The Stolen

By Sierra Christenson and Nate Pace

 

Never trust the gods.

Having a mother who is the Goddess of Witchcraft can make it difficult for a child to make friends. For Dua Ritwood, it is a nightmare. That is until she meets a group of demigods just like her. It is unusual, to fit in, and finally having people worth protecting, brings about many difficult decisions for Dua.

When Hecate grows angry, kidnapping her daughter's closest friend and snatching one of the other demigods in the process, Dua must team up with complete strangers in order to stand up to the Goddess. They will come to face creatures they have never heard of and will realize that there is a greater evil in play. Even more than a disgruntled mother.

They will risk everything in order to save their friends. No matter who their enemy is.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sierra Christenson
• Release date: Jun 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781955109024

Book preview

Chapter one

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Alex, kill it already! Jenney commanded. She gritted her teeth almost to the point of pain as her skin danced with flickering flames. She stared up at the creature that towered over them as it swirled its oversized weapon. Its deep chuckle shook the ground, and it gripped the wooden handle tighter. The tips of Jenney’s blazing orange hair, which was chopped short near the nape of her neck, danced with embers as she glared at her comrade who had yet to make a move.

She wanted to scream at Alex and slap him, get him to snap out of whatever daze he was in. His bright, almost icy, blue gaze continuously flicked back and forth to a limp body hidden by a couple of shrubs. It was Scarlett, another one of their friends, who had been knocked unconscious by the monstrosity before them.

The creature—an oversized cyclops—slowly blinked down at the demigods before it. Its attention swiveled towards Alex, its single eye narrowing. The monster’s weapon slowly tickled to and fro. The metallic, spiked balls at the end of the chains connected to the wooden handle occasionally clashed together, screeching into the night air.

I know already, but he doesn’t deserve a quick death for what he did to Scarlett, Alex complained, finally coming out of his trance. He groaned as he raised a dark gray machine gun, black mist dissipating from the weapon as he did so. He aimed it at the cyclops, locking on.

Alex stood at over six foot three, but that was nothing compared to the creature’s ten-foot stature.

Wait, you idiot, Aster barked at the demigod. His emerald eyes flashed bright as his brow knitted in the center. His jaw was clenched overtly tight, his shoulders rippling with raw energy. You know how loud that thing is going to be.

Aster’s entire body quaked with the intensity of his irritation. Is he a child? He pinched the bridge of his nose, not at all worried about the cyclops looming over them. His body ached, and he just wanted to go to bed already.

So? Alex hesitated, almost lowering his gun. Almost.

He was going to need a very good reason not to blow this mother-trucking monster back to Hades.

You'll draw the attention of the police.

Oh, sorry. Alex began to lower his gun, his eyes averting back to their enemy. He hadn’t thought of that. Made sense, though.

Geez, Aster tsked. He was really getting tired of Alex acting like a child sometimes. What kind of demigod, who had made it through seventeen years of life, wouldn’t know that guns were your worst nightmare when it came to secrecy during a battle?

A dark gray cloud of smoke billowed from Aster’s hand, curling around his fingers. A saber formed in his grip; the hilt bore a silver band, a pearl embedded in the crossbar.

Can't you just do things the way our ancestors have been for centuries?

Hate to break it to you, but it's boring, Alex whined, his voice raising an octave as Aster lunged at the cyclops, who had been growing impatient. It stood there, picking its nose, and wiping its fingers on its chest, bored by the arguing of the teenagers.

Aster’s blade slipped through the creature’s flesh and into its chest instantly, not giving it time to react. The crossbar buried itself into the body, stopping as it hit bone. Aster brought up his feet and placed them on the cyclops’ torso for support. He then pulled the sword out, giving way to the geyser of thick blood which spouted from the creature’s chest.

Hopefully that does it, he said as he landed with a soft grunt on the green grass, its vibrancy dulled with the rustic fluid as it continued to spray out.

It always does when you attack them like that, but if you had guns... Alex trailed off. His machine gun was painted black before it dispersed into smoke. Why is no one picking up with the times? he wondered. Everyone else in the world was doing it, why not demigods too?

Jenney knocked him on the head with the back of her hand lightly as she headed for Scarlett who had begun to softly groan. Her pale pink hair was glued to her small cheeks, blood staining her forehead.

Aster turned as his saber disappeared and watched the cyclops stagger back, dropping its flail. The spiked balls hit the grass, digging up dirt, then dissolving into thin air. The monster itself fell to the earth; its one eye stuck open in horror as it slowly dulled. Aster wondered for a moment why this cyclops wasn’t as strong as others they had faced. It had even stood there calmly as Aster had argued with Alex. There was no explanation he could come up with that even remotely sounded plausible. Or even sane.

Alright, let's set him on fire, Aster said, shaking his ebony-hued hair. He wiped his forehead to dry it of sweat as he stepped away from the cyclops.

I hate this part. It always stinks. Alex wrinkled his nose in disgust, walking away from the corpse and toward Jenney and Scarlett.

But we can’t leave it here for the humans to find. Believe me, I’m all for a little bit of chaos, but world-wide panic when they find out that monsters and gods are real? No thank you, Aster explained.

Alex rolled his eyes dramatically. I know. Let’s just get this over with.

With a snort, Aster shook his head. Come on, Jenney.

I'm coming, hold your horses. She had an arm around Scarlett's waist, holding in place one of her friend’s arms over her own shoulder. Scarlett’s hair fell across Jenney’s shoulder in a waterfall of pink locks.

I got her, Alex offered, reaching out for Scarlett. His eyes softened as she moaned, wincing from the actions of being jostled about.

If you hurt her, I will beat the crap out of you, Jenney snapped, gingerly laying Scarlett in his arms.

Why would I hurt her? His brow crumpled as his blue eyes sparkled with confusion. He could never do anything to harm Scarlett. In fact, he—

Yeah, okay. Jenney glowered at him, turning around silently. Alright, my favorite part. She smirked, stretching out her hand.

She wriggled her fingers with excitement. She always loved to watch her beloved flames at work. The boys peeked at each other, sighing simultaneously. Aster rubbed his temple cringing. The lack of sleep was finally getting to him.

Jenney rose her hand up. Goodbye, ugly. Flames lit up the cyclops’ body, incinerating it.

The stench of scorched flesh coated the inside of the Demigods’ noses, and Alex shook his head in disgust, his features contorting into a sour expression.

Alright, now that's done. So now what? she asked, dusting off her hands once the flames burned to soft embers.

Let's get out of here, Aster ordered. Before another monster attacks.

You're the man, Jenney said, giving him a two-finger salute.

Can we hurry so that we can make sure that Scarlett is alright? Alex asked. He glanced down at her as she cuddled closer to his chest. He hated to admit how wonderful it felt to have her this close, relying on him.

We’ll get there, Jenney enlightened, walking at her normal pace, her deep brown eyes calm.

Ah, man, he whimpered as he moved to follow along.

So that’s her house? Jenney halted beside Aster who stared out from the meadow toward a one-story white house that sat across a small dirt road. It was partly shrouded in trees, hidden from the neighboring houses.

Yeah, he answered. Aster’s jaw clenched; his eyes overshadowed in the darkness.

It didn’t make sense. That cyclops found them instantly once they had gotten into town. They were only trying to do a little recon before heading to the hotel. He just didn’t understand how this house was still standing. There were no signs of it having been attacked at any point before. Just how was that even possible?

Jenney sighed, breaking through Aster’s reverie. Well, at least we aren’t rushing into her home while she’s sleeping.

I wouldn’t do that. His eyes widened, and he stared at his comrade. He knew how nerve-wracking it could be, to find out who you are. He wasn’t about to throw their way of life on someone if they had no clue about their parental lineage. They had to test the waters first.

Don’t worry, I know you wouldn’t. Jenney cackled loudly, the sound breaking through the now quiet neighborhood. Almost immediately, though, she sobered. But seriously, how is it that the cyclops found us, but it seems like no monsters have even gotten close to that house or its inhabitants?

Aster relaxed his shoulders; at least he wasn’t the only one worrying about it. I’m not sure, but we’ll find out once we make contact.

They fell into silence; the branches of the trees surrounding the house moved with the wind. No one in the surrounding area seemed to have awoken by the noise of the battle or Jenney’s laugh.

It's going to be so boring tomorrow, Jenney grumbled, breaking the moment. She slumped her shoulders.

Come on, school isn't that bad. Aster smirked, the tension lining his expression softening.

He paused as movement in the left window of the white house caught his eye. It was a large mass, its shadow barely visible. If the curtains hadn’t been disturbed, Aster wouldn’t have even noticed.

Hey, let’s get back. I think Scarlett’s waking up. Alex popped up between the two, his blond hair shining in the moonlight.

Aster all but jumped, his eyes refusing to leave the window.

Yeah, yeah. Jenney waved her hand as she began to walk away from the house. Scarlett’s gonna be just fine.

It took Aster a moment, but he eventually followed.

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As shades of amethyst gave way to the darkness of night, Dua turned restlessly in her canopy bed, her body covered with a thin black sheet.

Her mind was filled with maimed men dripping in blood. They reached out toward her, their stained fingernails growing to sharp knife points. She screeched as she fled the ghoulish nightmares. As she ran through the endless shadows, the men continued to pursue her until eventually someone called out to her, dispersing the men, and leaving Dua alone in the dark abyss.

Dua, my dear, a woman's composed voice resounded around the girl.

What are you doing here? Dua asked accusingly, irritation dripping into her words now that the terror had bled itself from her veins. She just wanted out of this dream world.

Now, is that anyway to speak to your mother? the woman inquired, stepping out of the shadows. She had long, dark violet hair that flowed with dark flames and blazing ruby eyes. High cheekbones graced her slender face, a simple, floor-length silk dress encasing her willowy form.

Anger that Dua so rarely allowed herself to feel, was beginning to take root in the pit of her stomach.

Why do you keep on insisting that I accept you as my mother? Face it, it won’t happen. Dua’s expression contorted as she glanced down at her frilly black dress.

The woman’s head cocked to the side. Are you sure about that? I think soon you'll begin to acknowledge me. I am the only family you have left.

No, I have Darray, she protested.

Now impatience bled into the woman’s features, her lip curled up almost in a snarl. Who do you think gave him to you in the first place? If it were not for me, you would not have that mutt.

Don’t speak about him like that. You have already taken so much from me. Do you really believe that I will forget? Because of you, my father is dead. He was taken because of your meddling. You’re not supposed to reenter our lives. The humans don’t believe in gods. They see you as demons, and anyone who worships at your feet are condemned as well. You’re the reason he’s dead. You may have given me Darray, but that doesn’t excuse everything else that you’ve done to me.

Once Dua was done speaking, her chest heaved with lack of oxygen and the anger bubbling into her chest.

As the woman trembled, her features rippling with rage, she spat out, You have some guts if you are standing up to me. You are not the only one who was hurt. She looked down at her daughter through narrowed eyes, her breathing now more even. We will see where this takes you.

Dua was jolted awake, a breath lodging in her chest. Her forehead was drenched in sweat, and she kicked the black sheet until it flew off her limbs as the incessant need for space overwhelmed her. She breathed heavily as she looked around the room and brushed her bangs from her face. They were sticky with the perspiration.

Had she really come out of that dream unscathed? She had never been so outspoken with her mother before, but it had been her father’s birthday a few days ago, and the pain was still raw.

Dua.

At the sound of the husky, cavernous voice, she turned.

Darray, sorry if I woke you. Having him here allowed a sense of relief to wash over Dua.

No, child, it is not your fault. Was it another nightmare? Movement could be seen in the shadows of her room where the source of the voice was coming from.

Dua wondered if she should tell him of her dream. Of her mother’s appearance. It would do no good, though, as nothing new had happened. Hecate was always threatening her with one thing or another, but she had never followed through with it. Now would be no different. Yes, but I’m fine. I should get ready for school, Dua noted, peering over at the clock.

She couldn’t understand why her mother was so interested in her. Most gods ignored their demigod children. Hecate even dumped Dua on her father, so why was she trying to be in her life now?

I will let you be.

Thank you, Darray.

Movement again, but this time, a big, black mass of fur stirred and shifted out into the soft light of the moon that trickled in from the bedroom window. Darray’s pale yellow eyes watched Dua; she smiled up at him.

Darray bowed his massive head and headed out the open door.

Dua watched him go before she grunted and slipped off the bed. Her feet hit the cold wooden floor, and she headed into the adjacent bathroom.

Chapter Two

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This is the best idea that you’ve ever had! Alex rejoiced as he walked down the bright hallway of Beckwourth’s high school. He stared after every girl who passed by his eyes glued to them.

Will you stop drooling? Aster hissed, fighting not to roll his eyes.

Sorry, but I haven’t seen so many girls in one place!

Aster grumbled to himself. He moved down the hallway, his hands tucked into his pockets, his shoulders slouched. His bright green eyes glinted in the fluorescent lighting as he searched the thickening crowd. He sighed and ruffled his shaggy hair before he pulled at the silver chain around his neck that was pinching his flesh. The red pendant at the bottom of the links dangled freely, swaying back and forth with his movement.

Let’s just find this girl, Aster mumbled.

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Dua kept her head down as she hurried across the linoleum flooring of the school. Everyone stopped to gape at her, as usual. She clutched her notebooks closer to her chest and scuttled on, avoiding all eye contact.

Hey, it’s her. She’s still coming to school? a boy whispered from somewhere within the crowd.

Dua closed her eyes. She had to graduate, of course she was still coming to school.

Freak, another, a girl, muttered.

Dua exhaled, flinching. She looked up from the ground only to run into a boy with a gray t-shirt. At least, that’s all she saw before squeezing her eyes closed and wincing with the contact. She was stunned for a moment before looking down at the boy’s hands gripping her arms. His touch was soft, warm. She didn’t remember the last time someone had touched her, even this much.

Hey, are you alright?

Dua peered up, her mind hazy. His voice was deep, gravelly with a hoarseness to it that tingled her ears.

Hello, anyone there? the boy questioned, his face getting closer to hers, his green eyes wide. This close she could see the flecks of gold that pulsed within, almost hidden by the emerald hue.

Oh, yeah, I’m fine, thanks. Dua stepped back, just out of range of the boy, the nape of her neck turning a brilliant red that contaminated her cheeks. She shifted her long hair to conceal her face.

Hey, she’s pretty cute, Aster. You gonna ask her out? the boy’s companion asked.

Alex, learn to read the situation, the first boy mumbled, his voice low.

Dua stared up at him, her bluish hazel eyes wide.

Who were these boys? Their aura was different than the other students. Where everyone else in the hall emanated a pale grey haze, the boy touching her released a bleeding crimson atmosphere that tickled Dua’s arms and chest, while Alex, the other one, released one as bright as the sun. it was almost blinding.

You should really keep your chin up so you can see where you’re going, he continued, fixing his eyes on Dua and grinning. I’m Aster, by the way.

She didn’t say anything back; instead, she lowered her head even further. Dua’s eyes swing to the side, looking for a way out.

Hey, you two are new here, right? another of Dua’s classmates questioned, making himself known from the bustling crowd walking down the hallway.

Yeah, so? Aster cocked his brow, his attention now on the other student.

So, you haven’t been here long enough to hear any of the stories, the boy said, glancing over at Dua briefly, but then moving his gaze back to Aster.

What sort of stories? Aster narrowed his eyes.

About Dua, the boy stated nervously, eyeing her up and down.

Dua dragged her breath in slowly. Here’s to having even more people scared of her. Aster seemed nice too.

Once the student opened his mouth once more, words tumbled out. People in small towns talk, and there’s a lot on Dua. Some people say she’s a witch; she can shoot lightning out of thin air. She injured my friend Tom in chemistry last month. There’s also another rumor that she turned one of her classmates into a guinea pig.

Dua shook her head lightly and took a step toward her classmate. His eyes widened, and he stumbled back, ramming into a girl who squealed in protest. Dua ran past him, down the hallway, her long hair flowing.

Aster watched her go until she disappeared around the corner. He looked down at his hands, a tingle prickling at the tips as he remembered the static vibration from touching Dua.

You think she’s the one? Alex whispered close to his ear. His own eyes are staring down the hallway after the girl.

Yeah. The stories alone proved who she was. The way the strands of her hair rippled with a dark purple hue when she was embarrassed emphasized the suspicion and at least confirmed Aster’s assumptions.

She pretends to be the victim, but everyone knows she’s just waiting to get us, the boy explained, his dark brunette hair overshadowing part of his wild eyes.

Aster turned back, glaring down at the boy. Anger boiled up into his chest, and he had the urge to punch the high schooler. Instead, he ground his teeth together and seethed. I would appreciate it if you didn’t talk about her like that.

The boy looked back at Aster in shock. Turning bright red, he hurried off in the opposite direction from Dua.

Do you think she’ll end up like Circe? Alex questioned once they were alone. His jaw was tight, his blue gaze hard. 

No, she’s too timid for that.

Though the words left Aster’s mouth, the tension in his shoulders only constricted further. He cringed as he tried to ease his muscles.

So, when are we gonna introduce ourselves to her?

Later. We’ll get a chance soon. Plus, you’d end up scaring her off with your personality.

A high-pitched ring filled their ears, and the others around them scurried off into classrooms.

We better get working on some homework for now. Aster laughed as Alex winced, his teeth bared.

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Hey, Jenney called to Aster as they stood in the front of the cafeteria and watched the students bustle around, grabbing their lunch. She narrowed her eyes at the high schoolers, sneering as a group of girls got too close.

You guys make it through alright? he asked as Scarlett moved up next to Jenney.

We did okay. Scarlett smiled.

Are you sure you don’t need to go to the nurses? Alex’s face was almost directly in hers. His blue eyes inspected her features for any sign of sickness.

I’m fine. She gave him a half push and a small blush rose in her cheeks.

Give it up, Alex. She’s not going anywhere. Aster sighed, surveying the large room. It took him a few passes to finally spot Dua sitting alone at a far table near the back. He took a step forward, but Jenney stopped him with her hand on his arm. Her thin brow rose.

Don’t. We can’t just rush in and bombard her with everything. We need to take things slow. If we surround her too much all at once, she won’t trust us.

Aster stared at her surprised. Says the one who wants things done as quickly as possible. He scoffed, even though he had just warned Alex about coming onto Dua too strong. He couldn’t help the restlessness in his body.

Jenney sighed. Yeah, well, I’m a girl. I know what’ll happen if you suddenly go up to her and start telling her everything.

Aster waited a moment before stepping back, complying with his comrade. So, what are we going to do, instead of walking up to her?

Wait. We’re bound to meet up with her in school sometime. We’ll befriend her first. Gain her trust.

Sorry, but I can’t wait that long; I’m with Aster on telling her everything, Alex explained, standing by Aster.

Jenney sighed in frustration. Just look at her. If we do that, then she’ll freak out and run away. She’s miserable and shy as hell. If we come barging in, she won’t even listen to us.

Aster peered over at Dua as she slumped down in her chair. She allowed her dark hair to shield her face from view as she slowly picked at her food.

Damn it, Jenney whispered under her breath, the curls of her reddish hair