DANIEL (The Starlight Gods Series Book 6)

by Yumoyori Wilson

  I frowned, wondering if I should go check on her. "Maybe we should go—"

  "GUYS!"

  We flinched at Kai's voice that was filled with panic. I felt Ryder's presence, but it felt rather groggy.

  "Shit. Kai, what's wrong? Are you okay?" Marcus asked, sounding disturbed which was reflected in his scrunched face that was filled with worry.

  Ryder groaned through our bond. "Kai, too loud," he whined.

  "Aw shit. Sorry Ryder, but this is important! I can't find Elyion!" Kai declared.

  "WHAT?!" all three of us shouted.

  "Fuck!" Marcus cursed and hopped off the bed. He slipped his shoes off and was out the door in moments.

  I followed him quickly and we rushed over to the psychiatric ward.

  "How do you know?" Ryder asked, sounding a little more alert than before.

  "I'm here. Elias and Elyion aren't," Kai announced.

  "What about Karen?" I asked.

  "She's knocked out cold."

  "That's not like Karen. Even though she's exhausted with all the healing she did yesterday and today, she wouldn't fall asleep without someone being there to take over her duties," Marcus pointed out.

  "Ya, well the little plant on her desk could have been involved in knocking her out," Kai revealed.

  I sighed, realizing immediately Eli must have used the plant to release a spell to make Karen sleep.

  "Kai, can you check? I know you're exhausted," Marcus acknowledged.

  "I could if this stupid bracelet wasn't on me. I'm banned from teleporting or foresight until my energy stabilizes," Kai grumbled.

  "You can't take that silly thing off?" I asked.

  "Nope. Only Karen or the King and Queen of Heila are able to," Kai disclosed.

  We sighed, turning the corner and reached the medical center. I was about to head in to join Marcus who was already inside, when I noticed Ryder walking down the other hall, rubbing his eyes. He looked like shit and I knew this wasn't helping.

  "Ryder, you okay?" I asked out loud, leaving the door to meet him halfway.

  "I feel like shit right now,” he confessed and his pale complexion and half opened eyes were a clear indication of him being sick.

  "You shouldn't be standing," I voiced, reaching his side. I put his arm over my shoulder and helped him toward the psychiatric ward.

  "Is Ryder okay?" Kai asked through the bond.

  "He's sick, guys. He shouldn't be here," I grumbled, feeling bad. I didn't have much magic left myself, but I could make him at least comfortable when we got to Elias and Eli's room.

  "I'll be fine. Just need some sleep," he said weakly.

  "EliaseAnne!" Marcus called through our bond, but there was no response.

  "How do you know it was Eli and not Elias?" I asked Marcus.

  "Because Elias had been knocked out for hours. He wouldn't just get up and waltz out of here. EliaseAnne has stronger nature magic and would be able to put someone as strong as Karen asleep with little difficulty," Marcus replied.

  We turned the corner and saw Kai and Marcus in front of Elias and Eli's designated room. They both frowned at Ryder's appearance and immediately walked over to help.

  "I'm fine," Ryder grumbled again and Kai huffed.

  "Ya right. You look worse than me when I was sick."

  "Whatever,” Ryder replied, looking too exhausted to argue.

  Marcus took him from my hold and carried him into the room to lay him down on the bed that was neatly made.

  Ryder sighed in relief, giving us thanks before he closed his eyes. "EliaseAnne."

  There was no response again and we could feel Ryder’s impatience, which made us a little anxious. We knew from experience that Ryder could contact us from afar, but it was very draining process for him and it pissed him off to use it.

  He took another deep breath, opening his eyes that were close to pitch black. "EliaseAnne Kingsley. Do NOT let me call you a third time. Where the fuck are you?!" Ryder snarled and we shivered at the icy tone of his voice.

  "You don't need to use the scary tone on me. I couldn't reply before." EliaseAnne’s soft voice entered our bond and we all sighed in relief.

  I didn't know if I was more relieved that Eli was okay or that we avoided Ryder's rage. Stryker was scary as is when upset, but Ryder's anger was something no one wanted to deal with right now.

  "I shouldn't have to use this much energy to talk to you, to begin with," Ryder snapped back.

  "Sorry," EliaseAnne whispered, her voice barely audible. Ryder took a deep breath and his feelings closed off from our senses.

  "Where are you?" he questioned.

  "..."

  "Elyion. Seriously, we need to know where you are," Kai stressed.

  "I'm on my way to Distala," she announced.

  "Why?" Marcus exchanged glances with the others.

  "I'm gonna search each realm," she declared.

  "Eli, we were already going to do that," I pointed out.

  "By the time we got through the meetings of what we're going to do, Mako could be… I don't want to waste time. I can at least start from Distala and work down to Latelia," she declared.

  We sighed, sharing a look and turned to Ryder who was silent. He looked deep in thought, most likely talking with Stryker.

  "Elyion, you don’t even know where to search on Distala," Kai pointed out.

  "I know Distala well from my visit with Luna. I'll be fine. Didn't the King say the royals would be informed to keep an eye out for suspicious activity? Luna should know what’s going on by now. She can help me with searching," Eli explained.

  Marcus looked troubled. "EliaseAnne. You make sure not to put my sister in danger, understand?"

  "I'll ensure her safety. You have my word," Eli replied earnestly.

  "Doesn't your sister have a boyfriend?" I asked.

  Marcus crossed his arms over his chest. "I haven't met him or any of the other candidates. Until then, hell to the fucking no."

  I smirked while Kai chuckled. Even Ryder had a small smile on his lips.

  "Fine. Are we going through with this then? If so, we need to start planning ASAP," I declared.

  Kai looked at Ryder and they exchanged a look.

  "Ryder and I aren't going to be much help until we regain our strength," Kai admitted.

  "How about this? Eli is already going to Distala. Daniel and I can go to Earthala and talk with Junho and Michael. They can keep an eye out for us," Marcus suggested.

  "There are issues down on Earthala," I revealed.

  "Huh?" they all said in unison.

  "They're having fire outbreaks all over the place and they aren't Mother Starlight's doing. I still think we should go and check, but if possible, don't let Scarlet know what's going on. I don't want us worrying her because that will only affect their team. Michael and Junho would keep this a secret if we asked them to," I suggested.

  "That sounds like a good idea," Ryder agreed.

  "Ryder and I can start a search in Heila without exerting ourselves. Then we can move up to Miolana and ArchAilennia," Kai suggested.

  "You two can't go alone to Miolana," Eli pointed out, her voice filled with emotion.

  We were silent for a moment, all of us knew exactly why Eli's tone had changed.

  "My father said he'd go with us," I announced.

  "He did?" Marcus asked incredulously.

  I could sense the others’ shock. "Yes. He knows we'd have issues getting in if we went alone. He'll accompany us there and then we can head to ArchAilennia. Freila is staying here with Marissa until things settle," I reported.

  "So the plan will be: Elias and Elyion in Distala. Ryder and I here in Heila. Daniel and Marcus go to Earthala, and then we'll regroup to head to Miolana and ArchAilennia with King Moore? Where are Elias and Elyion going after Distala?" Kai asked.

  "I'll continue down to Minato. Then, Phentailia, Feminara, and Winterlyn. I'll leave Latelia last for us to go together," EliaseAnne explained.

  "Hmm. Fine. Y
ou do have more connections in the other realms," Ryder admitted.

  Elias and Eli had been adventurous during their teens and would travel around the realms for a cycle during the Solace rotations.

  "I'll be fine. I brought my phone. We can keep in touch and there's the bond even though it's more tiring at such a distance," Eli acknowledged.

  "Elias is going to be pissed at you," Marcus pointed out.

  "I'm aware and willing to deal with the consequences of that once we find Mako. Karen's gonna be mad at me too," she whispered and we could feel her hurt.

  I knew she didn't like to admit it, but Karen was like a mother-figure to EliaseAnne and even Elias. I didn't even want to imagine the hours of lecturing that they would have to endure when they returned.

  "We'll talk to her on your behalf. Just focus on the mission," Ryder reassured her and we all sensed her relief.

  "Thanks, guys…and sorry," she apologized and we sighed.

  "It's fine, EliaseAnne. Just don't do anything reckless," Ryder replied.

  "Don't get my sister in trouble either," Marcus cautioned.

  "Make sure you eat and rest when you need to," I suggested.

  "EliaseAnne, just be careful and take care of yourself. We trust you in finding Mako, just as you trust us to do the same," Kai whispered.

  "I'll do my best. We'll find her. I swear to the Starlight gods we will," EliaseAnne declared with a fierce determination.

  We all shared a look and nodded.

  "In stars we trust," we vowed.

  None of us are prepared for this journey, but I doubt we ever would be. Everything that happened, good or bad, will be a test for us to face. It would be our choice to accept the challenge and conquer it, or to give up and allow it to defeat us.

  As a single individual, any challenge is hard, but with the support of our loved ones, we will have the strength to move mountains and face every challenge that we are given.

  The darkness wanted us to give up on our shining light. I won't allow it. We will search everywhere to find our beloved Princess.

  Something tells me this expedition will be difficult, but worth the pain and worry we will endure. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that we will find Makoto.

  I know we will find her if we work together, and when we do, I’ll make sure we never lose her again. With the Starlight gods and Mother Starlight watching over us, we'll overcome this turmoil and prove to the darkness that light will always be stronger.

  In stars, we trust.

  TO BE CONTINUED…

  Coming in July: Forgotten Fairytale

  Reflections of You - Sneak Peek

  Reflections of You

  Blurb

  What do you do when your mother signs you up for the prestigious Brighten Academy of Magic? You pack up your things, grab your familiar, and pray this doesn’t go horribly wrong.

  With a sweet Mother like mine, whose mind is slowly deteriorating thanks to her Alzheimer’s, it’s my role to make her happy. After my older brother’s death, I vowed to make her smile and do whatever she asked.

  So when she pulls some strings and somehow gets me a golden ticket into the all-male school, Brighten Magic Academy, there’s no way I can refuse.

  Now here I am, stuck in a dorm house with six sexy males - all far too attractive for their own good and with magic that can make you fall to your knees in submission and awe.

  But I can survive this ordeal, because I’m a boy. Well, between you and me, I’m actually a girl using magic, pretending to be a guy, so you can see my dilemma.

  What’s the worst that can happen? I guess you're about to find out.

  Reflections of You

  Prologue

  "Happy birthday to YOU! Happy birthday to YOU! Happy BIRTHDAY dear BROTHER! Happy birthday to YOUUUU!!!" I sang, clapping my hands together.

  "Jewel, You don't need to add so much emphasis when you’re singing," Brother laughed, lifting me up into his arms. I giggled hysterically as he twirled me around before giving me a kiss on the cheek.

  "Gabriel, you’re making her hyper." Mother turned to stare at us. I giggled even harder and Gabriel sighed. "That or she found the hidden stash of Sour Patch Kids," he considered, giving me a look.

  I gave him a wide grin and placed my little hands on his cheeks. "They were delicious," I whispered and giggled again as I squirmed in his hold.

  Mother and Gabriel sighed. "It doesn't matter what spell I put on the cabinet. She still miraculously finds a way to unlock it. She takes after her father in that way," Mother mumbled, crossing her arms.

  "Mom! Brother’s going to be late for school!' I shouted, throwing my hands in the air. Gabriel gave me another kiss on the cheek before setting me down. I started running around the table as fast as I could.

  "She's so going to crash into something," Gabriel pointed out.

  "Let her burn off the sugar rush," Mother dismissed, but she sounded amused. I paused for a moment to watch Gabriel hug Mother.

  "Happy birthday, my dear son. May you have many more happy years ahead of you," Mother smiled fondly.

  "Thank you, Mom," he replied.

  I ran up to them and hugged Brother’s leg. "More years. More years! Mom? Can we give him the thingy?!" I asked eagerly.

  "Thingy?" Gabriel asked curiously. Mother shook her head with a wide smile.

  "Your sister isn't good at keeping secrets,” she pointed out.

  I giggled. "You said you would give it to him before school," I defended.

  "That I did," Mother acknowledged, walking from the kitchen to the living room. Brother picked me up and followed her. I wrapped my arms around his neck, giggling quietly in excitement. I was looking forward to see him open his gift. He was going to love it!

  Mother returned with a bright blue box with a red ribbon wrapped around it. She presented it to Gabriel who lowered me to the ground to accept his gift.

  "It was once your Father's. Jewel and I went and got it polished up. I hope you cherish it just like he did," Mother whispered.

  They shared a sad look and I frowned, wishing Daddy was here to see Gabriel and me. He died during a magic expedition last year. Mommy said they never found his body so they had to use an empty casket during the funeral. It made me sad when we talked about it and I didn't want Brother to be sad on his birthday.

  "BE HAPPY!" I demanded, throwing my hands in the air. Mother and Brother both looked down at me and I gave my best wide smile. Gabriel laughed, reaching out to stroke my brown hair.

  "I'm very happy. Wanna help me open it, Jewel? You can keep the ribbon," Gabriel offered.

  "YES!" I cheered and he knelt down so we both could open the gift. I helped tug open the ribbon and Brother opened the box, revealing Father's precious possession: a magic circle necklace.

  Mother said he'd left it behind before the expedition, fearing he'd lose it. Mother said it had been passed down from son to son for many generations and contained very old magic. It was now Brother’s turn to have it.

  "Mom... Jewel..." Gabriel whispered, staring down at the necklace in wonder. He removed it from the box; the gold chain swayed from side to side as it dangled. The magic circle was gold and had different colored jewels placed evenly around the outer edge of the circle part of the necklace. There was a sun symbol in the middle and a small moon at the top; miniature stars decorated the lower section.

  Mother said the power inside had been gathered from generation to generation, each male inputting a small fragment of their power inside before handing it down. I asked Mother if girls could get one too, and she said it was possible but since Brother was the older child, he got to claim it first.

  "Do you like it?! Are you going to wear it now?" I asked, jumping up and down in anticipation.

  "I can't wear it to school, but afterward I can. You want to wear it for me Jewel, until I get home?" Gabriel suggested.

  "YES! Can I? Mommy, can I please? I'll keep it safe, I promise!" I begged. She glanced at us and smiled warmly. "Sure, but
just for today because you're keeping it safe for Gabriel. Understood?"

  "Understood!" We said in unison and I squealed.

  Gabriel laughed. "Stop moving so I can put it on, my hyper Princess."

  I stayed perfectly still and mother helped lift my long hair so brother could hook the necklace around my neck. I felt a weird tingle go through me and giggled.

  "This thing tickles," I spoke through laughter.

  "I guess the magic likes you," Mother replied.

  Gabriel got to his feet and picked me up, walking us over to the standing mirror near the front door. I stared at my reflection, admiring the necklace, before staring up at Brother in the mirror.

  His short hair was styled nicely for school and his gold eyes twinkled with happiness. He wore his school uniform, which was a navy blue with gold trim and a gold tie. He went to a school called Brighten Magic Academy. It was the same place where Mommy worked as a professor and magic councillor.

  "You like it, Brother?" I asked him.

  He nodded, "I love it. Especially when my baby sister is wearing it so proudly."

  "I'll protect it and make sure no evil monsters take it from me," I declared solemnly. This was brother's possession and I would protect it at all cost.

  "I'm sure you'll do an amazing job, Princess Jewel. Now, it’s time for me to go to school. I'll see you tonight. We’ll eat cake."

  "Strawberry cheesecake!" I agreed gleefully.

  He laughed, leaning in to rub his nose against mine. "Of course. Be a good girl for Mom and make sure Alice doesn't steal any shiny jewels from the neighbor."

  I giggled, squirming in his hold, wanting to be set down. He lowered me to the ground and I ran to Mom who was approaching us.

  "Alice has a mind of her own. WEEE!" I sang, circling around Mommy who shook her head in dismay.