First World - A Walker Saga Book 1

Clarity returned in an instant. All pain ceased.

  I was still in the sand. But I was alone.

  Sitting up, I looked around. I was overwhelmed by the crashing influx of sensory information. In rapid movements my eyes darted left and right. Damn, my eyesight was so much clearer. Even in the dark I could make out certain landmarks I’d never have seen before. My hearing was also improved. I could hear Josian yelling from inside the house. Within moments, he was at my side.

  “Baby girl, Brace said something happened to you.”

  I must have been down only seconds. Josian’s shock was apparent as he helped me to my feet. The rest of the group were making their way along the beach to where we stood.

  Josian kept staring at me.

  “Dad, I’m fine.” I grimaced at him. “But you could have told me about the pain. That was brutal.”

  I rubbed my face. The ache of dicing knives hadn’t quite left me yet.

  Josian shook his head. “There shouldn’t have been pain.”

  I looked at him closely. Disbelief laced his tone.

  I looked around for the problem. “What’s wrong?”

  The rest of the group reached us. Their faces were as shocked as Josian’s.

  I looked at Lucy. “Is my skin green? Do I actually look like an alien now?” I patted my face again, disturbing large chunks of sand residing in my hair.

  “Your marks, Abbs ... we can all see your marks,” she said in a kind of stuttering awe.

  In surprise I looked down to see if my necklace had fallen open. It was resting in its usual spot, closed up tight. But, pulsing in the moonlight, my marks ran down my arm into the black of my dress.

  Without thought, I raced back up the beach, pounding across the deck and inside to the nearest mirror: the downstairs powder room.

  I used the energy stream to turn on the lights and open the door. I stared at my reflection.

  The marks were fainter than under the moonstale crystal, but they were there. And my knife wound had disappeared. The pink puckered scar, which had been hidden under my dress strap, was gone. In fact my skin looked perfect, not one spot, scar or blemish. Besides my Walker marks pulsing away at me.

  Josian crowded in behind me. I turned my shocked eyes in his direction. “Why has this happened?”

  He shook his head. “I don’t know, baby girl. I’ve never seen this happen to any Walker before. But you are the first half-Walker that I’ve seen reach power enlightenment.”

  He paused for a moment. Everyone else had crowded into the room behind us. I found myself pressed right against the sink that sat below the mirror.

  Lallielle’s panicked voice came from the back of the group. “You told me the original Walkers had their marks on display, Jos.”

  Josian sighed. “Yes, but this has to be something different. Aribella’s only half-Walker. I don’t know if this has something to do with the combination of First-World and Walker powers or something else entirely.”

  I glared at my reflection. “This is probably why people wanted to kill me as a baby. No one likes the unknown.”

  Lallielle forged her way to us. “Josian, we need to figure this out. We cannot send Aribella out to the youngling planets with Walker marks on display.”

  “The average person doesn’t know about our marks,” was his helpful reply.

  “Don’t worry yourselves,” Francesca chimed in from the back of the room. “This is meant to be for Aribella to complete her task. There’s nothing more that can be done.”

  “Thank you, Frannie, succinct and crazy as usual.” Lallielle was becoming much too adept at sarcasm.

  “No need to be a witch, Lallielle. I was just imparting my wisdom.”

  Clearly sisters are the same no matter what planet or age. I ran a hand along the pulsing pattern on my arm. I now had the world’s biggest ice breaker. Something this out-there was sure to be useful when trying to make friends on other planets.

  “We should think up a cover story for your marks,” Lucy said as Samuel lifted her up for a better look. “Although, you look gorgeous. They really suit you.”

  “Thanks, Luce, that makes me feel so much better.”

  She shrugged. “Who cares how you feel? Haven’t I always taught you it’s how you look that counts?”

  I stuck my tongue out at her.

  I started shoving people back so I could leave the powder room. Brace halted me with a hand on my arm. His expression appeared to be light-hearted, but his eyes were a smoldering cauldron of emotion.

  “Lucy’s right, Red. You do look gorgeous. But please, if you value my sanity, no more screams of pain.” He leaned in closer, talking so low I almost missed the words. “I know my kisses are potent, but that was more of a reaction than even I expected.”

  Flushing, I elbowed him in the ribs as I moved past. His kiss had been potent, and hot, and...

  Focus, Abby.

  Taking a breath, I finally made it out of the room and back into the hall. Lallielle, who had followed me, took one look at my expression before turning to the group.

  “Alright, everyone, to bed now. You’re leaving in the morning and you all need as much rest as possible.”

  Thank God she’d seen that I’d had enough for tonight.

  Josian reinforced her. “I want to speak with Aribella before she goes, but, the rest of you, we meet back here at 0800 hours.”

  I pointedly ignored the worried glances thrown my way. One by one they filed out of the room, taking off to finalize their lives.

  Lallielle stopped Lucas with a hand on his arm. “If you’re leaving with them tomorrow, would you like to stay here tonight?”

  He nodded. “That’d probably be the easiest. I’ll have my assistant drop off a bag.”

  Lallielle nodded before gesturing for Lucas to follow the rest. He saluted us politely and walked off down the hallway. The edgy feelings disappeared with him.

  Francesca stopped in front of me. “I don’t know everything. For some reason I’m getting less information than usual.” She laughed in her odd way. “But I do know that this has happened to you, Aribella, because you were born to stand out. You’re important. You’re needed. And one day I hope my visions all come together and make sense to me.” She shook her head.

  Smiling in a calm manner, I patted her on the shoulder. Her insanity would never make sense to anyone, but it had to be annoying to just get snippets of an ever-changing future. And then be expected to make correctly interpreted predictions.

  Lallielle watched her walk away and then kissed my cheek. “I know this is very stressful and confusing, but try and get some sleep tonight. You’ll need to be at your best for this journey.”

  Despite her words, she hadn’t completely erased the worry from her eyes. My gaze followed her along the hallway.

  Once the space was clear, Josian had my sole attention.

  “Okay, before you leave, I need to make sure you can access basic Walker powers. Have you noticed a change since you awoke?”

  I nodded. “Yes, my senses are all heightened.”

  Josian looked happy with that. “Excellent. Your powers will continue to change and grow as you age and as you practice using them.”

  “So they might just burst out of me randomly?” I asked in horror.

  He shook his head. “It should be a slow growth. But then I never expected the marks, so what do I know?”

  I could see Josian wasn’t used to being unsure. I grabbed his hand and squeezed it. He clutched me a little closer.

  “I need to make sure you can access the energy wormholes and open doorways to other worlds. I will not be letting you leave, no matter what Frannie says, if you don’t have the ability to escape.”

  He took a deep breath. “I’m going to show you a crude way of creating a doorway. Once you’re more in tune with your abilities you’ll no longer need to resort to this type of energy manipulation.”

  I nodded once, running my tongue nervously over my lips.

&
nbsp; “Okay, as we’ve practiced, take some of your energy.”

  I closed my eyes and reached into my inner spot. It was still there, in the same place. Only this time it was different. Now there was a bottomless pit of pulsing energy, alive and electric, with the same burning warmth I’d felt during my enlightenment. But thankfully muted.

  “Draw from the energy, continue pulling it like string. Send it outside yourself, looping into a continuous circle. But do not let go of the end yet.”

  The substance was still like sticky taffy, but there was a tensile strength now that it had lacked before.

  “Visualize the completed circle, but hold on to the end of the string. In the inner space of the circle project an image of your bedroom upstairs.”

  I followed Josian’s words, picturing my gorgeous king-sized bed.

  “Open your eyes,” Josian directed. “And let go of the string.”

  I obeyed again, and as my lashes flicked up I gasped.

  In front of me, shining brightly, was the dark night of a Walker doorway. Not as large or clear as the one we had taken to Earth. But it was there. And I could see my bed, not too far in the distance.

  Without warning, Josian took my hand and pulled me in. I was encased by the familiar sucking sensation. But it was different this time. Instead of an over-abundance of energized cells, moving at the speed of light, I simply drifted with the currents. It was a much shorter trip and at the end we exited onto my bed. No drama.

  “That was amazing.”

  Josian, demonstrative as always, pulled me into a tight hug. “When all of this is over, I’ll show you the right way to open a doorway and walk between the worlds.

  “And remember, if you need to transport more than one or two people, you have to make sure your doorway is strong enough. At least two rounds of energy per person.”

  I nodded as I pulled back. “Thanks. And I’ll be careful, I promise.”

  He smiled and moved to exit my room. “See you in the morning, baby girl.”

  My power hummed as I walked into my wardrobe to finally take off the dress, leaving it bunched on the floor. Everything I left on the floor here was washed and back in my wardrobe the next day. Magic – or housekeepers.

  I showered and climbed into bed. I couldn’t be bothered with pajamas, so I just wore fresh underwear. My marks continued to pulse at me. I raised a hand above my head so I could see them more clearly.

  The enlightenment hadn’t gone to plan, but I needed to get some sleep before tomorrow. I closed my eyes, only to find that strange new depthless pit of energy tugging at my attention, like an itch that wouldn’t go away. It wanted me to explore, coaxing me closer. Shaking my head, I slammed a heavy roof onto it for now. I was scared to traverse those depths, to know what was there, deep down.

  The next morning my eyes flew open. My newfound internal alarm clock had just woken me. It was early in the morning. I had quite a few hours until it was time to leave. As I sprang out of bed, I found my energy was boundless. I dashed into my dressing room. I felt stronger, faster, and I knew exactly where I wanted to be.

  Ten minutes later, I quietly walked out the front door and down to the water. The sun was mid-rise, its golden hue highlighted in the now familiar indigo sky. I dropped my drying sheet – the material they used to dry off from the ocean – onto the sand before stepping into the cool water. I’d left my hair loose and wore a simple black two-piece swimsuit. It was skimpier than I would usually wear, but I wasn’t expecting company.

  I stopped before the calm water reached my waist. I still wasn’t a strong swimmer. Palms down on the water, I crested with each small wave, enjoying the fresh air and rays of the rising sun. All too soon, I had to leave. It was time to prepare for the next adventure. I froze as heat traversed my spine to settle at the base of my skull. It was the heat of a stare, and I recognized the signature warmth. I turned away from the horizon, and was not surprised to find Brace standing on the beach, watching me. He looked as if he had been going for a morning run, and with my newfound senses I could see the sweat beading on his sun-kissed skin. By the time I made it out of the water he was gone.

  My skin felt flushed and too tight over my entire body. That kiss last night had set off fireworks. I couldn’t help but wonder if that chemistry had anything to do with the marks now permanently visible on my skin.

  Back in my room, I stood in the bathroom and stared in the mirror for a few minutes. My skin was gleaming. The luminosity was fainter than Josian’s but there was a definite glow. My hair was more vibrant, especially against the red marks pulsing back at me. My lips were even naturally redder. Everything I had been before was further enhanced.

  I showered quickly before dressing. Ready to leave, pack on back, I made my way downstairs. Lucy and I had coordinated our outfits. We were going with ‘bad-ass explorer’ – faded blue jeans, stylishly torn, black combat calf-high boots, a white t-shirt, and a black combat vest – the kind that had pockets everywhere. Coats and other essentials were packed.

  As I walked along, I could hear everyone in the kitchen long before I reached them. These new senses were going to take some getting used to.

  I dumped my pack with the group near the door and walked into the room. I took a plate and filled it before sitting down. The food was so amazing. Lallielle’s staff, local women from Angelisian, should all receive awards daily. I was not looking forward to being on the road again, although I was likely to start gaining unwelcome weight if I continued to eat this way. I glanced at Josian. Or maybe not. The way he ate, it appeared as if Walkers had an over-active metabolism.

  Lucy raised her head for a moment and waved her hand in my general direction before going back to stuffing her face. For a tiny person, she was a champion eater.

  Brace and Lucas were in deep discussion at the end of the table. Lucas gave me a half-smile acknowledgement, but Brace was focused on his plate, his expression troubled.

  Got to love men. Kissed the hell out of me yesterday, swim-stalked me on the beach this morning, and now couldn’t even look up when I entered the room.

  “Morning, baby girl. How did you sleep?” Josian was glowing away at the end of the table, his red hair smoothed down, golden skin luminous, a large stack of flat round pastry pieces in front of him.

  These delicious little miracles were shaped like pancakes but filled with a buttery golden syrup. True magic, if you asked me.

  “Had some weird waking dreams. Figured out how to open Walker doorways. Got a permanent tattoo and no one knows why. And about to head to another planet.” I shrugged. “Can’t really complain.”

  I’d started eating as I talked. A few small pieces of food flew out of my mouth onto the crisp white table cloth.

  Josian boomed his laughter. Francesca shook her head. “I don’t see too many obstacles in your path.” She shrugged. “At least not today.”

  I shook my head. “I’d feel much better about that if you didn’t have your face all wrinkled up with worry.”

  She smiled, although that was a generous description. More of a grimace.

  I laughed. “Very reassuring, thank you. Don’t quit your day job, Frannie.”

  She looked affronted. “But this is my day job.” She winked at me.

  Brace was still ignoring me. Jerk. Should leave him here with Samuel. Also a jerk.

  Look at me making friends everywhere I go.

  Josian stood suddenly. “I don’t want her to go, Lalli. I don’t have a good feeling about this.” Worry lined his permanently young features.

  She stood as well, reaching out to grip his arms. “I don’t want either of my children to take off on their own to some unknown planet, but if it’s that or the end of the world then I don’t think we have much choice.”

  He scoffed. “End of this world, maybe. I’ll find us another one. A better one.”

  I laughed. Josian took arrogance to a completely new level. “Can you transport the billions of people on all seven planets?”


  With a resigned sigh, he shook his head in my direction. To Josian, those that weren’t family didn’t factor into his plan.

  Brace joined the standees. “I’ll keep them safe, Lalli and Josian. Don’t worry, we’ll be back before you know it.”

  Josian pointed his finger at Brace. “I’m feeling a decided lack of trust in you at the moment, Brace. I see how you look at my daughter.”

  For the first time Brace’s eyes swung in my direction, before he looked back at Josian. Flushing a little, I stared at my half-eaten food.

  “I promise I have no ulterior motives, other than adventure and keeping my friends safe.”

  Brace was lying. He said that without an ounce of emotion, as if repeating a rehearsed line.

  Josian turned his gaze toward me. I nodded at him. I wouldn’t be letting my guard down around Brace. Well, I’d try really hard not to, but if he looked at me I was a goner.

  Francesca interrupted us. “It’s time now. Josian, you go, gather your family. You’re going to struggle to find them all. Some have made it their mission to remain hidden indefinitely. Start at the junction between the four quadrants of this universe. And you must hurry or you will miss something important.”

  Josian frowned at her. “You’re getting on my last nerve, Frannie.” He marched to the end of the table, muttering about crazy sisters-in-law. Reaching down, he pulled me from my chair for one last hug.

  “Stay safe, Aribella. Trust your instincts and make me proud. If you need me, I’ll find you, no matter the consequences.”

  I reached up high to pat his shoulder, offering whatever small comfort I could. “Luce and I are used to looking after ourselves. We’ll be fine.” He nodded once. “I love you, Dad.” I wanted to say it, just in case.

  He placed one hand on his heart, before raising it to his lips, kissing it and then touching it to my lips.

  “May your journey away from me be short, but your experiences life-changing. Love you too, Miqueriona.”

  I really should find out what that meant.

  He moved toward Lallielle then. He touched her face before lowering himself close to press his lips to hers. It was short and ever so sweet.

  Lallielle turned away as Josian opened a doorway in an unused corner. I caught a glimpse of fire and night in the far distance, and then with one last kiss blown in my direction, he was gone. The room felt empty. The absence of his presence was huge. Lallielle, looking lost, hugged her arms around her body tightly, but then she pulled herself together.

  “Okay, it’s time for the rest of you to go as well. Grab your packs and trust no one but each other. These planets are unique and their inhabitants even more so. They will not think the way you expect.”

  Samuel stepped forward first, hugging her for an extra moment. “Love you, Mother. Don’t worry too much. We’ll be back soon. Plus Josian and Aribella are pretty much indestructible.”

  She laughed. “I wouldn’t be letting them leave my side if that wasn’t the case. The only reason you are going is I know I can’t stop you. You’re too old to send to your room now.”

  Francesca ushered us out into the main hall. “Everyone, get your bags. Aribella will open a doorway. Don’t worry about Lalli. I will stay here with her.”

  “That’s very reassuring, Frannie, since it’s your predictions that have put us all in this position. And most of the time no one has a clue what you’re talking about.”

  “Shut up, Lalli. We aren’t too old that I can’t hurt you.”

  Lallielle laughed. “Actually, sister, you’re much too old.”

  Lallielle and Francesca had conveyed that they were well over a hundred years old, despite the fact they looked young enough to be twenty-five. Although neither of them would tell me their exact age.

  Reaching down, I grabbed my pack. During breakfast, some food and other items had been added. The pack was light, but probably wouldn’t be on Spurn.

  We gathered as a group in the main entranceway. Francesca handed me a photo. “This is the place on Spurn you want to picture.”

  I glanced down to an island paradise. Pink-colored sky and weak-sunlight glinting off the sandy white beaches. Nice.

  Lallielle stood before me. “Stay safe, Aribella, my daughter. I love you.”

  Taking a deep breath, I threw my arms around her. “Thank you, Mom. I love you too.”

  At some point her kindness had chipped away at the hard shell surrounding my heart. And if there was ever a time to use ‘Mom’, it was now.

  Needing to concentrate, I closed my eyes and blocked everything out. I lifted the lid on my energy spot. It surged in protest of last night’s containment. Ignoring this, I started to pull, taking my time, weaving a large and strong circle. Two cycles per person, and large enough for everyone to step through. Once I was finished, I held the end of the string and pictured the island in the center. Then I released it.

  Lucy gasped as I opened my eyes. “Damn, Abby, it actually worked.”

  I laughed. “Thanks for the faith.”

  She shrugged. “What can I say? I may have smiled and nodded, but deep down I didn’t think you had a chance.”

  I snorted with laughter. Typical Lucy.

  “Okay, are we ready to go now?” Samuel took Lucy’s hand, gesturing that we all should follow.

  Brace moved in to take mine; he gave it a gentle squeeze. In that split second our eyes linked. I forced myself to ignore him and focus on the doorway. Taking a deep breath, I stepped through, pulling them with me. I rode the waves, moving at super speed without any issue and doing my best to keep everyone from collapsing around me. The journey was longer than expected, and there was a strange turbulence in the quiet expanse of the wormhole.

  As we were expelled, the light was so bright I was blinded in those first few moments. Hands were wrenched from my grasp as everyone tumbled to the ground. I jumped to my feet and turned in a circle. Already we were surrounded by creatures, their weapons held aloft. The brochure had lied.

  This was no island resort.

  Brace was suddenly at my back. He reached out and took my hand.

  As the Spurns moved closer, Brace leaned in to me.

  “I need to tell you something, Red, in case we don’t make it off this beach.” Despite the situation, his low voice and close proximity sent shivers down my spine. “When I crashed into you in the forest, that wasn’t the first time I saw you.”

  I stiffened as the rest of our group gained their feet. Our circle was pushed in tighter by the advancing men, all with flowing locks of dark-blue hair.

  “What do you mean?” I finally spat out between clenched teeth.

  His grip tightened. “I dreamed of you too.”

  ***

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  Spurn – A Walker Saga Book 1

  Chapter 1

  Talina