Chosen One

By Katie Holland

Alix has been given the great honor of joining the Almati Council, the ruling body of the Nykara. This means a trip to London for Alix and her closest friends and family. But before they make it to London Alix discovers she's being watched and is at constant risk of danger from the Grynn.

The trip to London is full of surprises, both g

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kingston Publishing Company
• Release date: Oct 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9781970068535

Book preview

Chapter 1

It was Friday evening and Alix was sitting in her living room watching a movie with her parents. She was looking at the TV, but all she could think about was the invitation she’d received. It was only yesterday that Alix got the letter. She still couldn’t believe it. They wanted her to join the Almati Council and help lead the Nykara. She understood that she was the Kaelneth, but she’d only been a Nykara for three weeks. In that time, she’d learned several years worth of magic and had vision dreams. She’d found the missing hikers that were taken by the Grynn. She’d defeated a Grynn in the cave to save the hikers and woken them from their magically induced sleep. But she was only seventeen. Ben told her that joining the Council would make her the youngest member ever. From what she understood, joining the Council was the greatest honor a Nykara could be given. She thought it was usually given to people who had done great things or who had very specialized abilities. All she had done was wake up three weeks ago with a beautiful tattoo that made her the Chosen One. She knew you didn’t refuse the Council’s invitation, but she was extremely nervous about it. So far, she’d only met a few other Nykara; joining the Council would mean she’d have to be a leader. Alix wasn’t sure she was ready for that. She, Ben, and Shay had a serious conversation about the Council after the letter had arrived at her door.

In less than two weeks she was to appear before the Almati Council to take her place among them. At least she didn’t have to go alone. Her parents, Shay, Ben and his parents all got to go with her. Despite being nervous about joining the Council, she was super excited to travel. The Almati Council’s headquarters were located in London. She was so excited to be going to Europe. There was so much to do before they left. They had to get their passports, figure out what to pack, and deal with the school. She stopped her thoughts; one thing at a time she told herself. She’d always had a tendency to overwhelm herself with the details.

Alix, her mom said. Alix, are you listening to me?

Huh? Was her reply.

Have you heard anything I said? her mom asked, with a smile in her voice.

Um … no, sorry. I was just thinking.

Well the movie is over, and your dad and I were wondering if you wanted to make popcorn and pick out the second movie. But, I think we might need to talk instead of watching another one.

You’re probably right mom. I’ve got a lot on my mind and you know how I can get with trying to figure out all the details. But I still want popcorn, Alix said smiling.

Her mom laughed at her. She’d never known Alix to turn down an offer of popcorn. They went to the kitchen and Alix used her magic to pop the popcorn and melt the butter. It still made her smile when she did stuff like that. She was probably the most powerful Nykara in history, but she still liked the simple things-- like magically popping popcorn.

They took the popcorn into the living room and sat down.

So, what’s going on your mind kiddo? her dad asked.

I’m really nervous about the whole Council thing. What if I embarrass myself or you guys? What if I let Natalie and Rick down because I can’t do something the Council needs me to do and they blame it on my training? What if I’m just too young to understand what they are doing? What if –

Slow down honey her dad said interrupting her, one thing at a time remember.

I know dad, but it's hard.

And we’re here to help you, her mom added. So, you’re nervous about going to see the Council. I don’t blame you. I think anyone would be, it’s not because you’re young. I think it might be like meeting the President. You won’t embarrass us, and you can do anything you set your mind to, even things that you don’t know you can do yet.

You have a lot of faith in me mom.

We all do. Anyone you’ve met so far does. I remember Kris saying multiple times how amazed he was by you. All you have to do is relax and be yourself.

Alix took a deep breath. Okay, it doesn’t sound so bad when you say it, she smiled. So, the next thing I was wondering about are passports.

I’ve got that handled, her mom said. Tomorrow we will have to go into Bozeman and get our pictures done. Once we have them we’ll give everything to Rick. He said he has a way to expedite them and we’ll have them before we go. Shay’s and Ben’s too.

Okay, Alix said, one thing answered. Now what about school and work? How do we manage that?

Karin is going to talk to your teachers for all three of you. Your Nykara teachers will understand completely. It’s the human ones that will take a little convincing. You guys might have to take some homework with you to London.

That would suck. But it’s a long flight and I don’t think I could sleep the whole time. I guess I could do homework then. So, what about you and dad?

We’ve taken vacations before. We’ll just do what we always do. Your dad will close the office and I’ll just use some of my vacation days. I have quite a few I haven’t used so I’ll be fine.

You’ve been busy today mom. You seem to have an answer for everything. Now for the most important question … what do I wear to meet the Council? Alix asked with a serious expression.

Her mom couldn’t help but let out a little laugh.

It’s not funny mom. I want to make a good first impression.

I know honey, I’m sorry. It’s just that I don’t think I’ve ever really seen you concerned about what you were going to wear before. But don’t worry, we’re all planning to go to Bozeman tomorrow. How about after we get the pictures done the boys can do their own thing while us girls go shopping? I’m sure Natalie will know what you’ll need to get.

That sounds good mom.

Do you have any more questions? her dad asked.

She thought for a second. Not right at the moment, but I’m sure I will.

We’re here for you anytime you need us honey, her mom said.

I know mom, Alix said with a grin. I sure got lucky in the parent department. I’m going to tell Shay about tomorrow. She’ll be thrilled to be going shopping. She grabbed her phone and texted Shay. As expected she was excited about getting to shop.

Since they weren’t going to be watching another movie she picked up her eReader. Reading was always the best way to help her relax.

*    *    *

Alix woke up the next morning ready to tackle the day. She was waiting for her parents to get ready when her phone made the text noise.

Ben: Hey. Where are you?

Alix: Still at home. Why?

Ben: I was wondering if I could ride with you guys.

Alix: Aren’t your parents coming?

Ben: Yes, just thought the three of us could talk about the Council on the way there. I could try to answer any questions you have.

Alix: Sure

Ben: Ok see you in a few minutes. You’re picking up Shay, right?

Alix: Yep. See you there.

As they drove up to Shay’s they saw that Ben, Natalie, and Rick were already there. Her dad turned around in the cul-de-sac and parked beside their SUV. Ben got out and got in the back beside Alix. Shay was right behind him and got in on the other side. That left Alix in the middle. The two vehicles left and headed to Bozeman.

Ben asked Alix if she had any questions about meeting the Almati Council. But since he hadn’t met them either, he wasn’t all that much help.

So, Ben, Alix started, if you don’t really know that much about the Council why did you really want to ride with us?

Um … well … I just wanted to. We’d been spending so much time together and I kind of missed it.

Shay had to laugh at that. Aww, the poor boy misses us Alix.

Ben tried to give Shay a dirty look, but the look on her face made it impossible. She had her pouty face on. Alix knew that face very well and was sure it worked on anyone Shay directed it at. He ended up laughing.

You’re impossible Shay, you know that, right? Ben said to her.

Yep, it’s all part of my irresistible charm, she replied, grinning at him.

Alix was caught in the middle of their bantering but didn’t mind in the least. They were two of her favorite people in the world. She just giggled at them. They were still going back and forth when Alix heard her phone. Who could be texting her she thought? Ben, Shay, and her parents were really the only ones she texted, and they were all in the car with her. She looked at it and smiled. It was Sara.

Sara: Hi Alix. I just wanted to say thank you again. I owe my life to you.

Alix: You don’t need to thank me again. You did that enough already. How have you been doing since you got home?

Who is it? Shay asked.

It’s Sara. She’s thanking me again. I don’t even know what to say.

How about you’re welcome? Ben told her.

That just seems … I don’t know … like not enough?

I think you’ll have to get used to that Alix, he said. I have a feeling it’s going to happen a lot.

I guess, Alix mumbled. Her phone went off again.

Say hi from me, Shay said.

Me too, Ben added.

Sara: Alright I guess. To be honest, the attention has been a little overwhelming. It’s been hard dealing with telling everyone that I just woke up a few days ago and had no idea what happened. I keep being told that I should know more. But most of the people asking are human and we can’t say anything. My Nykara friends understand completely. I’m just glad that I don’t actually remember anything.

Alix: I’m glad about that too. Shay and Ben say hi.

Sara: Hi back to them. What are you guys doing?

Alix: I’ve been asked to join the Almati council so we’re getting ready for that.

Sara: Oh wow! Congrats. That’s a huge honor but I’m not surprised. You were so brave saving us and you are the Chosen One.

Sara: I’m so excited for you! I think I’m going to come visit you after you get back. Good luck with the Council.

Alix: Thanks!

Sara said she might come visit us after we get back from London, Alix told them. We’re going to London, doesn’t that sound exciting! I hope we get to do some sightseeing and not have to spend the entire time with the council. I’ve wanted to see Stonehenge my entire life. Oh, and I so want to visit a castle.

They spent the rest of the ride to Bozeman talking about what they might see in London. They stopped to get the passport pictures taken and then the ladies went to the mall.

Natalie said everyone would need at least one formal outfit so that’s where they started. Shay ended up with a beautiful pale blue dress and thanks to Shay, Alix finally found a pink one that she loved.

So, Natalie, do you have any idea what to expect while we’re there? Alix asked as they are shopping.

I’ve never been to a Council ceremony before, but I asked a friend of mine who went years ago. She told me that the ceremony to induct you as a new council member happens in the evening on November third. That’s the formal occasion we need the dresses for. The ceremony consists of the five new members being sworn in and replacing the five outgoing members. Then there’s a dinner followed by a meet and greet. People will want to know you Alix, you’ll be very busy after the ceremony. Usually, that’s it, but we’re going to be there for ten days so I’m not sure what else we’re going to do.

Finally, they left the mall. As they drove home Alix couldn’t help but feel happy. She’d had a really good day. They dropped Shay off and had a quiet night at home.

Chapter 2

Alix’s alarm went off on Monday morning and she actually felt wide awake. She went through her usual routine and even had both her coffee and Shay’s ready before Ben and Shay were there to pick her up. She still never went anywhere alone, but she was slowly getting used to it. Ben took his job as her Protector seriously and made sure someone was with her at all times. If it wasn’t her parents, then it was usually Shay or Ben. Alix heard Ben’s SUV pull up to the house, so she grabbed her school bag and the two coffee’s and went outside.

Most of the day was just a normal day as a high school senior. The only thing that was different was that when they were leaving Biology, Ben followed her to Culinary Arts. He followed her right into the classroom and sat down at the station with her.

What are you doing? she asked him, as he took out a notebook.

I’m getting ready for class, he answered, as if this was an everyday occurrence.

But this isn’t your class. You’re going to be late for Math.

No, I’m not. I transferred to Culinary Arts this morning.

Alix wanted to say something, but her mouth was just hanging open. Ben just grinned at her. Finally, she got her mouth moving again.

But you need Math to graduate? was all that she could get out.

Yes, I do. I’ll just take it next semester at the same time as you and Shay. I worked everything out with the principal. I was supposed to be taking French, but I already have all my language credits from my other schools. It was just going to be a refresher course for me.

Um … okay. But I still don’t understand why?

I’m your Protector.

And …?

And, that means I need to protect you. I can’t do that if I’m all the way across the school.

But Mr. Rollins is here, and I don’t think there will be random Grynn popping in and out of my classes. And I think I’ve shown I can take care of myself.

I know you can, but you still don’t get it, Alix. I don’t feel right if I’m not near you. That’s the Protector part of me. I literally feel better when I’m near you. It was torture for me when you went into that cave and I couldn’t follow. I felt helpless. The Protector in me tells me I have to be aware of what you are doing at all times. It sucks when you have to go home after school. It’s one of the reasons I’ve been spending more time with you.

Alix was shocked at what Ben just told her, but she was also really happy. She liked spending time with him, too. She didn’t get a chance to say more about it because class was starting.

When the bell rang they met Shay and Alix filled her in on what Ben had told her in Culinary Arts. Shay thought it was just as interesting as Alix did and asked Ben to tell them more.

I’ll do my best to explain. It’s not like it hurts to be separated, I just feel uncomfortable. I mean I can tolerate it, but I feel better when I’m near Alix. You know when you can’t get comfortable watching TV? Kind of like that. As for how far away, so far it doesn’t really matter. When we’re in the same room I feel ok. Other than that, I haven’t really figured it out, I’m still learning all about this too. Mom and dad don’t really know how to help me, and they don’t know any other Protectors.

By the time they got to Alix’s house she could see that Ben still had something on his mind. Instead of bringing it up now she decided to talk to him later. The three of them went in and started doing homework. Shortly after her dad got home Ben and Shay left. After dinner her dad was watching TV and Alix was reading. She was still thinking about what Ben had told her earlier, so she decided to text him.

Alix: Hey. Are you busy?

Ben: No. What’s up?

Alix: Is there something else you’re not telling me?

Ben: What do you mean?

Alix: Well, when we were talking about you needing to learn more about being a Protector you had a look on your face. Like you had something else to say, but you didn’t.

Ben: I don’t know what you’re talking about

Alix: No secrets remember. I know something was on your mind. Tell me please.

Ben: It’ll sound stupid

Alix: I don’t care. Tell me anyway.

Ben: Fine. With all that you can do how can I be your Protector? You battled the Grynn and can do a ton of awesome stuff. You’re the Chosen One. I don’t think there’s anything you can’t do if you set your mind to it. I can only do the normal Nykara stuff. What could I possibly do that you can’t?

Alix thought about what Ben was telling her for a few minutes before responding to his text. She could tell that it was important to him and wanted to give him a good answer.

Alix: You guys keep telling me that the magic chooses the Nykara. That I wouldn’t be the Chosen One if I wasn’t able to do it, so take your own advice. You are my Protector for a reason. If I didn’t need a Protector, then I wouldn’t have one. Right?

Ben: Well when you put it that way I guess you’re right

Alix: Of course, I am. But seriously, we’re both still learning what we can do.

Ben: So, what were you doing before you started harassing me?

Alix: I was not harassing you, just trying to be a friend.

Ben: Ok, so that makes you a friend who likes to harass their other friends. Got it.

Alix: Ahhhh! You are so frustrating!

Ben: Just doing my job

Alix: Why am I friends with you again?

Ben: Because I’m irresistibly charming

Alix: Nope I don’t think that’s it

Ben: It must be my overwhelming good looks

Alix: No that doesn’t sound right either

Ben: It must be because you were nosy when the new neighbors moved in

Alix: Now that sounds closer to the real reason

Ben: Ok I’ll let you have that one. So, you still didn’t answer my question.

Alix looked back at her texts to see what the question was. As normal, Ben seemed to get the better of Alix and she had forgotten what they had been talking about. Oh yeah, what was she doing.

Alix: I was reading

Ben: Reading what?

Alix: A book

Ben: About what?

Alix: Now who’s harassing who?

Ben: I thought it was called being friendly

Alix: Lol, ok. It’s a new series I found about fallen angels.

Ben: Is it good?

Alix: I think so. The fallen angels are hundreds of years old but look like teenagers.

Ben: I don’t think I’d like to read it but if it was a movie I’d probably watch it

Alix: Expand your horizons. I challenge you to read a book that I give you.

Ben: Challenge accepted.

That made Alix laugh. She knew that would work. Now, she just had to pick out the perfect book to give to him.

Alix: I’ll bring you one tomorrow morning

Ben: Looking forward to it

Alix went to her room to look for a book to give Ben. It was a hard choice. She searched her shelves for the perfect book. Then she finally spotted it. She hadn’t read it in years and it was more of a kid’s book, but it was about knights and quests, so she thought he might actually read it.

Chapter 3

The next morning Shay came in to get Alix. Alix handed her a go cup and made sure to grab the book for Ben.

I haven’t seen you read an actual book for quite a while. Shay said noticing the book.

That’s true. Ever since I got my eReader that’s pretty much all I’ve read. I challenged Ben to read a book of my choosing since he never reads.

Really? Shay said with a twinkle in her eye. You two were talking last night?

Texting. I could tell that he had something on his mind after we all talked yesterday, and I wanted to find out what. Then we just started bugging each other. And, get that look off your face, I was just trying to be a friend, nothing more.

Shay threw her hands up in surrender. Okay for now, but trust me when I tell you, I think you will be more than friends one day.

Whatever. Let’s get going.

They went out to meet Ben who was waiting in the car.  So, did you bring a book for me?

Yep, here it is. Alix said handing to him.

What’s it about?

I’m not telling you anything about it. You can read it and see what you think.

That’s all you’re giving me?

Yep.

Okay then. I think I’m looking forward to this, Ben said with a grin.

Here you go. I hope you enjoy it.

He took it and looked at the cover and then read the back. This actually might be fun to read. He smiled at Alix. I thought you’d give me a girl book.

A girl book huh. And what exactly is a girl book? Alix asked him.

You know, all lovey and romantic and stuff. Things girls like.

Shay couldn’t help but laugh. Wow, have you got a lot to learn Ben. If you ever want to go on a date with someone you’d better start liking that ‘girl stuff’ too, she said, using finger quotes.

Why? he asked, looking very innocent.

Do you want to date a girl? Shay asked.

Yes, Ben replied.

So, if you ask a girl out on a date what are you going to do? I’m pretty sure most girls want some kind of romance on a date. Were you planning on playing football or something?

Ben almost looked embarrassed. Um … well, I don’t really know. I’ve never asked a girl out before.

Seriously? Alix finally joined the conversation. You’ve never been on a date? Even I’ve been on a couple of dates.

You’ve dated? he asked her.

Not dated like you’re thinking. Shay made me double date with her a couple of times. They didn’t go so well since I was too shy to actually talk to anyone.

Ben laughed. That’s funny.

Shut up, no it’s not, Alix told him, and smacked him on the arm. Did we laugh at you when you said you hadn’t been on a date?

Well no.

There you go. Quit being jerky and try to be a gentleman, or I’ll tell your mom on you.

Both Alix and Shay smiled, and Ben quit laughing. They all knew his mom would get on his case if she found out he wasn’t being gentleman-like.

Alright, you got me. I’ll behave myself, he said, but he still had that smirk on his face.

So, being serious for a minute, Shay said, why haven’t you ever been on a date before?

I guess it’s because I’ve moved so often, I never let myself really get to know people.

Okay, that’s fair enough. Has there ever been anyone you wanted to ask out?

Yes, but that’s all I’m going to say about that.

*    *    *

Alix’s mom was home after school so Ben dropped her off. She had homework to do so she said hi to her mom and went to her room to use her laptop. She had just started on her homework when her phone went off.

Shay: Sooo … what do you think of Ben’s comment this morning about wanting to ask someone out?

Alix: What do you mean? I didn’t really think anything of it.

Shay: He was talking about you

Alix: I don’t think so

Shay: I totally do. Didn’t you see the look he gave you when he said it?

Alix: No, but I’m sure you were seeing things

Shay: Alix! Are you doubting my relationship knowledge???? You know better than that.

Alix: No … but … well I don’t know what

Shay: I told you before Alix he likes you and now I know that he wants to date you

Alix: I still don’t know

Shay: What would you do if he asked you out??? And tell me the truth.

Shay: I’m waiting …

Alix: I guess I’d say ok

Shay: Now was that so hard to admit?

Alix: Yes

Shay: We’ve talked about this before. It’s ok to like him you know.

Alix: I know but it’s weird

Shay: Why is it weird?

Alix: Because it’s Ben and we’re friends

Shay: Being friends is the best way to start a relationship

Alix: How would you know? Your longest relationship only lasted two months.

Shay: I read magazines all the time about relationships and dating, you know that

Alix: Oh Shay, what am I going to do with you? Magazines can’t compare to real life.

Shay: On the contrary