Fractured Darkness: A YA Fantasy Adventure (The Age of Alandria Book 3)

by Morgan Wylie

  Thank You!

  Glossary of Terms~

  Alandria: A realm parallel to our mortal realm inhabited by several races of magical beings and creatures. Created by the Originators also known as The Orchids.

  Exhile: Another realm, where the condemned souls of the non-human go to spend eternity in unrest or until they are devoured and absorbed into the land, whichever comes first.

  Ferrishyn: (fair-i-shin) They are the warrior race of Faeries, mostly male, in the territory of Feraánmar. They serve as hunters, guides, and guardians. Elite members become a part of the royal guard for the Paladin.

  Earth Faeries: The most common race of Faeries. They are cultivators and growers for Alandria, their magic strengthened from the earth itself even as they give back to it.

  Ehsmia: (a.k.a. The Hidden People), An ancient race of faeries that have been in hiding to protect their race from extinction—though they are already believed to be of legend, if at all. Their magic is stronger as they retain a fraction of the ‘old magic’, as opposed to the magic of Earth Faeries. Though they are blessed with long life, they are cursed with slow reproduction.

  Elves: At one point were the majority race in Alandria. They have a base magic as most do in Alandria, but some are gifted with more abilities than others. Their magic is strengthened from the light of the sun, moon, and stars.

  Shifters: A race of beings that have the ability to shift into an animal. Those of greater strength and magic, may have the ability to shift into more than one animal form rather than just one.

  The Orchids: An illusive collective of heads from various races united together originally to flee darkness thus creating Alandria. Considered the Originators and make up the group considered the Elders. Their goal to unite Alandria against the darkness that stirs upheaval against the kingdoms.

  The Droch-Shúil: Is an evil entity. It is an ancient host collecting souls that went bad—the unforgiven dead. It grows with the strength and magic of the souls it consumes. Also considered a kind of demon.

  Ferriers: Not quite Faeries or Elves for that matter, an ancient creature nonetheless existing in Alandria but not of it. They are neither alive nor dead, but simply exist. They are not anchored to any particular realm as they are the ferriers. They escort souls to their beyond whether it be where they are transitioned into rest, reborn, or to Exhile. They are non-partial or so it is believed. They are not to be involved other than departures.

  Ónarach: A faction of Elves—mostly—that chose to go against their nature and against their race by taking the lives of Elders in order to consume their magic for their own gain transforming them into something dark.

  Paladin: The governing rulers of a territory, specifically Feraánmar territory of the Faeries, that took reign when the King and Queen died.

  Sol-lumieth: A new power, a new magic, that was foretold in an ancient prophecy to return the light and life—the hope—of Alandria.

  NaNai: The ancient Oak trees that were originally used to contain and protect some of the ancient magic that was transported at the inception of Alandria. They were brought into Alandria and even scattered and deposited into the mortal realm by the original Elf lords of the forest. As the ancient magic fails, so do the great oaks.

  * Several races that were used in The Age of Alandria series are inspired from various mythologies throughout history.

  As a special treat, please check out the following excerpts from authors

  Kallie Ross and Stacie Wilson!!

  Excerpt from DESCENT by Kallie Ross

  Chapter 1

  “Ollie! Alexis just drove up!” My mom’s voice cuts through the haunting lyrics bleeding from my speakers.

  “I heard the horn! Can you stick your head out and tell her I’m not ready yet?” I bet it takes Alexis less than thirty seconds to get past my mom. I’m letting her use her epic fashionista gift to manipulate my wardrobe. It's been over nine months since my last style SmackDown. I haven’t had anything to do with trends or trusted friends since New Years Eve. I left everything for the exchange program in South America including a petite, feisty blonde with an addiction to accessories.

  “Did you trade clothes with the natives before you came home?” Regardless of my appearance, Alexis wraps me in her arms. Her strength is a surprise, and her grip threatens to squeeze a tear out of me.

  “I don’t think I can go to a party with you if you’re going to insult me, at least your brother would bring me flowers.” There’s nothing like a good dose of my sarcasm to cure a case of the misty eyes. I missed her, not so much her two-timing big brother. He was my first, and last, boyfriend.

  “Good grief, woman! This girl’s night out is for celebrating your return home, and teaching you the ways of an American teenager, young Jedi. Speak of the cheating scum, we will not.”

  “Now that you mention old, wise beings, I forgot to tell you that my mom is flying out on a business trip tonight. Are your parents going to be cool with you staying over if she’s not around?”

  “They won’t care. What I care about is this whining music you’re listening to. It’s too depressing.” Her eyes take in everything, starting with my iPod, moving to my disheveled suitcase on the floor, and ending with the window open to my neighbor’s backyard. It’s always hot in Texas, and my mom would kill me if she knew I had the window open with the air conditioner on. “Have you talked to Mateo since you got back?”

  “I tried.” The truth is my best friend, Mateo, won’t talk to me, but I may have started the silent treatment. I’ve strained to listen to him playing his guitar over the rattling cicadas each night, since returning.

  Alexis waves at the MP3 player and orders, ”Give me that. A little Youngblood Hawke will make everything better.”

  I hand it to her, and force myself not to look over at Mateo’s yard. I go through my limited options in the closet. As I shuffle through the tops, Alexis shuffles through my playlist. I pull out a purple tank top that has a peacock feather painted across the front and a plain olive-green t-shirt. “I missed your bossy face. Which one?” I ask, bracing for a bold opinion. I’ve been wearing a school uniform, made up of cargo shorts and polos for months.

  “My face, hmm?” An eclectic beat begins to blare from my speakers. “That’s better.” Alexis looks up and points at the purple tank top, and I’m not sure if she’s talking about the shirt or the music.

  Walking over to the connecting bathroom, I change, then brush out the tangles in my hair. Alexis picks at her neon manicured nails. Next, I sit on my bed, and reach for the black sandals tucked underneath the dust ruffle.

  “Ollie, please tell me you have shorts or a skirt.”

  “I do, but I’d feel more comfortable in jeans,” I reply.

  “Comfortable? We live in Texas, and it’s June. Plus we’re going to a party with boys, and boys like legs. One plus one equals two, so put on the shorts.” Her stubborn streak is longer and stronger than mine. So, I grab the shorts from my suitcase and go back to the bathroom to change without arguing.

  “You know you might have more guys looking at your legs if I’m in jeans.” My shorts fall just a few inches above my knee, but they'll have to do. Alexis has a black skirt on, with a turquoise top that compliments her eyes, tan skin, and tousled bob.

  ”I’m not worried about guy-zzz, Ollie. I just want Graham’s attention tonight.” Alexis gestures toward my bare legs. “Now you have no excuse to sit in a corner by yourself if I’m hanging out with him.”

  “Is that what you’re planning? I won’t be hooking up with some guy I’ve never met before. You know, just because your brother dumped me, it doesn’t mean you’re responsible for finding me a replacement. The idea of being a third wheel at a party where I don’t know anyone sounds pitiful.” Hearing myself whine reminds me of the music I was listening to.

  “Hey! I’m not leaving you high and dry at this party. I’m definitely not expecting you to hook up with anyone. Give me some credit, here. I just want to make sure
you get your own attention. I’m sure the guys will be lining up to meet you! Maybe you’ll see someone you know.” Alexis has a huge grin on her face when I walk out of the bathroom, and she starts fiddling with my hair, tucking it behind my ear.

  “I can just stay here, and you can swing by after you see Graham.” Who am I kidding? I’ll just lay in my room and pout, or stare out the window and watch for Mateo. “I’m just not good at boy-people.”

  “Fix that, I will. Love you, boy-people will after tonight.” Alexis walks out of my room, and wonder how long it will be before she starts yodeling like Chewbacca. Grabbing my purse and shoes, I dart down the stairs to catch up with her.

  ~

  After grabbing a quick bite, Alexis and I drive up to a neighborhood that looks like our own. Cars line the street, and she parallel parks her huge SUV with care. “I’m so full, no dancing for me for at least forty-five minutes. Isn’t that the rule?” Alexis asks.

  “Yep, that’s the one.” Anything to keep myself off the dance floor. “Those cheese fries were delicious, but dangerous. I haven’t eaten anything that greasy in months.” As I open the car door, I feel the bass bounce from two houses over. Alexis grabs my hand, pulling me with her to my first college party. In a few more weeks, I’ll be a college student.

  I hesitate when we get to the front porch. As Alexis opens the door, the music pushes every logical thought out of my mind. The beat is so strong and pressing that I’m afraid it will move me. I can even feel my bones vibrating. Alexis yanks me out of the thumping haze and through a throng of bodies dancing in the front room.

  We squeeze through a suffocating hallway that leads to the back of the house, and I’m reminded of why I avoid shopping on Black Friday. Finally, we reach the kitchen, and Alexis turns to face me with a smile spread across her face. She gets close, and I notice beads of sweat have formed on her upper lip.

  “He’s here.” She backs away, letting go of my hand. Then I look up and see a cute guy, a.k.a. Graham, hugging her. They start talking into each other’s ears, and I know my wing-woman skills are not needed. I wish that super powers came with the title wing-woman, because I’d like to fly home or become invisible.

  I'm quickly reminded of the fact that I don’t know anyone here, because I feel invisible. No friends rushing to welcome me or guys throwing their arms around me. I spent my senior year learning about South American cultures and environments, and now I feel foreign in the place I grew up.

  Within seconds my next goal becomes finding a place to think and breathe without inhaling some pungent apple-berry-vanilla-perfume. Once I make my way back to the narrow hallway, I feel like a playing card being shuffled to the back of the deck. Moving with the crowd, the pace stutters, and I get jostled in the hot and muggy mix. A passing body thrusts me into the wall.

  “Ouch! Watch it!” To avoid being the center of an Ollie sandwich, I push the person’s large, male back. “Is there a fire somewhere?” I’ve always had issues with claustrophobia. Not to mention the stress of being at a party where personal space doesn’t exist. Add the hashtag-fit-in-or-die American culture, and you could say I'm on edge.

  The guy freezes, and from behind I can see he’s wearing a blue t-shirt, khaki shorts and a baseball cap. Dark brown hair escapes the bottom of the cap in the form of curls, and I become aware that the cap is turning. Suddenly, I'm facing a familiar tan and flexed, square jaw. His eyes are so dark you could get lost in them, but they’re squinting in frustration.

  “Ollie? What the... What are you doing here?” As he waits for an answer, the bodies around us struggle to work their way past him.

  “I’m peachy, thanks for asking.” Mateo looks around us. “I’m here with Alexis.” With no Alexis in sight, he starts to walk away.

  “Hey! Where do you think you’re you going?” I reach to fasten my hand around his wide arm and tug.

  “Let go of me.” He demands, but I’m determined. I grasp the edge of his sleeve, and drag him through the hallway. Colliding into every person we pass, I take a sharp left. He moves to stand in front of me, and we’re face to face. I know I can’t waste this opportunity to make things right.

  “What are you really doing here? You’ve never been the partying type.” Mateo’s mouth twitches, and I can tell he’s as tense as I am. I explore the small alcove we’ve ended up in and begin to back away from him to create some breathing room.

  “So, how have you been?” My attempt at social decorum hits a solid wall of angst.

  “I’m not going there with you. I already told you, I’m done being your substitute friend.”

  “At least tell me how Amber is? I didn’t see...”

  “I wouldn’t know.” That’s one way to allude to a breakup.

  “Oh. I’m sorry.”

  “Why do you suddenly care?”

  It's obvious he doesn’t want consoling. I’ve tried to apologize for not keeping in touch while I was on a different continent. Despite that, he’s made it clear he doesn’t want to be my friend anymore. The silent treatment, blatant avoidance, and sorry excuse for a conversation when he told me “We aren’t friends,” are proof.

  I swallow the truth in silence. I’ve been a horrible friend to Mateo. The first month I was gone, we messaged and called each other, but then I found out my boyfriend, his best bro, was cheating on me. I know Mateo was as clueless as I was, but I couldn’t deal with anyone from back home. I found out about the whole thing via a tweet-fest. After that, I committed social media suicide and vanished off the face of the computer screen.

  “I’m here looking for Jesse.” Mateo admits. “Have you seen him?”

  “Nope, but I can help you look in some of these back rooms.” I offer.

  “Do you even know what people are doing back here?”

  “Of course I do.” But in all honesty, I don’t have a clue. It’s got to be a bunch of face-sucking happening, but I would hate to walk in on anyone doing more, especially being with Mateo. The only guy I’ve ever kissed is his best friend. “I’m on the lookout for a college guy that studies Political Science, and hopes to become a lawyer someday.” I go in a sing-song way. “Once I find him, I’ll schmooze my way through my MRS degree, and we’ll get married. I’m planning on taking his last name, but I insist on hyphenating.”

  Mateo just stares at me, unmoved.

  “What?” I ask.

  “You shouldn’t be back here.” Mateo might as well be pointing a brotherly finger at me. He speaks at me like I’m his little sister, Perla.

  “You need to stop being so condescending; you’re not my mom. You don’t even want to be my friend. Plus, I’m here for Alexis, who is my friend, and I thought I would hide out back here until she’s ready to go. I don’t even know why I’m trying so hard to explain this. It’s not like you’ll start caring. Go. Enjoy the party.”

  “I’m not here to enjoy the party. Getting Jesse out of trouble is still the highlight of most of my weekends.” Mateo seems to find the hallway we just came out of more fascinating than me.

  “Some things never change.” The opportunity provides a way for me to make my exit, but Mateo moves in unison with me and grabs my shoulders. Maybe he does still care. His presence makes me feel small, and the sound of my own heart beating in my ears replaces the heavy beat around us.

  “Everything changes, Ollie.”

  “I’m not that different. I’m still Ollie, the girl that's been your friend for the past seven years!”

  “Maybe you aren’t that different. You’re definitely still stubborn.... What I mean is that I’m different. I’ve made other friends, and I’m growing up.”

  An awkward laugh escapes me. “Well, you have grown. You’ve got at least four inches on me now.”

  Mateo breaks eye contact, and releases his grip. My instinct to ease the tension with humor has had the same result as a rubber band being stretched too far.

  “Okay, I promise to stop trying to joke my way back into your good graces. Why don’t we agree to gi
ve each other a second chance instead of cutting each other out completely?” I plead.

  “Ollie, you cut me out of your life months ago.” His arms fold across his chest, shutting me out.

  “I’m sorry.” Head hanging, I watch his feet as they walk away. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to make things right.

  Mateo has always kept me grounded, but since I came home the weight of our friendship has been so heavy that I’ve felt buried by it. He’s right, it won’t ever be like it was before.

  I maneuver my way back to the front room to escape my conflicting feelings. Hoping to find Alexis, I search the sea of people. I decide to get out, but see Jesse in the middle of the dance floor. I swim through the swaying bodies to reach Mateo’s younger brother, and when he sees me his face lights up. Jesse pulls me closer to him and starts to dance around me.

  The music is so loud that there’s no way we can hear each other. Instead Jesse teases me by pretending to cast a fishing line in my direction and reels me in.

  With a wink and a twirl, Jesse has me laughing harder than I have in months. After a few minutes of methodical movement, I’m lost in the chaos. His hand moves his around my waist from behind, and I enjoy the attention for a moment, but it feels wrong. He’s my ex-best friend’s goofy not-so-little brother!

  My whole body stiffens and I realize that I’m not being me.

  “Jesse!” He laughs, and cups a hand around his ear, obviously unable and unwilling to listen. It’s no use trying to explain, so I move around him and begin heading to the front door. At the side of the room, Alexis, Graham, and Mateo stare in my direction.

  “What?” I holler over the mob, and realize they’re following me out the front door.

  Once we’re on the front lawn Alexis pulls at my shirt to stop me. “What? You have the nerve to ask us, what? You were just bumping and grinding with Jesse.”