Filed to story: The Chosen Saga Novel PDF Free
“Exactly. I wasn’t allowed to train. But I could out maneuver stupid men.” Korine took a small sip of the tea. “What kind of tea is this? It’s amazing.”
“Thank you, dearie, I made it myself.” Brooke beamed at her as she handed her a plate of food. “Now eat. We need to get meat on your bones.”
“I would like to teach you.” Ember looked up at Korine.
“Teach me?”
“How to defend yourself, or anyone else, so you don’t have to ever do that again.” Ember shuffled down the bed closer to Korine. “I am your guard, but I also want to be your friend. I never want you to even have to give up another piece of yourself to protect the ones you love.”
“I-“
“I think that would be a brilliant idea. I actually think you should go through the Chosen training.” Brooke clapped after she handed Araiya her tea.
“Miss Brooke, you can’t be serious. I didn’t enter into the Choosing, and I was not selected by the Goddess.”
“You don’t want to be Chosen?” Ember asked.
“Araiya tell them, I am not meant to be Chosen.”
“Actually, I think you are.” Araiya closed her eyes and listened to the voice inside of herself. The one that seems to be a direct line from her element. The voice had become more insistent in the last days, to where it was no longer Araiya’s inner voice, but something separate.
“I didn’t enter into the ritual.” Korine stood. “I am not worthy.”
Tell her to sit, make her listen.
“Come sit, let me explain.” Araiya patted the bed they were all sitting on. Korine nodded and she sat.
The Choosing is relatively new, it came to be after the Al’ta Moir had passed beyond the veil. Past Chosen were given missions from the Goddess, and if they achieved their goal, they were blessed to become Chosen. She was given a mission, a task, if you will. Her task was to protect you. And she accomplished that. So now, she can be trained. If the Goddess wills it, she will be blessed by an element on the next full moon
Who are you?
All in due time Araiya.
Araiya opened her eyes and Korine saw the tears there. “Rai?”
“The Choosing is not the only way to become Chosen. The Goddess, she used to give missions, to those worthy. If they accomplished their mission then they could go on to be trained, and the following full moon, Goddess willing, they can be blessed by an element.” Araiya placed her tea cup down and grabbed Korine’s. “Your mission was to protect me, and you succeeded.”
“I didn’t though. You were tortured.” Korine tried to pull her hand away.
“That was going to happen no matter what. You saved me before I even knew I needed saving. You were chosen by the Goddess, you succeeded in your task, and now you could be blessed. Do you want to become Chosen, Korine?”
“I don’t want a mate Araiya, not another man that uses my body, I wouldn’t survive it.” Tears pooled in her eyes.
“The Goddess wouldn’t do that to you. She would never make you paired with someone who wasn’t your other half.” Ember crawled over to hug her. “You are a very strong, very fragile, unique woman that the Goddess had chosen to be a champion. You are given this opportunity so that you can continue your task in protecting your sister.” Korine snapped her head up to meet Ember’s eyes. “I know you do not want to let her go. But how can you continue to protect her when war is coming and you, yourself, are helpless.”
“I am not-“
“I actually agree with Ember, dearie. You have already given so much to protect Araiya. You would naturally continue to do so, right?” Brooke sat behind Korine and patted her back.
“Of course.” Korine turned so that Ember was behind her, Araiya and Brooke on either side. “She is my sister, I will always protect her.”
“Right now, you’re more canon fodder. You have no defense training, no power over the element. You might be able to help with healing, running for supplies and such. But that isn’t you, is it? You are fierce. You are strong. You have been through fire. You have been helpless at the foot of a man, and you refuse to be again.” Brooke leaned over and kissed her temple. “You are a warrior, without training. Now I think it is time you start, don’t you?”
Korine looked over at Araiya, contemplating everything that was just said. “Do you-“
“I think that you have thought about me all of our lives, and now it is time for you to make your own decision, for yourself. I will support you in any decision. I love you.” Araiya squeezed her hand. “I will say this though. Chosen train in Chosen Village until they have their Anointing. So you will not be coming with us on our journey if you choose to train. It will be safe, as the Elementals have created a shield so no one can be stolen away again. And Ember will stay with you, whether you stay or go.”
“I think.” Korine paused and took a deep breath. “I think I will miss you when you’re gone.” The four women screamed together in joy as Korine made the first step on her new path.
“What the hell is going on in here?”
The women froze where they were and slowly turned to the four panicked men standing in the door way.
Mac rushed over and snatched Araiya from the bed. He cradled her in his arms and buried his face in her neck. The others walked over and tried to pry Araiya from Mac, but he just growled. Araiya patted his head, and when he still wouldn’t move, she pulled his head back from her by his hair.
“What’s wrong?” Mac opened his eyes, and looked down at his mate. Araiya could see that his red eyes, had slitted pupils, showing his dragon was in control at the moment. “Mac, I am okay. We were just excited.”