Shenuah's Heart

By Jessica J. Walker

After many dreams of a male with long blond hair and blue eyes, Shenuah finds her way to her long-lost mate, after spending the last 32 years thinking she was human.

Slowly, Shenuah begins to regain the memories of her life before she nearly died. As time goes on, she learns to be herself: half Nordic, half Dunique.

Pursued by the ruthless Reptoids, Shenuah and her son Jacob must learn to navigate their new life - and survive.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Next Chapter
• Release date: Apr 10, 2024

Book preview

PROLOGUE

F ather, I can’t bond with Albulah, Jishuah said, charging into his father’s private place.

Jishuah, you must. It is a tradition. You haven’t found your intended mate, and you will be 30 in a moon, Lukah replied, looking up at his son from his communicator. When Jishuah said nothing else, Lukah looked back at his communicator. On the screen was his mate, Honahk. She had been visiting her parents.

I believe I have though, Jishuah informed his father as he felt his heart pounding. As he looked down at the floor, he swayed on his heels. The anticipation of his father’s reaction worried him.

Oh really! Who? Lukah stood up from his chair and walked to his son. It is important for a king to have his queen. She helps with keeping the king calm.

Jishuah looked up at his father for a second. Shenuah, Jishuah said, letting his head fall. He knew his father would be angry.

Jishuah, she is only 19. She hasn’t reached full maturity yet. Her father could order you to be arrested. Just because you are my son, I cannot play favorites! Lukah yelled in a panic.

But, Father, my heart pounds when I see her. When she isn’t around, I can’t get her off of my mind. How am I supposed to be faithful to Albulah when I am in love with her sister? Father, I was thirteen when I started feeling this way and Albulah first let us meet. Jishuah looked down at his feet. We have already become mates. She went through her first heat two moons ago. The healer says she is carrying a child. She never stops calling it a male.

Jishuah, didn’t you know she will die? Females who become pregnant during their first heat will die. That is why I sent Rosahn to check on Albulah when she was in heat. I wanted to be sure that her parents were telling me the truth. Remember all the times I told you why your brother has his natural mother, and you don’t, Lukah said when he realized his son had sentenced his mate to certain death.

I didn’t know that was the reason. I thought it was because she wasn’t able to live through my birth. Jishuah let his tears fall. Albulah has been secretly training as a healer. She will keep her sister alive, Jishuah said in a hopeful voice.

We would have to convince the Nordics to share some technology. Then we might save her. I am sorry, Jishuah, but Albulah won’t be able to save her sister. Rosahn wouldn’t be able to save her. Lukah reached out and pulled his son into a hug. Jishuah looked like he was going to drop to his knees.

You’re sure? That means I killed her. What about the child? Jishuah said, causing Lukah to nod.

The child would live at the cost of its mother’s life.

Jishuah came up with an idea after they stood in silence. Ashkari will help. Shenuah is his daughter, Jishuah said, remembering a conversation he had with Albulah. Surely, Ashkari would give them the technology to help save his beloved mate.

Right! I will contact him right away. Lukah headed back toward his office. Stopping suddenly, Lukah turned toward his son. Jishuah, you have another father to speak to. While we wait for Ashkari to arrive, go, and speak with Lukrahm.

Ashkari, the Nordic Space Commander, entered the temple when the sun began to retreat. Hello, Jishuah. Your father said you needed to speak to me. Ashkari stood in front of Jishuah.

Yes, my mate is currently carrying a child. It was conceived during her first heat. I was hoping you could help by giving us some technology to save her and the child, Jishuah said taking a deep breath. He knew how protective Nordics were with their children.

No. We do not help those who think of nothing but fighting and causing war. Ashkari turned to leave.

If you don’t help, Shenuah will die. I can’t live without her. Jishuah was no longer able to hold his tears back. He fell to his knees and let his head droop. With all his strength gone, Jishuah let his head fall.

Shenuah? How could you? Ashkari turned on the young prince. Breathing deeply Ashkari began again. Jishuah didn’t care if Ashkari took his life. He felt like he was breaking. Ashkari knew the feeling of losing the love of his life. Shortly after Ashkari’s son was born, Ashkari’s consort had suffered an injury that nearly killed her. Now she was comatose and there wasn’t much chance of her waking. No. We will use the technology, but it will not save her life as you know her now. She will become a child again. Her memories will be gone. I will have to take her body with me until we find a cure for her injuries, Ashkari said before leaving. Jishuah could tell that Ashkari was angry for his daughter.

Jishuah couldn’t blame Ashkari for his anger. Jishuah should have known better. If he told his father about his feelings for Shenuah, his father would have explained everything.

Ten moons later, it was time for Shenuah to give birth. Jishuah named his son Mahrahk. It once belonged to Jishuah’s natural grandfather. Ashkari was ready to take her body away, leaving Jishuah empty.

You will tell us when you have cured her, won’t you? Jishuah said without taking his eyes off of Shenuah.

I will tell you, Ashkari said with a gentle smile before taking Shenuah’s body away. Ashkari could sense the hurt and anguish in Jishuah’s mind. Suddenly, Ashkari felt sorry for the young prince.

1

EARTH

As I started to walked to the store my mind started to wander to my dream. I had yet another dream about some man named Ashkari. Why kind of name was Ashkari? I also was thinking about this person he told me I would be meeting. Wouldn’t that be cool to meet a man. I have spent the last near fourteen years caring for my son, Jacob.

Suddenly, a long white van with painted windows sped up next to me. The sliding door opened and someone grabbed me and pulled me into the van. After what seemed like many hours the men dragged me out of the woods and toward the trees. As the men dragged me out of the van I looked toward the clock on the dashboard. It seems We have only been driving for an hour. I noticed there was three men.

Oh, great, how am I going to fight them off? I thought to myself, fighting the urge to show any kind of fear. I may not have known how I was going to fight them off, but I was the type of person that always fought back. I kicked the man nearest to my feet. He let out a guttural grunt as my foot met with his waist.

RebelClan attack. I heard a deep voice. My muscles instantly relax at the sound of this voice. I should have been terrified but there I was suddenly fear-free. The voice came from the trees before a bunch of mammoth men came charging out. One of the men started to rip my shirt, so I tried to fight back again. These new men had deep brown skin with flowing black hair held up in tight ponytails. They all looked like they could snap a tree at the trunk. When the man with the deep voice looked at me, I noticed his nose curved out slightly at the tip, giving him a sort of button-like look. He was also considerably larger than the others. His eyes were a dark blue while the man right next to him had jet-black eyes. He looked angry.

My three abductors ran away from the men that chased them. Get her back to Abby, the largest man said as the others helped me to my feet. He seemed to be the one in charge. All of a sudden, the ground disappeared beneath my waist as one of the men picked me up like I was nothing but feathers.

Who are you and where are you going to take me? I asked, preparing myself for a fight. I punched the man that held my arm only to get no response. I hit him right in the chest. After failing with my first hit, I aimed for his face. Well, that was a terrible idea, he still seemed to not feel it but my hand started hurting. Why didn’t he feel that? I thought to myself as I got dragged alongside. His muscles were as hard as stone. I might as well have not even hit him; he simply pulled me along even harder.

We are taking you back to our camp so our healer can help stop your arm and cheek from bleeding. Oh, and we are warriors from RebelClan, said the youngest-looking man, who was dragging me further into the woods. Be careful. He groaned as I tripped over a stone. Jerk.

Abby, this woman needs your help, said the man with black eyes. He was a little smaller than the one that seemed to be in charge. I couldn’t get over how angry he looked. Especially when his eyes landed on me. Chills trickled down my spine when I spotted him staring at me. Irina was injured. Joshua will be bringing her soon. It is bad.

Thank you, Norman, Abby said with a smile. This Abby lady looked at me with a small smile as she walked toward me. Maybe she was the one in charge. Or maybe she and the man with the deep voice were husband and wife. As she got closer, I took the chance to look at her. She had a pleasant face that looked like she loved everyone she met. Her hair only went to her shoulders and was completely straight. Brown speckles enhanced her deep blue eyes. Sam, I want you to help me get her into my private place. The younger man I now knew as Sam came over and lifted me clearly with no concern for hurting me.

Ow, I said as rudely as I could.

Sorry, Sam said but he didn’t care. I saw what looked like pain on his face as he scrunched up his nose and eyes. Maybe I did hurt him when I punched. Perhaps he is just good at hiding his pain, I thought as I looked at his face. He was rather cute. He had a baby face with cobalt blue eyes. His skin was slightly paler than the other men and he was less muscular. He looked to be only maybe twenty.

Here, set her down. When Joshua brings Irina in, have her stay out there. Here, dear, eat this, it will help you sleep, Abby said in a kind voice. I wasn’t sure if I should eat the green stuff, but Abby had a face that said she could be trusted.

I could use some sleep, I murmured as I ate the green thing she gave me. My mouth was now full of vinegar flavor. It was bitter but not too unpleasant. As I started to fall asleep, a relaxing voice drifted to my ears. I realized it was the same voice I had heard in the woods.

Did you get her here?

Yes, she is in Albulah’s private place.

Sam, silence. We can’t have the human knowing our real names. She could inform the authorities and we would all be in great danger. You know my father’s hate for humans.

The human. Real names. What does that all mean? I thought as I tried to fight falling asleep.

So, you found your way to the person I told you about, Ashkari said, causing me to realize I had failed in my fight and fell asleep. Ashkari had appeared in my dreams so many times, he seemed as real as anyone else I had ever met. Why would he appear in my dreams? Why would my mind make him up?

I don’t know exactly what you mean, I replied crossing my arms dramatically and holding my head up high. We stood amidst a forest of leafy trees. Who are you?

Watch this, Ashkari said suddenly after a moment of silence with him just staring at me. He lit the trees on fire. I started to panic as I watched the fire and thought it would destroy everything.

Why would you do that? I said hysterically, voicing my worries.

I am sending the healer of RebelClan a message. Don’t worry, no trees will be damaged. This is all in her mind right now. He replied with a smile. As I watched the fire rage, a young girl started to dance around the fire.

Who is that? I asked, becoming worried about the girl. I had a strong urge to run to the girl and save her. Why was she dancing in the fire? Didn’t she know fire was dangerous?

That is Abby’s sister. She died in a way six thousand Earth years ago. Her name was Shenuah. She is you, Ashkari said as he came and stood right beside me. You will wake up now. He put his hand over my eyes and forehead. The tingling feeling, I always felt when he touched my forehead let me know I was waking up.

Six thousand Earth years ago? I blinked and saw Abby. I wasn’t done trying to get information from Ashkari. I wanted to know who it was I was supposed to have found my way to, but I woke up too soon. Every time I would come up with questions for him, he would cause me to wake up. Sorry, I was dreaming about a man named Ashkari.

It is all right, Abby said with the biggest smile I have ever seen. She had a beautiful smile. I could see why the largest man liked her. You may get up. Joshua wants to see you now. He wants to see for himself that you are all right before he sends you on your way. I have to speak to him first. Abby led the way toward a large clearing. As we walked she kept her smile.

Who is that? Am I not a hostage here? I asked as I noticed a person lying on the ground. She had red skin that looked like she was suffering a severe sunburn and red hair that looked frizzy and dry.

That is Irina. Sam, take Irina into my private place, Abby said as she continued to lead me toward a small door. She ignored my second question. If she said that this Joshua person would be sending me on my way that means he isn’t going to be forcing me to stay here, I thought as I stood in front of a solid black door that had weird symbols on it. I looked around and noticed there were a lot of doors with similar writing on them. I had never seen this language. I wondered what country these people are from. Joshua, I have brought our guest. I watched as Sam gently picked up Irina and carefully took her to the same place I had just come out of. Why couldn’t he have been gentle with me?

Come in, Joshua said from the other side of the door. I wondered why his deep voice sent butterflies fluttering around in my stomach and tingles fluttering up my spine like butterflies crawling around. As we walked into the room, I noticed the handsome man sitting reading something that looked like a strange book.

She mentioned something about Shenuah’s father visiting her in her dreams. When she woke up, she said something about six thousand Earth years ago, Abby whispered with the same giant smile as she approached the muscular man walking toward us. I felt as though I would faint. My heart was pounding.

Thank you, Abby. Don’t let your imagination run wild. I can take it from here. Make sure to get Irina better so it is safe for her to return to Ilara, Joshua said through a smile as he looked at me. His smile sent waves of tingles rippling throughout my body. I let go of the breath I didn’t know I was holding in. Is this the person Ashkari told me about? Why do I feel so safe with him? I asked myself silently. Come sit. I want to talk with you.

Oh, okay, I said as I walked over to a small chair. Who are you? I didn’t ask for you to help save me. If it is all my fault that lady is hurt, I didn't mean to get her hurt. I am so sorry.

No, of course, you didn’t, and it is not your fault. My name is Joshua, by the way. This is my private place. Joshua sat down in a chair next to me. He kept his smile on his face. He held his hand out indicating for me to look around, so I did really quick. I didn’t want to take my eyes off of the man for too long.

"What did you mean when you called me the human? What did you mean when you said your real names?" I asked after a short silence.

You heard that? Well, you’re the only human in this camp. One person is an Icanis. She is the injured female. Her daughter is half human and half Icanis. The rest of us are Duniques. Irina comes from a planet in the constellation known as the Big Dipper called Ican. All their names start with the letter I. Duniques come from a star in Orion’s belt. The middle star to be exact. Our home planet is called Duniques. My real name is Jishuah. Abby’s real name is Albulah. Jishuah means Strong One. Albulah means Star Seed. All our names have the Ah sound in it. Depending on which part of our name the Ah sound is it can either mean One or anything else. It shows that all Duniques feel as though they are one. If we have a common threat, it doesn’t matter which clan you come from you can count on all of the Duniques to help you, Joshua explained.

What does Shenuah mean? Who was Shenuah? I asked.

Shenuah means Little One. She was my mate. She is being held by Ashkari… Joshua said but stopped when he saw the stunned look on my face. Could you describe the man you dreamt about when my healer was helping you?

He was about 7 feet tall. He had white hair that stretched to about the middle of his back. His eyes were the color of the sky when there was a very thin layer of white clouds across it, I explained, feeling strange telling this stranger about my dreams.

What was he wearing? Joshua looked at me for what seemed like a lifetime. He sniffed the air and smiled. Perhaps his wife was now cooking his dinner somewhere.

A long-sleeved dark blue shirt that looked very tight. He also had a triangle-shaped thing right here. I pointed at my left shoulder.

How often have you been having these dreams? What happens in your dreams? he asked as he looked down at my hands. I also hadn’t noticed he was leaning over the arm of the chair.

Every night for at least three months. He tries to teach me to defend myself. This morning he told me I would meet a very important person, I blurted out before dropping my gaze away from his.

What about when you were asleep in Abby’s private place? It led you to say six thousand years ago. Joshua gently pulled my face up to look at his. I felt sparks flying through my chin causing me to breathe deeply.

He showed me a bunch of trees he lit on fire. A young girl started dancing around in them. He told me that he was sending a message to the healer.

That girl I believe is Shenuah, Joshua said, hurting every time he said her name.

How did she die and how could she have died six thousand years ago and yet you’re so very young? I questioned as I let myself look at him more closely.

Well, my people live for a very long time. We were both still very young. I was almost thirty and she was only nineteen. For my people that is still very young, Joshua said as a single tear fell from his eye and fell on his hand.

How did she die? I asked again.

I don’t know if she is exactly dead. But females go into heat once a year. I didn’t know it at the time, but when a female goes through her first heat, she can become pregnant. It is certain death for the mother. My son is still on our home world with my father. Joshua kept his gaze down on my hands. I killed her. It was an accident, and I never knew.

You said she is with Ashkari. Why is he keeping her if you two were mates? Here on Earth, mates mean animals survive together and reproduce together. I wanted to know more about both Shenuah and Ashkari. I didn’t know why he would be visiting my dreams.

Nordics can keep people from dying by placing them in a sort of cryogenic chamber, called a stasis chamber. They do not share their technology with the Dunique because we are a war species. They don’t like that about us, Joshua explained as he looked at me through the corner of his eyes. When he said war, my heart tried to escape out of my chest. Was I in danger being here with him?

Where do Nordics come from?

Nordia. They are brethren to the Pleiadians. They come from the same constellation. Different stars. The planet Pleiadians come from a planet called Pleiadia. They are both very beautiful worlds, Joshua said with a smile.

So, aliens do exist? I asked, still not quite convinced.

Yes, many different races. Some are space travelers and some, like humans, haven’t traveled in space before. Humans have at least made it to their satellite while other non-space travelers are on different parts of their evolutionary journeys, Joshua said, happier having the conversation less about his dead mate.

Joshua, Ashkram is here. He and Ashkari need to speak to you. A voice sounded from the other side of the door after a small knock which caused me to jump. Joshua chuckled as he sat up straight.

Thank you, Max. His real name is Mahxir. He is Abby’s grandfather. Oh, and that would be Ashkari’s son with him. Join me please. Joshua put his hand out for me to grab. Not sure why, I stood up and followed him. When we left the office-like room, two white-haired men were standing talking to Abby. Without realizing it, I noticed that one of the men looked like the same Ashkari from my dreams. The other man looked very similar to him.

How is he there? Why are their two of them? I asked as we slowly walked up to the two men.

Because that is Shenuah’s father. That one there is Shenuah’s eldest brother. Joshua said as he pointed at each man.

Jishuah, it is a pleasure to see you again. It has been a long time. I visited Mahrahk on Duniques. He has been training harder to become king after your father’s passing, said the white-haired man resembling Ashkari.

Ashkari, have you figured out how to cure Shenuah? Joshua said, seemingly ignoring Ashkari’s greeting. Ashkari looked toward me and didn’t look away when Joshua spoke.

I did. Thirty Earth years ago I discovered that she was healing herself. I was able to successfully turn back time and I placed her with a human family whose own daughter died during the first night on the first day of her life, Ashkari said as he looked toward me again. He stepped forward, causing me to take a small step back. I have been watching over her for her whole life and just recently her Dunique DNA has been taking over again. I figured out last night that her Nordic DNA was also taking over.

What does that mean? Joshua asked after a moment of thought.

That means that she needs to remain here. It is no longer safe for her to be around humans. Soon she will look like her old self again. Ashkari pointed at me. I felt my heart begin to pound.

I am confused. Why do I have to stay here? Abby said you would let me go once we talked and we did. Now I want to go home. I started to back away. I didn’t like to obey. Let alone obey someone I truly didn’t know.

You are Shenuah. When I took your memories away, I didn’t take them away forever. They will come back, Ashkari said as he took another step closer. I stepped backward until my back encountered Joshua’s rock-hard chest. The sudden touch of his chest sent shivers up my spine. No this can’t be true. I thought as I stood there.

What about my family? I asked, thinking about my son. He was visiting his father when I was grabbed.

The only one that is there is your son. I could lead him here like I did you, Ashkari said.

You didn’t lead me here. They— I said remembering how I was grabbed off the street.

I put the thought to stop in those human’s minds, causing them to stop that… machine. I could do the same with Jacob, Ashkari said, interrupting me.

How? I asked worried about how terrified my son will be.

You have a son? Joshua asked, sounding disappointed.

Yes, his name is Jon Jacob. I call him Jacob though, I said, barely listening anymore.

I will visit him in his mind. His adopted father wants to take him camping. I will cause them to choose to camp near here, Ashkari said.

Don’t you dare scare him, I said through clenched teeth. I heard Joshua chuckle under his breath.

I won’t. I have been visiting his dreams since he was a small child. That is when I am not visiting yours. Since he was born to you, he has no human DNA. I can’t figure out why his father didn’t give him any human DNA either. What was his father’s name? Ashkari asked after looking at Joshua with a strange look. I am guessing that he also heard Joshua’s chuckle.

I don’t know. I didn’t choose to be with his father. That is why Jon stepped in and took on the fatherly role. Even though he was a teenager when Jacob was born, I explained. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Joshua looking at me with his mouth partly open and anger on his face.

Well, once he is here, I will recheck his DNA and see if I can figure out who his father is, Ashkari said as he turned around and walked to the other man’s side. Ashkram, will you stay here until I have returned?

Yes, Father, Ashkram said. I noticed that he had his eyes on me throughout the entire conversation. I also noticed that Norman had an outraged look on his face from the moment that Ashkari said I was this Shenuah girl. Ashkram walked over to a large boulder and sat down on it. He placed his hands flat on his knees. I noticed how he looked like an angel as he sat as still as a statue.

I am not an angel, Ashkram tells me.

I pulled in a deep breath. How did he know I was thinking that? I thought to myself. I watched as Ashkram got up and walked over to me. Nordics can both read thoughts and place thoughts into others’ minds. When two Nordics are together, we do not speak with our mouths. Only with our minds, he explained. Why don't you come sit over here with me? he added as he held his hand up toward the large boulder.

Ashkram led me toward the boulder he sat on previously. We sat down on the hardest surface I had ever sat on. "I want to see if you can read minds. Being half Nordic, you may have abilities. I know you did before, but I don't know what they were," Ashkram said, but the strange thing is his mouth didn't move.

I don't understand how, but I heard you, I said as my heart started to pound harder than it ever had.

Good. But I placed those thoughts there. Now I want you to focus on me. I will think of one word, and I want you to repeat it if you hear it, Ashkram said just as Ashkari walked up.

"Sinderik," Ashkram said without moving his mouth.

What does that mean? I asked.

What does what mean? Ashkram asked in reply. I knew he was trying to get me to say the word loudly.

Sinderik? I asked, trying to repeat the word.

It is my consort's name. It means big heart, Ashkram answered. You can read minds.

Where is my son? I asked, realizing that