Filed to story: The Chosen Saga Novel PDF Free
She felt Airyn leave her mind with a feeling of confidence left behind. He left her feeling strong within herself like she could do anything. For the first time Araiya felt confident about herself and her life. Not only were these elementals giving her unknown powers, but they were also helping her build herself up. Her past life was about beating her down as far as they could, making her feel lesser than everyone else. Since becoming a Chosen her life had changed for everyone she cared about, building her back up. It was a nice change to be actually wanted.
The vortex dissipated and she was slowly floating down to the roof when she was snatched out of the air and surrounded by arms. “We were so worried about you kid.” Talon put her down and scratched at his neck. “Air and Fire are the two elementals that can be violent without warning, and when the vortex started, we all kind of panicked.” He chuckled.
“I am fine.” Araiya pulled away from everyone and raised her left hand. She showed off her new yellow glyph on her pointer finger. “Airyn wanted me to prove myself, and he wanted to talk. Plus, he gave me his blessing, but he wouldn’t explain why or what the glyphs do.” Araiya shrugged and headed inside with everyone else. “I appreciate the worry though. No one but my brother and mom cared enough to worry about me.” Araiya smiled over her shoulder, hoping that she was conveying just how much it meant to her.
Amara and her mate took the lead, ushering them to the ballroom where the dragons waited. Everyone had walked through, and it was Araiya’s turn. She walked down the aisle of dragons, and everyone stepped forward again. Thankfully every bond was familial, and they spent the night meeting everyone. The night ran on until once again everyone shuffled up to bed dead on their feet.
The following day Araiya awoke refreshed and ready. She washed and dressed. She even had time for Shavon to come in and do her makeup and hair. They met everyone in the hall and left after their goodbyes. Once again Araiya felt an intense boost of confidence from Airyn right before she stepped through the portal doorway.
Once again everyone lined up to step into Fire. Araiya suddenly felt a chill down her spine. She whipped around searching for whoever was watching them. Shavon caught her eye and turned to nudge Talon. They turned to look out as they stepped towards the portal. Talon motioned Shavon through, then turned slightly to Araiya.
“You go first this time Araiya; I want to watch your back while you go through. Whatever is out there doesn’t give off warm and fuzzy feelings.”
“Yeah,” Araiya shivered, “I know what you mean.” Araiya felt something brush her mind, but it didn’t feel like the elements. She tried to fight off whomever or whatever it was, but she couldn’t. She felt someone slip into her mind.
Hello little one.
A deep voice echoed through her; Araiya started shaking from the effort to fight off the voice.
You know it is rude to ignore someone, not only ignore but also trying to push me out. Tsk Tsk. You won’t move unless I allow you to. I want you to tell the little Air Dragon to go on ahead. You and I need to have a friendly little chat. If he doesn’t go on ahead, I will simply kill him. Now choose.
“Talon,” Araiya whispered, “he is in my head. I can’t move. He says you need to leave or else he will kill you.”
“I won’t leave you.”
Tick tock. Make him leave in the next thirty seconds or he’s dead and you are coming with me.
“Talon please. He says if you’re not gone within thirty seconds you’re dead and he’s taking me,” Araiya pleaded.
“Do you trust me?”
“With all that I can, you know that.”
“Well then trust me now, whatever he tells you repeat it and close your eyes.” Talon stood taller and his head whipped around looking for the source of the voice ringing through Araiya.
Last chance.
Araiya repeated everything and slammed her eyes shut. She was fighting for control over her own body and losing miserably. Sweat poured down her face as she fought for control.
Five, four, three, two… any last words to your friend? No, what a shame.
A loud crack was heard to their right, and her body lit up with fire before Araiya could yell out to warn Talon. Araiya was burning. She swore she could feel her skin crack and char. She felt her skin peel from her body. She let out a piercing scream, and she passed out.
“You know better than that Talon. You can’t use the portal with someone else. It attacks whoever comes through. You can take that pain; you are a fully matured dragon. Araiya won’t be able to survive that kind of attack.”
Araiya registered the voice, but she still couldn’t move. Her body was still reeling with after effects. Slowly, the pain went away. Araiya could feel everything, and she realized that she still had all her skin. She could see steam coming off her body when she opened her eyes. She groaned as she sat up, and everyone around her rushed over to help her.
“Araiya I am so sorry, but I couldn’t think of any other way.” Talon wrapped his arms around her overly sensitive skin and she cried out. “Oh god, Araiya. I didn’t know what else to do.”
“It’s okay Talon,” she croaked out; her throat felt so dry she coughed. “I know you didn’t. What happened?”
“I grabbed you and jumped through the doorway. We aren’t supposed to cross through with anyone else or the element will fight back. You just felt the gate protection from Fire. I tried to take most of it, but to be honest, I think you got the brunt of the attack.”
“Would someone tell us what the hell just happened?!”
“Someone entered my mind. I couldn’t move. Whoever or whatever the person was, told me that Talon had to go ahead of me through the gate because we had to chat, or else Talon was dead. Then whatever or whoever it was started crashing through the trees and Talon wouldn’t leave and I couldn’t budge, and he just tackled me through to save me. Thank you, Talon. I don’t know what I would have done.”
“Here Araiya, drink this. It’s healing water that we got from the dragon keep. It should help with the pain.”
“The pain is gone, my throat just feels dry.” Everyone just looked at each other.
“Talon?”
“I still have the after-burn. My insides are definitely still roasting.”
“Araiya, you’re not in any pain, at all?”