by Jeff Altabef
Copyright
www.EvolvedPub.com
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SCORCHED SOULS
(A Chosen Novel – Book 3)
Copyright © 2016 Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef
Cover Art Copyright © 2016 Mallory Rock
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ISBN (EPUB Version): 1622533178
ISBN-13 (EPUB Version): 978-1-62253-317-6
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Editor: Whitney Smyth
Senior Editor: Lane Diamond
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eBook License Notes:
You may not use, reproduce or transmit in any manner, any part of this book without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations used in critical articles and reviews, or in accordance with federal Fair Use laws. All rights are reserved.
This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only; it may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please return to your eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
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Disclaimer:
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or the author has used them fictitiously.
FREE GIFT
Thank you for picking up your copy of Scorched Souls, and (we assume) the entire Chosen series. We hope it gets your heart racing! As a thank you for that, and for joining Jeff Altabef’s newsletter list, we’d like to offer you a free gift.
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Jeff has written a short story, Enemies of the State, which is a companion piece featuring some of the memorable characters—and all the excitement—of Jeff’s suspense thriller Shatter Point.
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You’ll receive this story by email when you sign up at FREE GIFT.
Other Books by Jeff Altabef
CHOSEN
Book 1: Wind Catcher
Book 2: Brink of Dawn
Book 3: Scorched Souls
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SHATTER POINT
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RED DEATH
(Releases November 26, 2016)
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www.JeffAltabef.com
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What Others Are Saying about Jeff Altabef’s Books:
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WIND CATCHER:
“This is an enjoyable read for all ages that goes by as fast as the authors can unspool it.”—Kirkus Reviews
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“Many young adult books revolve around young adult decision-making processes, but the joy and excitement fueling Wind Catcher is that Juliet’s search for truth doesn’t end with its emergence, but with the bigger picture of what she’ll choose to do with it. That’s the heartbeat of a powerful saga that fully immerses readers in all the possible scenarios that can stem from one’s choices in life—and the reason why Wind Catcher stands out from the crowd.”— D. Donovan
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“Wind Catcher is one of the best thrillers for YA that I have read in some time. ... If I hadn’t had to eat and sleep, I would have read it right through without stopping. It is just that good!”— S. Price “Suze”
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“What an amazingly unique story!! I can honestly say I have never read anything like it! I loved the strong Native American themes running through it as well as the deep plunge into the rich culture then and now. This story seemed to quench my thirst for knowledge of the more supernatural aspect to the Native American history and storytelling and I loved the creativity of the authors. Even though this is, in essence, a young adult book, I was literally kept at the edge of my seat while reading. The plot has some very intense situations as well as mature threads running throughout the story. I love that our authors see our “young adult” crowd as more than older kids; they see them as very intelligent and can handle the more mature themes including murder and secret societies. And come on, who doesn’t love secret societies?”— Amy @ Read to My Heart’s Content
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SHATTER POINT:
“An original gripping, saga. From genetic manipulation and twists of fate to cold-blooded murder, scenarios change with a snap but succeed in bringing readers along for what evolves into a wild ride of not just murder and mayhem, but social inspection.” Donovan, eBook Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
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“The book combines my favorite aspects of my favorite authors into one. James Patterson – the master of the psycho killer who kidnaps girls, Patricia Cornwell – scientific thriller, and Dean Koontz – really spooky plots.” – Kat Biggie, No Holding Back
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“An amazing read.... This is one of those books that no reader will be able to part with until they reach the end, I guarantee it.” Reynolds, Readers’ Favorite
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“The plot immediately exploded a cast of intricate characters, an evolving plot that you don’t know where it’s going to take you from one chapter to the next. Every time a protagonist emerges a stronger character and story is unleashed and the result is an intriguing book that I just loved.” – Escapology Book of the Month for July 2015
Dedication:
For my amazing and talented co-author and daughter, Erynn. I could not be more proud of you. I’ll never enjoy writing another book as much as I have this series with you. As Juliet would say, “It is good.”
- JA
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For my incredible co-author and father. He has inspired me, and continues to fill me with awe every day with the care that he gives to others.
- EA
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
FREE GIFT
Other Books by Jeff Altabef
Dedication
Prologue - Barrett
Chapter 1 - Juliet
Chapter 2 - Juliet
Chapter 3 - Juliet
Chapter 4 - Juliet
Chapter 5 - Juliet
Chapter 6 - Juliet
Chapter 7 - Juliet
Chapter 8 - Connor
Chapter 9 - Connor
Chapter 10 - Connor
Chapter 11 - Connor
Chapter 12 - Juliet
Chapter 13 - Juliet
Chapter 14 - Connor
Chapter 15 - Juliet
Chapter 16 - Connor
Chapter 17 - Connor
Chapter 18 - Juliet
Chapter 19 - Connor
Chapter 20 - Juliet
Chapter 21 - Connor
Chapter 22 - Connor
Chapter 23 - Juliet
Chapter 24 - Connor
Chapter 25 - Juliet
Chapter 26 - Juliet
Chapter 27 - Connor
Chapter 28 - Connor
Chapter 29 - Connor
Chapter 30 - Juliet
Chapter 31 - Juliet
Chapter 32 - Juliet
Chapter 33 - Connor
Chapter 34 - Connor
Chapter 35 - Juliet
Chapter 36 - Juliet
Chapter 37 - Connor
Chapter 38 - Connor
Chapter 39 - Juliet
Chapter 40 - Juliet
Chapter 41 - Barrett
Chapter 42 - Juliet
Chapter 43 - Connor
Chapter 44 - Juliet
Chapter 45 - Juliet
Chapter 46 - Juliet
Chapter 47 - Connor
Chapter 48 - Connor
Chapter 49 - Juliet
Chapter 50 - Barrett
Chapter 51 - Juliet
Chapt
er 52 - Connor
Chapter 53 - Juliet
Chapter 54 - Juliet
Chapter 55 - Juliet
Chapter 56 - Connor
Chapter 57 - Juliet
Chapter 58 - Barrett
Chapter 59 - Barrett
Chapter 60 - Juliet
Chapter 61 - Connor
Chapter 62 - Juliet
Chapter 63 - Connor
Chapter 64 - Juliet
Chapter 65 - Connor
Chapter 66 - Juliet
Chapter 67 - Connor
Chapter 68 - Juliet
Chapter 69 - Connor
Chapter 70 - Juliet
Chapter 71 - Juliet
Chapter 72 - Connor
Chapter 73 - Juliet
Chapter 74 - Connor
Chapter 75 - Connor
Acknowledgements
About the Author
What’s Next?
More from Jeff Altabef
More from Evolved Publishing
Barrett
Summoned like a pet. What did I do now?
I trudge to the sanctuary, my legs heavy. I’d rather be anywhere else. A trip to my father’s private refuge can only mean one thing—bad news.
The last time was the worst. My father sat in his chair, his face as expressive as a stone mask when he informed me that my mother had died in an accident while traveling. He acted as if he were simply relaying the latest news, nothing more important than the weather. Before the information could sink in, he dismissed me with a wave of his hand and turned back to whatever super-secret, critically vital, all-consuming task he needed to attend to at that moment.
Of course she was traveling. She had to get away from him!
I stop at the edge of a steep canyon that circles the sanctuary—like a moat. Created from pure Alphian crystal, the round building glows in the silky darkness. I used to think that the sanctuary floated in the air, but in the daylight you can see how it stands on a thin natural rock formation that rises from the planet’s core like a pedestal.
I sit at the edge with my feet hanging over the side and sigh. He knows I’m here, but he wants me to wait. He always wants me to wait.
To pass the time, I construct long lists of how I’ve disappointed him; everything from failing to be first in my pre-school class to my reluctance to pass all my tests on his timeframe. By the time I’m reasonably certain I’ve included everything, I remember to straighten my back and lift my head high. At least I can feign confidence. After all, I’m no longer a boy.
A reddish energy bridge appears before me that spans the gulf to the sanctuary. Only my father can conjure energy strong enough to use as a bridge.
For a second I consider turning away, but that would be cowardly. Better to face the problem head-on.
My father waits for me in the center of the chamber. He stands rigid, almost seven feet tall, with ivory skin, and cobalt eyes that glow with violet flecks. A shimmering white robe with a black hood and black sleeves falls loosely over his thin frame and down to his bare feet. A simple pendent with a crimson crystal hangs around his neck. His face, as usual, is unreadable.
My father always wears a robe made from black and white fabric, the colors of a logician. Black and white symbolizes truth and falsehoods—the only two possibilities that logicians accept. Those ruled by emotion wear robes of solid black, and the few spiritualists among us wear different shades of gray, the gray representing the ambiguities in the universe and the spiritual realm.
Not yet of age, I wear the scarlet robe of the uncommitted.
I used to think my father was a god—an arrogant, all-knowing, pompous, and unfeeling god, but certainly some type of divinity. He looks that perfect. Now I know better.
The walls turn a dark gray, and a crystal glows orange and flickers like a torch in the center of the room. I head towards it, let my father sit first, and then drop in the second chair next to the fire crystal.
My father only communicates telepathically, so I have no idea what his voice sounds like, but in my mind, his thoughts sound deep and dark, and they rumble.
“When are you going to take the test?” he projects. “You are just three months short of your eighteenth birthday.”
I had hoped he had some other reason to summon me, but that was wishful thinking. The only topic he ever wants to talk about is my reluctance to take the final test. It’s as if our conversations are an endless loop, replaying the same worn-out words over and over again.
Alphians divide our society into four official levels depending upon ability. To pass from one level to the next, one must satisfy a test, each becoming progressively harder. Only a few Alphians take the test to advance to Level One, the top category.
I’ve passed the other tests, but they make the final one extraordinarily difficult, to push the limits of the candidate’s mental abilities. Failing means certain death—unable to handle the strain, the brain simply explodes. Naturally, I’ve been reluctant to take this last test until I’m sure I’ll pass.
He can’t seem to understand that.
Unofficially, there’s a fifth level called the Elites. No test identifies someone as an Elite, but Alphians can recognize them by the strength of their minds. Only a handful of extraordinarily powerful Alphians reach that stature, my father being one.
“There’s no time limit,” I project back to him. “I’m the second youngest Level Two on the planet. Most people who take the final test are well into their twenties.”
Of course he knows all this, and it won’t change his mind.
My father’s eyes stay neutral, but he rubs the bald dome of his head—the one sure sign he’s angry. “You are not most people. I took the final test before my fifteenth birthday. If you delay much longer people will doubt your unique nature, and it will look bad for the family. The genetic match between your mother and I was perfect.”
I look away; my mother’s death is still an open sore.
“You must take the test before Cassandra,” he presses. “She’s two months younger than you, and it would be embarrassing for her to complete her tests first.”
Oh yes, there it is. Cassandra. The daughter of his archrival.
I can almost see the weasel calculating votes and wondering whether he’ll lose the Leader position if she becomes a Level One before me. He’d rather I die than delay taking the test.
I try hard to keep the sarcastic tone from my thoughts but fail miserably. “I understand, father. I don’t wish to embarrass you.” At least no more than I normally do, I manage not to project.
What will he say if I fail the test?
He’d probably blame Mom’s genes. That way the fault wouldn’t lie with him, and he’d limit the loss of face.
“Good, but talk of your test is not why you are here. We have other matters to discuss. A situation has developed on Earth in our conflict with the Deltites.”
My senses sharpen, and I narrow my eyes. “A situation?”
He glances upward and a three dimensional globe of Earth shimmers into existence, floating above us. “As you know, Earth is a high value target for the Deltites. They want to take over the planet to use humans against us. With humans on their side, they would become dangerous. Many Alphian lives would be shed before we defeat them, if we defeat them.”
“Yes, I studied the Counsel’s debate in my classes.” I glance at him. “We established the secret orders for the four Chosen. By mixing our DNA with human DNA, the Chosen should retain some of our abilities and have a chance to defeat the Deltites and save their planet.”
“Yes, that’s the official record.”
When he hesitates, I realize that I’ve only learned part of the truth.
He leans forward. “I led the team that established the societies. The real purpose behind the Chosen is more complicated than the official version. Of course, what I tell you now is a secret and must remain confidential between us.”
He locks eyes with me and I nod—my telepathic ability tempor
arily stolen from me. He’s never shared a secret with me before, and I’m sure I won’t like this one now.
“The Chosen will be facing an Elite Deltite, one who is substantially stronger than an ordinary Level One. In short, someone who might even rival my abilities. So what chance do they have?”
“Very slim.” I shrug one shoulder. “But Earth is their world. They deserve the opportunity to defend it.”
“Don’t be stupid. They have no chance! Knowing the logical conclusion of their contest, I devised the real plan.” The slightest trace of a wry smile twists his lips. He’s proud of his scheme. “Once the Deltites take Earth, what will they do first?”
It takes me only a heartbeat, the answer obvious. “They will convene their own counsel of leaders on the planet. Earth will become their headquarters.”
The violet specks in my father’s eyes burn brighter. We’re facing each other as we sit on the chairs, but suddenly it feels as if the distance between us has melted away. “Exactly, and if the planet were to explode while that counsel was in session, their entire leadership would be killed. Without Elites to lead them, they would be vulnerable to attack. We would be able to wipe them out easily.”
I lean back in my chair; he’s dumped a bucket of ice water on my head, and the chill settles into my bones. “So the Chosen were set up to fail. You’ve planted a bomb on the planet to explode when the Deltites take over.”
He nods, a smug self-congratulatory grin on his face. “A Heart Stone to be precise. It was the only logical action to take.”
Bile burns my throat. “But billions of humans live on the planet.... They will all die. They have souls.”
His thoughts rumble in my head. “You spend too much time with the priests! They are fools! Only Alphians have souls. Humans are a necessary sacrifice. It’s the only sure way to stop the Deltites. We must use the lesser species to preserve our way of life.”
I close my eyes and shut him out of my mind for a moment. Humans are close to Alphians in DNA. They have freewill, a moral system, and religions of their own. They pass all the priests’ tests for beings with souls. No wonder this plan of his is a secret. The priests would object and half the planet would follow them. Alphian society would rip down the center.
