she saw it was Shay.

Hi, Shay, what’s up? You bored too? Alix asked her friend.

Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God! I can’t believe it! Shay yelled into the phone.

Whoa, bring it down a notch and tell me what’s got you so excited. Alix waited a minute as she listened to Shay slow her breathing.

You’ll never believe it, Shay said in a somewhat calmer voice. I just found out that there is a new family that just moved into town!

Wow, that is big news, Alix commented back. I can’t remember the last time someone moved here. How did you find out?

That’s the best part, they live right close to me. I saw the moving van myself. You know that property at the end of my street, the one that’s been empty for years, that’s where they’re moving into.

Alix could hear the excitement in Shay’s voice and she knew why. This was a big deal. That property had sat empty for as long as she could remember. The place always gave Alix the creeps when she walked by. It had a huge iron gate and overgrown driveway that led to the mysterious house that you could barely see.

Hello, earth to Alix, she heard Shay say.

Sorry, zoned out there for a minute. Just thinking about that place. You know how I feel about it. Did you get a look at the family moving in? she asked.

Um … no. Shay paused, I only saw the moving van pull into the gate.

So how do you know it’s a family? Alix asked her. Maybe it’s a creepy old man. Or a psycho killer, or a bunch of circus performers?

"Circus performers, really Alix?

Well, you never know.

Wow. That active imagination of yours is going to get you in trouble one day, Shay told her. So anyway, why don’t you come over and we can spy on the newest Sunset Creek residents and see what we can find out.

Sure, sounds good to me. You know how bored I can get here by myself. I’ll be there in five.

Alix left her bedroom and headed to Shay’s place. Shay only lived a couple of blocks from her, and of course, she was walking. She had her driver’s license, but her parents told her she had to buy her own car, so she was still saving for it. Her summertime job at her dad’s office didn’t pay her much, but since there wasn’t much to do in Sunset Creek she was able to save most of her money. She thought by the end of the school year she would have enough for her very own car.

As she walked, she thought about the people that were moving to her town. Why would they move here? What would they do for work? There was no industry to speak of in Sunset Creek. Most of the people that worked had to go out of town to get a good paying job. Like her mom. She was a nurse at the hospital in Bozeman, which was about forty-five minutes from Sunset Creek. Luckily her dad had a job in town. He was the local dentist, something that she knew she definitely didn’t want to do with the rest of her life. For as long as she could remember she wanted to get out of town and becoming a dentist would result in her staying. That’s one of the reasons she was having trouble figuring out why someone would choose to move to Sunset Creek. She knew Shay and a good portion of her classmates also wanted to leave town as well.

Before she knew it, she was at Shay’s house. Shay was waiting for her on the front step. Alix could see the excitement bubbling up from her. She had to admit she was excited too. It’s too bad that it was the creepy house they were going to have to spy on, but her need to know who was moving in outweighed the fact the place bothered her.

Okay Alix let’s go and see what we can find out, Shay said, as she jumped off the step.

It was a very sunny day, so Alix was a little less creeped out about going over there. And being a weekday there weren’t many people around to see what they were doing which made Alix feel better. She didn’t want to answer nosy neighbor’s questions. The House, Alix always saw quotation marks in her head when she said it, was at the end of Shay’s street. The entire cul-de-sac was taken up by the property that the house sat on. Usually the closer they got to the property the more Alix was creeped out but this time it wasn’t is as strong as normal. Today was the first time that the girls had ever seen the gate open. Alix thought it would be rusty and unusable but the closer they got the more she could tell it looked almost brand new. And the overgrown driveway appeared to have been trimmed back, at least around the gate. The rest of the property that they could see at the front was still very overgrown. That’s kind of strange she thought to herself, I don’t remember seeing anyone fixing the gate or trimming trees, and I’m over at Shay’s a lot.

Shay had been usually quiet on the short walk over.

What’s on your mind, Shay? You’re awfully quiet for being so excited.

Well, you got me thinking, Shay replied, what if it is a creepy old man? I was really hoping that there might be someone around our age or even my sister’s age. It would be really nice to have some new kids around here.

I guess there’s only one way to find out, we go and introduce ourselves.

Shay stopped dead in her tracks. Okay, who are you and what have you done with Alix? She was looking at Alix like she had lost her mind.

What? Alix said innocently.

You want to go through that gate, down that driveway and up to the house that freaks you out every time you pass it?

Yes.

Shay waited for more, but Alix said nothing else. Yes. All you have to say is yes? I think I’m going to need a bit of an explanation.

Well, she started, I figure it’s like this. They left the gate open so that means it’s okay to go in. If they wanted to keep people out they would have shut the gate. Plus, if it turns out that it’s a creepy old man at least we’ll know. You know how I’m always wanting to get more excitement in my life, well this is all we’ve got for excitement around here. And now that the gate is open it doesn’t seem quite so bad. Besides, maybe the owner is a hot male model.

Shay laughed, she couldn’t help it. Okay, okay, I see your point. Let’s go then.

As the girls walked through the gate Alix had a strange feeling and felt a shiver run down her spine. Not good and not bad, just strange. Like when you have something on the tip of your tongue but can’t quite place it. She figured it was a result of her excitement at doing something kind of scary.

Although they didn’t know what to expect once they were through the gate, the driveway was longer than they thought. The other houses in the area were your standard cookie cutter houses. Average size, two car garage and short concrete driveway that still took too long to shovel in the winter. This driveway seemed to be about a quarter mile long. Trees lined each side of the driveway, but it was wider than Alix thought it was going to be. It could easily fit two trucks side by side. As they continued down the driveway Alix wondered why it looked as if someone had lived here for years and why it wasn’t all overgrown like it was by the street.

As they rounded a corner both girls stopped. The house was huge.

Wow, Shay whispered. I think I’m speechless.

Alix just stood and stared at the gigantic house. I was the biggest house she had ever seen. It was an old style, but it looked new, at least on the outside. She thought for sure that it was going to be run down after not being lived in for years.

I bet it has 20 bedrooms, Shay stated. And maybe even a ballroom and one of those dining rooms that can seat 80 people.

Neither of them moved. They stood rooted to the spot, just looking at the house. Alix wasn’t sure how long they stayed standing there but the next thing she knew a voice was saying, How can I help you, girls?

Shay screamed, and Alix jumped. They both spun around. The voice had come from behind them.

Hi, how can I help you? the voice said again, this time with a laugh to it.

Shay got her wits about her first. Um, hi. We saw someone moving in and thought we’d come and introduce ourselves. Isn’t that right Alix? Shay said as she elbowed Alix to get her attention. Alix snapped out of the trance she was in after seeing the owner of the voice.

Yeah right, she stumbled, We’d thought we’d come and say hi to our newest neighbor.

I see, he smirked. Well, in that case, let me introduce myself. My name is Ben and I live here.

Hi, Ben and welcome to Sunset Creek. I’m Shay and this is Alix. Alix with an ‘i’, not an ‘e’, she’s kind of sensitive about that, Shay laughed.

Alix continued to stare at Ben. He was good looking Alix thought. Well better than good-looking, he’s hot. Alix knew she blushed and hated it. Ben looked at her with a look that said he knew what she was thinking. It made her blush harder. She thought that her ears might even be red. She was so lost in thoughts of Ben that she didn’t realize the other two were talking and she hadn’t heard anything they said.

Sure, isn’t that right Alix? Shay said to her with a huge smile on her face.

Um, sure, sounds good, she mumbled.

Okay then, let’s go, Ben announced and started walking toward the house.

Alix made sure that Ben was several yards in front of them before she turned to Shay and furiously whispered to her, What did I just agree to? You know I wasn’t paying attention.

Alix, chill a bit. He asked if we wanted to take a tour of the house. Of course, I said yes, look at that thing, Shay whispered back. What’s got you so uptight all of a sudden? You don’t normally act like this.

Before Alix had a chance to answer her Ben stopped at the front door.

"Here we are ladies, shall we?

Hang on a minute, Alix blurted out. I don’t think we should go in until we know a little more about you. How do we know you actually live here? Where are your parents? Why did you move here?

Shay’s mouth dropped open and she elbowed Alix in the ribs and gave her the what-do-you-think-you’re-doing look. Ben just smiled at her.

Seems fair, as long as I can find out about you too. How do you know I live here? I have a key to the front door, he said as he pulled a set of keys out of his pocket. My parents are inside, we’ll meet them on the tour. And finally, we moved here because we just inherited this house from my grandparents and mom and dad love this part of the country. I’m seventeen, have no brothers or sisters and I like pizza. So, does that answer your questions? Ben couldn’t keep the smile off his face as he looked at Alix.

She frowned at him. Yes, thanks, Alix wasn’t sure what else to say. She didn’t know what to think of Ben or this situation for that matter. Alix prided herself on having a good head on her shoulders and being a calm person but being around Ben was throwing her off her game.

Now it’s your turn, he said. Tell me about yourself.

Alix waited a moment before answering, getting her thoughts together. Not much to tell. I’ve lived here all my life. I’m an only child. My mom is a nurse and my dad is a dentist. I’m almost seventeen and I plan on leaving here after graduation. Alix slapped a hand over her mouth. Oh, my God, she thought to herself, did I really just say that? She hadn’t even told Shay that she wanted to leave. Everyone thought she was just going to go work at her dad’s office. She was starting to get frustrated with her behavior around Ben, and she’d only just met him.

Shay gave her a funny look and Ben just continued to smile at her.

Okay, he said, now that we know a little about each other would you like to come in and see the house?

We’d love to. Shay piped up. Lead the way, Ben.

Ben started into the house. Shay held Alix back for a second. I can’t believe you haven’t said anything to me about leaving after graduation. We’ll talk about this later.

She knew Shay might be a little mad at her and she would understand. They didn’t keep secrets from each other. She hadn’t said anything because she still didn’t know what she was going to do. All she knew was that her life after graduation was going to be something she wanted, not what was expected.

As the girls stepped into the house they stopped. The inside was even more spectacular than the outside. Marble floors, beautiful woodwork, a huge crystal chandelier and a staircase that looked like the one from the Titanic.

Wow, this place is something else, Alix whispered. I thought there would be layers of dust and sheets on the furniture. And it doesn’t even look haunted.

Ben burst out laughing. Alix jumped. She didn’t realize that he was standing so close to her.

Haunted? Really? You thought this was a haunted house? Ben said to her through his laughter. No wonder you’ve seemed so jumpy.

Alix turned beet red. She hadn’t wanted him to hear her say that. Stop laughing at me!

That just made him laugh harder. Shay had her hand over her mouth trying not to laugh. She didn’t want to make Alix feel bad, but it was pretty funny.

It’s not that funny, Alix protested. Look at it from my point of view. No one has lived here forever. There’s a huge rusty gate out front and the trees are so overgrown that you can’t even hardly see the house! And on top of all that every time, I even come near this place it gives me the creeps. It’s like I’m being watched. So yeah, I’d say it could have been haunted.

You really feel like you’re being watched? Shay asked her. I knew this place gave you the creeps, but I didn’t know you felt like that. Sorry I made you walk by here so often. Why didn’t you ever say anything?

Because I thought it sounded crazy. We live in Sunset Creek, who would be watching me?

Ben cleared his throat, but he still had a hint of a smile on his face. Sorry to interrupt but would you still like to see the rest of the house? I can assure you that it’s not haunted. I’d really like to show you around, he paused, And the truth is that even I haven’t seen all of the house yet. We can explore it together. You’re the first people I’ve met here, and I’d like to get to know you better.

Alix could hear the sincerity in his voice. Okay Ben, we’ll take the tour but if I see one hint of a ghost I’m out of here.

Fair enough. Follow me, he smiled.

Ben started his tour of the main floor. Everything seemed massive. There was no ballroom as Shay had hoped but there was a dining room that sat 20 people. Alix had never seen a table that big. Everything was so fancy. She guessed elegant would be a better word, but elegant wasn’t a word used very often in Sunset Creek. The kitchen was quite modern considering how old the house was. It had two ovens and a ton of counter space. Alix liked to bake and would love to do it in this kitchen. They went through so many rooms that Alix didn’t have names for most of them. She counted four bathrooms on the main floor alone. They only had one in their whole house. Ben told them that his family had built this house in 1928. They struck it rich in oil and this is where they wanted to settle. Why here? Alix thought. She still didn’t understand why people purposely choose to move here.

Lost in thought again she didn’t realize that Ben had stopped walking and ran right into him. He grabbed her arms to stop her from falling. Of course, Alix blushed, and Ben smirked. I have to start paying more attention around him she told herself. Ben released her arms. She shivered and swore that she could still feel his hands on her. It was like where he touched her was tingly. So strange she thought.

They walked to the next room and Alix saw there were two people in it. Must be his parents she thought to herself. They have to be, the family resemblance was striking.

Alix, Shay, meet my parents.

Shay waved, and Alix stepped closer. It’s very nice to meet you Mrs …? Alix realized that she didn’t know Ben’s last name.

Please, call me Natalie. We’re not very formal around here, She smiled at Alix.

And you can call me Rick, Ben’s dad said from the desk he was sitting at.

Alix looked over at him. He was also smiling. What a pleasant family she thought. Even though she had just met them she instantly liked Ben’s parents. They seemed kind, open and friendly.

So, Ben, where did you meet such pretty girls? his mom asked him.

I kind of stumbled on them in the driveway.

We’d thought we would introduce ourselves to our new neighbors, Alix said. You might not know this but it’s kind of a big deal that you moved here. You’re going to be the talk of the town for a while. I hope you’re up for it.

Oh, that won’t be a problem for us, Natalie told her. We love meeting new people. She turned to Ben. It’s so nice that you’ll know someone on your first day of school, isn’t it?"

Yep, it sure is, Ben smiled at Alix. You’re both seniors, right? The girls nodded. Awesome. Mom, dad, I’m going to finish showing the girls the rest of the house.

Okay honey. Stop by the kitchen when you’re done. I’ll leave some snacks out. Natalie told them.

They walked out of what Alix thought might be the office and headed back to the front door where the beautiful staircase was.

Time for the second floor, Ben announced. Not too much exciting stuff up here.

As they walked up the stairs Shay started giggling. I feel like I should be wearing a fancy gown just to walk on these stairs.

Alix had to admit that the house was a bit intimidating but nothing like she thought it would be. Even though it was huge and nothing like hers, she still felt somewhat comfortable there. She thought it was because Ben and his parents were so down to earth. They made the house less imposing.

Ben was right. The upstairs was mostly bedrooms, a few bathrooms and a closet or two. They looked in some of the bedrooms, they could be hotel rooms Alix thought. Ben showed them his room too. It was three times the size of Alix’s and he had his own bathroom. That would be so cool she thought. Even though it was big it still looked like what she thought a guy’s bedroom should look like. Sports things and rock bands filled a couple walls. It wasn’t messy. She wasn’t sure if he was always clean or clean because they just moved in. Come to think of it, if they just moved in how on earth was the house looking so perfect? Not a moving box in sight. It looked like it had been this way for years. That was something she was going to think about later.

So, that’s the house, Ben said as they walked down the hall to the stairs. Let’s go see what my mom left out for us to eat.

When they got near the top of the stairs Alix noticed a door that she didn’t see the first time they went by. It was smaller than the rest of the bedroom doors and so close to the stairs that it couldn’t have been a very big room. What’s in here? she asked Ben.

Um, I’m not sure actually. Let’s check, Ben tried to open the door, but it wouldn’t budge. He tried again and no luck. The knob wouldn’t even turn. Hmm, I guess I’ll have to tell my dad to check this out. Old house I guess.

They left the small door that wouldn’t open and headed to the kitchen. When they reached their destination, they were tantalized with the smell of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies.

That smells like heaven! Shay said as she went over to snag one from the plate. Oh, and they’re still warm. She took a bite and moaned. These are fantastic! You have to try one, or ten.

Alix just grinned. She knew how much Shay loved her cookies. Alix had the habit of calling her cookie monster until they were thirteen and Shay made her stop. Alix went and grabbed a cookie and took a seat next to Shay at the breakfast bar. Ben took a couple cookies and stood on the opposite side of the counter from them.

Mmm, I can’t believe how good these are. I know they’re homemade and not from the refrigerated section of the grocery store. I’m a certified cookie expert you know. How did your mom make them so fast? she asked Ben.

Alix noticed that a strange look came over Ben’s face at the question, but it was only there for a fraction of a second and then it was gone.

Um, my mom loves to bake, he said, She probably made the dough this morning and hadn’t had a chance to bake them. Guess you arrived at the right time.

I don’t care if they fell from the sky, were made by elves or magically appeared on the counter, Shay said, I think these are the best cookies I’ve ever had.

There was that same look on Ben’s face that Alix saw a minute ago. She couldn’t figure out why talking about cookies was making Ben uncomfortable. She thought about asking him but didn’t feel like she should, after all, they had just met.

So, Ben, Shay started, do you know where the school is?

I think so. I’m sure we drove past it when we arrived here. Is it even possible to get lost in Sunset Creek? he said with a smile.

Haha, very funny, she said back to him. Okay mister smarty pants, since you’re new around here, why don’t you walk with us to school tomorrow? I live just down the street and Alix always comes to my house and we go from there. How about it?

Alix gave her the are-you-crazy look. Shay just smiled. She thought it would be great to show up on the first day of their senior year with not only the new kid but the new kid who was also a hot boy. The other girls in their class would be so jealous.

I think that would be great, he noticed Alix looking at the clock. Do you have to go Alix?

Yeah, actually I do. I should go home and start dinner so that’s it’s ready for when my mom gets home. I try to help out as much as I can to give her a break.

That’s really sweet of you, Ben told her. I’ll walk you to the gate. Shay take some cookies for the road if you want.

Shay’s face lit up. She grabbed as many as she could fit in her hand. Alix just shook her head and smiled. They followed Ben out and headed toward the driveway. Now that Alix wasn’t so nervous she took more time to really look at the trees surrounding the driveway. She loved nature and always tried to take the time to appreciate it. The trees were huge and evenly spaced. She figured they were planted when the house was built. She was looking up at the branches when something caught her eye. She thought she saw something flying amongst the leaves but when stopped to get a better look but lost sight of it. She started walking and thought she saw it again. She stopped a second time and still couldn’t see it clearly. She didn’t think it was a bird but more like a really big dragonfly. Hmm, strange.

Hey Alix, Shay yelled, You coming?

Yeah, just admiring the trees.

Admiring the trees? Ben asked her with a smirk on his face.

Yes, admiring the trees. I love nature, and these are some impressive trees. I thought I saw a bird or something in the tops of the trees but couldn’t quite get a really good look.

That strange look came over Ben’s face again, but he didn’t say anything. They made their way to the gate with no more strangeness.

Hey Ben, Shay said, tomorrow morning just turn left out your gate and keep going down the sidewalk. My house is in the middle of the street. We’ll be waiting on the step for you. We leave at 7:30 sharp. If you’re late, you have to find your own way. Fair enough?

Fair enough, he said, It was very nice to meet you. I’m really glad you walked through that gate. See you ladies tomorrow at 7:30 sharp. He turned and started walking down the driveway.

Goodbye Ben, Alix told him, see you tomorrow.

He looked back at her and smiled with a smile that made her blush. Before she embarrassed herself, she turned to start walking back to Shay’s house. She noticed that as soon as they walked through the gate it seemed close on its own.

Chapter 2

Alix knew that Shay was talking as they walked back to her house, but she wasn’t really listening. She was thinking about Ben. She had never been into boys, always focused on finishing school and going to college in order to get out of town, but Ben seemed to be stuck in her mind. He was nice, funny, charming, and of course, good looking. And new. New was exciting to her. She didn’t think the fancy house had anything to do with it. There was just something different about him that she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

The next thing she knew Shay was smacking her on the arm. Hey Alix, have you heard a word I said?

Um … sorry, Shay. I was lost in thought.

Thoughts about Ben I bet, Shay grinned at Alix. Want to share those thoughts?

I don’t really know what to say, she admitted. He’s nice.

Yes, he is, and don’t forget hot Alix, he’s totally hot. And I think he likes you.

I don’t know about that. He was nice to you too, maybe he’s into you?

No, I saw the way he was looking at you. I’m sure he’d like to take you on a date. Wait and see. I have one of those feelings, and you know not to doubt my feelings on stuff like this.

Yes, Alix did know better. Sometimes Shay had a sixth-sense about certain things.

Fine, I guess we’ll wait and see. Hey, I gotta go. I really do want to get dinner started before mom gets home.

Okay chickie, text me later. We need to figure out what to wear on our first day as seniors. Later.

Later. Alix started home, still thinking about Ben, the house, and the very interesting day.

She got home a few minutes later and went straight to the kitchen. She rooted around the cupboards and fridge and settled on pasta with chicken and homemade Alfredo sauce. Her mom would be home in about 30 minutes and her dad’s schedule varied, so if he wasn’t home for dinner they just saved him some. She put some music on and started the sauce and the chicken. The pasta could wait until her mom was home.

As she stirred the sauce she thought about some of the unusual things that happened at Ben’s place. The strange sensation she felt as she walked through the gate. The way that the property and house seemed brand new even though they had just moved in that day. The door that wouldn’t open when everything else in the house was perfect. How Ben reacted during the cookie conversation. And finally, the thing she couldn’t quite manage to see in the treetops.

She was thinking so hard she didn’t hear her mom come home. She yelped when her mom said hi to her as she entered the kitchen.

Mom, you scared me. I didn’t hear you come in.

Sorry honey didn’t mean to sneak up on you.

It’s okay mom. I started dinner. All we have to do is cook the pasta and make some salad if you want.

I think your dad will be home soon, so we can all eat together.

That’s good because I have some interesting news to tell you guys.

Is that so? her mom looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

Yep, Alix smiled, But I’ll wait to tell dad too.

Alix continued to stir the sauce and her mom started the pasta. Her dad got home while they were cooking away.

My two favorite girls, he said, as he walked into the kitchen. He went over to her mom, gave her a hug and kiss then gave Alix a kiss on the forehead. They had always been a close family and showed affection easily. She was lucky to know she was so loved.

Smells great in here, her dad said, Can’t wait to eat, I’m starving. I’ll just go change and I’ll be back to set the table.

This was normal for Alix. When they were all home everyone helped out and dinner was a family affair. She secretly loved it but wouldn’t admit it to anyone. She did have her teenage façade to maintain after all. Her dad returned and set the table while her mom put the finishing touches on the meal. They all sat down and dished up their plates.

So, Alix, what’s this very interesting news you have to tell us? her mom asked.

You’ll never believe it. You know that kind of scary place at the end of the street by Shay’s house? Well, people moved in there today.

Her parents shared a look like they knew something that she didn’t. She ignored them and continued with her story.

"Anyway, Shay called me after she saw the moving van leave. I went straight over there and we decided to go meet whoever had moved in. Turns out, it’s a very nice family. They have