Natures Child: The Awakening

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Natures Child: The Awakening

By Cadence Michaels

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Natures Child: The Awakening

Copyright © 2011 by Cadence Michaels

M/F paranormal romance, erotica, shapeshifter romance.

Have you ever looked into the mirror and saw a face reflected back at you, and you found yourself wondering just who that person is? It’s a question Ferris has had since she was six years old.

After losing her memory as a child, Ferris has wandered through life wondering who she is, and where she comes from, always seeking answers from her secretive aunt but never getting any answers she lives her life in a bubble of ignorance that is about to burst and reveal her past, disrupt her present, and shape her future.

You see Ferris isn't human, and earth isn't really her world. She is a child of nature, and the world is not ready for what she will unleash upon her awakening.

Follow Ferris as she finds out who and what she is, and why her life is suddenly plagued with danger.

Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded, or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

About the Author

Cadence Michaels was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri and has traveled all over the United States as well she was an exchange student in high school where she spent a few weeks in Germany and Austria learning about new cultures and making new friends. She has always had a love for writing stories which has spanned from elementary, Jr. High on through High school and present.

Cadence Michaels attended Hickey College to pursue a career in computer networking but found that her passions lay elsewhere. She enjoys writing stories on paranormal romance and science fiction amongst other genres where the hero and heroines aren’t the typical knights in shining armor, but so much more.

She now divides her time between taking care of her adorable two cats and finishing up her full-length novel series Natures child Book One The Awakening, Natures Child Book Two The Gathering, and Natures Child Book Three New Life, and Natures Child Book Four Destiny along with many other titles.

Email: michaels.cadence@gmail.com

Prologue

Fairia awoke with a start, cool tears streaming down her face. She’d been dreaming about her husband Victorio. In the dream, he was warning her that she was in grave danger. Warned her to wake quickly, gather Fairwyn, and leave. Also, he was sorry that he would not be there to love and protect them. He’d kissed her goodbye then turned away, walking into the mist, shrouding him in shadow. The fade, he was dead. Her husband was dead. It had to be a dream, please it couldn’t be true.

She sat there for a moment, too shocked to do more than gaze off into space, letting her mind run over the dream and what life without her husband would be like. Her heart was pounding heavily in her chest, her head hurting from the pressure of suppressed emotion trying to break forth. Her husband was dead. The words kept repeating inside her head.

Fairia heard the swishing sound of a gown moving quickly down the hall. She turned towards the door, waiting for the person to enter. Being a Sylph, she could pick up sounds in the air from great distances away.

A female servant ran into the room, doors flying open, crashing against the wall. Your highness, we’re under attack! She called out, her face showing her fright. We also received news that the kings had been murdered. She yelled, blue tears falling freely from her eyes, clearly distraught.

Fairia felt a pain slice through her heart at the confirmation of her husband’s death but thought about her little girl who needed her and grabbed the maid’s arm, both women quickly ran from the room.

We must leave, quickly. Hurry we have to get Fairwyn

They raced through the castle hallways and corridors coming to a stop at Fairwyn’s room, opening the door, they rushed inside finding it empty. They both paused in their tracks looking around the room not seeing anyone.

Where is she? yelled Fairia. Where’s my baby? She screamed, turning on the servant.

I don’t know my queen. Where is the nanny? The maid asked, running towards the connecting doors that would lead to the nanny’s chambers.

They heard the wall opening to their left, making a screeching noise as the bricks rubbed together. They both turned to see the nanny coming out of the secret chamber holding an unconscious Fairwyn, her breathing ragged as she tried to draw breath.

What’s wrong with her? Fairia cried, rushing over and grabbing her child from the woman’s arms.

I don’t know. I heard the commotion coming from outside, so I ran in here and saw a servant giving Fairwyn something to drink. When the servant saw me, she ran from the room. She wasn’t someone I recognized my queen. I came in and quickly gathered Fairwyn up in my arms and ran to the hidden chamber to wait for help. She was fine at first, but then she started coughing and wheezing, and then soon after she lost consciousness. It must have had something to do with whatever was in that glass the servant had. The nanny said, wringing her hands in worry for her young charge.

Just as she finished her explanation two familiars appeared in the doorway, their eyes on Fairwyn. Give us the child. One of them hissed, pulling a sword from behind his back while the other lifted a crossbow from his side aiming it at both mother and child.

Familiars were hired demons, the lowest of the low known as flesh eaters because they ate their victims, sometimes while they still lived. They were no more than reptiles, animals, Fairia thought to herself. Disgusted, she shifted her stance, holding her daughter more securely in her arms she faced the familiars head on.

You dare come into my home; you attack my family. Who hired you? Fairia asked, her voice booming across the room, making the windows explode outward, glass falling into the courtyard in a loud shattering echo.

You’ll never know Sylph. The familiar with the crossbow sneered menacingly.

The ground began to shake as the queen’s power rose and spread throughout the room. The very air was heavy, tingling and crackling with electrical energy so hot it burned like fire.

My queen, it hurts. the servant cried, falling to her knees in agony, curling into a tight ball, her skin turning red from the heat.

Fairia quickly created a shield around the servants and herself then created an electrical wind mixed vortex of energy in the center of the room that began to move faster and stronger, pulsing with power. She watched as the furniture was sucked up into the powerful vortex disintegrating into tiny pieces, the vortex like a million tiny axes hacking away at anything it touched.

The familiar with the sword charged towards Fairia, trying to move around the vortex that was slowly drawing him in and brought his sword down, aiming for Fairwyn who lay nestled tightly in her arms.

You’re dead. Fairia screeched and expanded her shield out from her body sending him flying into the vortex.

The familiar screamed in agony as his body started disintegrating from the powerful force. The sword which was thrown into the vortex with him came around and beheaded him, cutting off his screams.

The second familiar launched an arrow at her which she quickly deflected with her shield and with a flick of her wrist sent it back in a flash, the arrow embedding deeply into his heart. To be sure he was finished she sent out a disk of wind beheading the demon where he stood.

She stood there with tears streaming down her face as the demon fell to his knees. She hated any kind of violence. Air elementals were not violent or savage creatures by nature. They were peaceful pacifist, only fighting when it was necessary to protect their young and to survive.

She felt Fairwyn’s body spasm as she tried to draw in more breath then suddenly her chest stopped moving. Fairwyn! she screamed, shaking her slightly. Fairwyn open your eyes, breath honey! she cried out in fear for her child.

My queen. the nanny called, coming over to stand beside her. Take her to the Nereid’s. They may be able to do something to help the princess. She cried. I am so sorry, for this to happen. It’s just so cruel to do this to a child. She said running from the room, the maid following after her.

She brushed her hand over Fairwyns forehead, her face cool to the touch. Hold on sweetheart, just hold on. I’m not going to lose you to. She said dematerializing.

Fairia materialized before a huge lake, laid her daughter on the soft grass, and then walked to the water’s edge looking out across the dark blue lake.

Help me please! she cried out.

She waited, but no one answered. She cried out once more using her powers to disturb the water’s surface.

Please, I am queen Fairia from the Kingdom of Illumia. My daughter was poisoned. I was told you might be able to help her, to cure her. Please! She pleaded. She has no breath! she cried, dropping to her knees and lowering her head in the soft wet sand.

Fairia glanced up when she heard the water began to ripple towards the shore. A beautiful Nereid rose from the water with long flowing blue hair, amethyst-colored eyes, dressed in a sheer blue shimmering gown walked towards her. In her hand was a clear vial with green liquid inside.

I’ve come to assist you your highness. She said, her voice as smooth and clear as a gentle stream.

She walked over to the Fairwyn, bent down beside her and lifted her gently up into her arms, opened the vial in her hand then poured the potion into her mouth, massaging her throat so the liquid would go down smoothly. She turned towards her, looking at her closely. Are you not a sylph? Your kind is immune to poisons. So how is it possible the child has succumbed to this? She asked, turning back towards Fairwyn in her arms.

Fairia came over and knelt next to the Nereid, reaching over to brush a lock of hair from her face. Fairwyn is only half sylph. I didn’t know that she would be affected by poisons. This has never happened before. Her father was a powerful nature mage. Their kind is easily susceptible to other mages poisons and certain spells. She must have inherited the weakness from him. She explained, looking down at the empty vial in the Nereid hand. What is that you gave her?

It is a potion that will erase the poison from her body and make her immune to it in future. Children are precious and meant to be protected. she said sadly as she gazed at the unmoving child in her arms.

She pulled out a sliver flask from a pouch on her waist and turned to Fairia. It is dangerous for the child to stay with you. I can sense that if she does there will forever be an axe hanging over her head. There will be other attempts on her life until she suffers the same fate as her father or worse the experience makes her an even bigger threat than the one after her now and she becomes a danger to us all. She would become worse than the threat I sense rising now. The Nereid said, biting her lower lip. I sense growing powers in this child, as well as dormant ones.

What are you saying to me? Are you asking me to abandon my child? I won’t do that. She said in anguish, looking at her daughter who still lay breathless in the Nereid’s arms.

I am not asking you to abandon her. I am asking that you let me take her and keep her safe. Be her guardian and raise her to be a happy well-adjusted woman. No pain or fear of death. said the Nereid, taking Fairia’s hand into hers Let me take her. This is not a place for her, not anymore. You must know this! She begged for understanding.

Why can’t I take her and leave? I don’t have to stay here. I can go back to my homeland with her.

If she stays with you, they will know she lives. Everyone assumes she died tonight so that any threat to her life has been extinguished for now. Let me take her to earth realm. I can raise her until adulthood and then explain to her about the past. You will see her again, I promise.

What is to keep others from finding her if you take her? They can sense her magic. She said looking a bit confused, trying to see how the Nereid’s logic was better.

The Nereid smiled at her, showing beautiful pearl-colored teeth. They will not find her. I have a bracelet that will mask her life force, her essence. Also, it will bind her powers and seal her memories. She will not remember anything that has transpired today or before this. This has been a horrible night for her. No child should have to endure her own death as well as that of her father and friends. And think about yourself for a moment. What if something happens to you? What would happen to her then?

If something happened to me then Nichalous would step in and keep her safe. She is his future queen as well as Illumia’s. They are to be wed on her 18th year cycle. He is a werewolf, and she is his mate. This will devastate him just as much as me to lose her. And if he believes her dead, it could prove his downfall if unable to pull himself together. Fairia told her sadly, slowly contemplating sending her daughter off. Just the thought of it cut her deep, but she wanted her safe no matter what.

This will not be forever. When the time comes, I will explain it all to her. You will see her again. But the wolf must not be told. Everyone knows how a werewolf is when their mate is dead. If he was to gain news of her living, then he would surely follow her and then others would know she survived. I know that it’s cruel, but it’s the only way to protect her. You must choose quickly; her breath has stopped, and it will be too late to bring her back. I need a decision one way or another quickly. Either you want to keep her here, where her life will be in constant turmoil, danger, and pain, or I take her to earth, raise her to have a peaceful existence away from all this chaos. You know I speak the truth. She told her, eyes overbright with determination.

Fairia closed her eyes. This was the hardest decision she’d ever had to make. Leave her child to keep her safe or keep her child and pray she could keep her safe. But once she thought about it the choice was quite simple. She opened her eyes and looked over at the Nereid. What is your name? she asked, realizing she didn’t even know the woman’s name.

Moirialithe.

Well, Moirialithe, I give you my permission to take her to the earth realm. I understand what’s at stake if she stays here. I believe it was Issana’s doing tonight. She is the king’s sister and next in line to the throne after Fairwyn. I will not risk my daughter’s life. The moment it is safe here for her to return I want you to bring her back. I will send word through Nichalous. His full name is Nichalous Dontez Rothgern

Moirialithe bowed her head respectfully. Understood your highness

I want to say goodbye to her. Can you wake her now? asked Fairia, wanting to speak to her daughter one last time.

No, I’m sorry. I must put the bracelet on her before I wake her. In this vial is breath given to me by the goddess of hearth. I’m sorry but we need to bind her powers and seal her memories so that her enemies can’t sense her or her mate.

Fairia lifted her daughter into her arms and hugged her tightly, kissing her on both her cheeks then her lips. She cut a lock of her hair with a wind shear and placed it in her pocket. I am sorry little one. I hope that you can understand why I must do this and forgive me someday. I love you, my darling. She said in a broken whisper.

Moirialithe took Fairwyn from her mother and placed the bracelet on her arm. Fairia watched as the little wings on her back began folding up, disappearing into her shoulder blades. Her hair and skin darkened a few shades and her slight glow disappeared altogether.

Moirialithe turned to the river and made a portal to earth realm then stepped halfway through. She opened the vial and a grey mist rose from within and went up through Fairwyn’s nose and mouth. Fairia looked on sadly as her daughter took her first breath. The Nereid turned and waived as they disappeared into the portal.

Fairia dematerialized, becoming the air and clouds itself, then suddenly the night sky opened. Rain began to pour heavily to the ground saturating everything, mirroring her tears with lightning flashing and thunder booming across the night sky, the sound of anguish cries on the winds.

Chapter 1

Present day Campbell Texas.

Ferris set at her vanity looking at her reflection in the mirror, wondering for the millionth time why she looked so different from everyone else.

She studied her reflection, seeing a face that was the perfect oval shape. Eyes that were hazel gray with amber flecks and shaped like a cat. Her nose small and upturned, her ears slightly pointed on the tips. Her lips were wide, full and pouty similar to actress Angelina Jolie. Her skin was dark bronze with gold and olive undertones, though for some reason it appeared to be getting lighter, even her hair. It was dark brown, red, and dirty blond blended evenly. The colors were becoming much richer and vibrant. The dirty blond appeared to be getting paler. It was such an odd combination.

To most she was unusually beautiful, enchanting, and mysterious. She was very tall, almost 5’10 without shoes. Her body was lean with nice muscle mass, slightly flaring hips and a tiny bust and waist.

She had model scouts coming after her ever since she and her best friend Tisza’s trips to Dallas awhile back, but of course her aunt Moira refused to even hear of her modeling. Saying she didn’t want her in that lifestyle, that it was too dangerous. Anything could happen to her, not that she really wanted to anyway, but it would have been nice to get out and see the world.

Ferris picked up her hairbrush from the corner of the vanity and proceeded to brush her hair when she noticed her worn bracelet hanging from her right wrist and saw that it had a few cracks in it. She would have to be careful, or it would fall right off her arm soon.

She glanced back to her hair and quickly brushed it back into a ponytail. It was so long now, almost to her waist. She remembered her hair during freshmen year 4 years ago. It was dyed brown and cut at her shoulders, a style she had been wearing since she was six years old. Moira told her it would help her to fit in with everyone else, so she had her hair dyed and cut every two weeks until freshmen year. Then she had had enough and let it grow out and kept her natural hair color. No one thought it weird, they all assumed she dyed her hair and thus had started a trend.

Ferris wished she could be normal like everyone else, to fit in naturally instead of having to work at it. She felt so listless at times, like she didn’t fit in with anyone or anything, just a stranger in the world passing through, waiting for someone to come and tell her it was ok for her life to begin.

To make her life more normal she joined the cheerleading squad and was quickly moved higher in rank till she was the squad captain and one of the most popular girls in school, and to top it off she was also dating the football captain of her high school Campbell High. To most life couldn’t get any better, to her life couldn’t get any worse because there was always a flip side.

Ferris looked at the photo sitting at the corner of her vanity and smiled. It was a picture of herself and her best friend Tisza at the fair a few weeks ago. They’d had a blast, playing games, riding the go-carts and other various rides, feeding the animals until her boyfriend Jessie had shown up and ruined it all.

He’d come to the fair drunk, hanging all over her and wouldn’t let her out of his sight, which had completely pissed her off, then to top it off he’d gotten sick on the Ferris Wheel and had to leave early because his shirt and pants was a mess. He caused an even bigger scene when she had at first refused to go with him but eventually went ahead and left with him to avoid further drama.

Five more months to go then she would be out of school and away from him. She and Tisza would be on their way to Berkley College in California, and it would be smooth sailing from there. No more Moira to get on her nerves with her restrictions, strictness, and over protectiveness, no more Jessie to put up with.

She didn’t love him, but she did like him a great deal. She mostly just went through the motions with him. He seemed to not care since she was eye candy and a trophy. Everyone wanted to date her, why she didn’t know.

Ferris had never really loved any of the guys she dated. She wasn’t sure she had it in her to love anyone that way, to feel deep emotions. It was like that part of her heart was lost and waiting to be claimed by someone, but whom she didn’t know.

Ferris hurry up or you’ll be late for school! Moira called from somewhere down the hall.

I’ll be right down. She called, glancing at her watch, and realizing that she had about 10 minutes before Tisza was supposed to show up.

She hurried, throwing her brush across the already messy dresser then grabbing up her notebook and heading out the door before Moira came up and saw her room. She was a stickler for cleanliness.

When she made it downstairs, she glanced in the living room on her way to the kitchen and saw that Moira had her book bag and lunch sitting by the door.

She sighed in annoyance. Aunt Moira you do not have to get my things ready for me. I’m an adult you know. Ferris said opening the fridge and reaching for the orange juice when Moira shoved a glass in her face along with a plate of toast and a small bowl of fruit.

You may be 18 Ferris, but you are far from an adult and you’re still in school. You have awhile yet young lady. Moira scoffed, returning to her seat at the kitchen table.

Ferris flopped down in the kitchen chair and stuffed a piece of toast in her mouth before speaking.

In the state of Texas, I am already considered a legal adult and in Five months I will be graduating from school. My birthday just happens to be the day after graduation thus I will be a real fully functioning adult and there will be nothing you can tell me. She said, picking up a grape and throwing it in her mouth, then winked at Moira.

Whatever Ferris, I don’t have time for this silly discussion. Now hurry and eat your breakfast. Moira said, her violet eyes sparking with irritation.

Moira always treated her like a baby, not letting her do the things she wanted. Not telling her about her past, only telling her when the time was right that she would know everything and understand. If it was something she couldn’t be told now that she was 18 she wasn’t sure if she wanted to know. She loved her aunt but sometimes she wished she wouldn’t be so rigid about every little thing.

Moira Watched Ferris eat the rest of her breakfast and sighed. That girl was really giving her the blues. She wished just once that Ferris didn’t try her patience. Whoever said raising teenagers was easy had another think coming. Why did they always want to grow up so fast? She had done the best she could these past 13-year cycles on earth and more than 176-year cycles for Illumia.

Moira, I have a game after school today, so I won’t be home till late. Though I was wondering since today is Friday can I spend the night over at Tisza’s? She asked nicely, a sort of pleading air about her.

Moira glanced at Ferris and smiled to herself. Sure sweetheart, just make sure to give me a call later ok. She said, getting up from the table and clearing away Ferris’s dishes just as they heard a car horn.

That would be Tisza. Ferris said smiling as she got up from the table and gave Moira a quick kiss before leaving the kitchen and heading out the front door.

Moira turned and surveyed the mess Ferris left behind on the table and noticed a tiny gold fragment amongst the breadcrumbs, up on a closer inspection she realized it was a small fragment from her bracelet. Which could only mean one thing, that their time on earth was coming to an end and that soon Ferris would become Fairwyn once more, the awakening was upon her.

She really had hoped that the bracelet she placed on Ferris’s wrist as a child would have lasted her lifetime here on earth so that she wouldn’t have to deal with all the chaos happening back in her home world. It appeared fate was going to have her way. She just hoped Ferris could handle it, if not, goddess help them all, she thought wearily, a soft sigh escaping.

I can’t believe we ran out of gas. Tisza you should really remember to check your gas instead of your lines for that stupid play. Ferris scolded her as they finally pulled into the student parking area, an hour and a half late for school.

They’d had to walk to the gas station, which took forever because Tisza wore her stupid high heeled sandals. They’d had to purchase a gas can, fill it up and walk back to Tisza’s 2002 Toyota Camry and her nerves were shot. She hated being late for anything, but especially school. It was her one escape from complete and utter boredom.

Well excuse me if I have something more important to remember than new routines for cheer practice, but I think my lines are a bit more important since the play is tomorrow night. Tisza snapped, rolling her eyes and opening her door to leave, her shoulder’s stiff with anger.

Ferris felt bad. She hadn’t meant to lose her temper. She quickly reached over and grabbed Tisza’s arm pulling her back into the car and giving her a tight hug.

Sorry Tisza, it’s just that Mrs. Tate is a real bitch when I am late for her class. Even though I have an A she acts like it’s the end of the world if you miss even one day. Ferris explained about her second period teacher while waiting for Tisza to forgive her.

They were the best of friends, had been since kindergarten. On the first day of school Tisza was the only one to come up and introduce herself, while the other kids talked about her because she looked and sounded different. Tisza had become like a sister to her in the years that followed. They did everything together. She was her rock.

Now fast forward 13 years later and everyone wanted to be her friend in some form or fashion. Tisza’s as well since she was just as popular.

Tisza was part of the drama club scene at school, putting on plays every couple of weeks. She was hoping when they got to California, she could pursue an acting career and Ferris was pretty sure she could do it. She identified with her characters on a level no one else ever could. She didn’t just act her role, she became it.

Tisza yanked her ponytail and smiled, "It’s cool, I know how you feel and from now on I will