Niki Livingston's Blog, page 2

Theia's Moons Characters - Malkia

Malkia
Age: Twenty-Nine
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Green
Gender: Female
Home Moon: Esaki
Her role: The Protagonist

Interviewer:
Malkia, tell us a little about yourself.

Malkia:
(Sits up straight) Where do I start? (She smiles, winking at the interviewer) I was born and raised on the moon, Esaki, by my parents Sawyer and Alyssa. They were extraordinary and loving parents, who doted on me until the day that they died.  I lived in the same home my entire life, until I married my sweetheart, Raul. Within a year of marriage, I gave birth to my darling ebony-eyed daughter, Esta, and my life was on the perfect path, until the sky people used their weapons against the people of my moon and slaughtered the majority of my family. My sister, Mataya, and I were the only ones who survived.

Interviewer:
What has your life been like, since that moment?

Malkia:
(A wary smiles dances on her lips, as she shakes her head)  At first, it was difficult.  My home was destroyed and my town was in ruins.  Bodies and parts of bodies were strewn in every direction and the death toll was so substantial that it took weeks to find every single one and give them a proper burial.

Once we honored our dead, we began to clean up the rubble and rebuild our lives.  It was a good year before people began to relax again and we finally united as a community.  About that time the people requested that I lead the town, as I had performed a significant role throughout the restoration.  As well, my miraculous survival of the explosives from the sky people played a convincing role in boosting everyone's faith, which led them to trust in my abilities to make decisions for all of us.

Interviewer:
What are your hopes and fears?

Malkia:
Someday I hope to hold my daughter in my arms again. (Her brow furrows together in deep thought)  To inhale the sweet smell of her hair and know she will never be hurt again.  A great amount of events have occurred since the day I discovered the savages were moving in the direction of my town and because of the knowledge I currently possess, I now know the possibility of holding my daughter again has increased significantly.

(Her eyes fall to her lap, as she wrings her hands together) I fear that despite my greatest efforts, I will succumb to the blackness and never have that moment with my daughter.

Interviewer:
(Knods her head) Interesting take on your current situation. (She looks down at her notes and then smiles, as her eyes rise to meet Malkia's) Do you believe in true love?

Malkia:
(Wiping her brow, as she closes her eyes) Yes, I believe in true love. (A tear escapes her eye, rolling down her cheek, before she quickly wipes it away)

I never understood true love until I stared into the eyes of my daughter.  When her fingers curled tightly around my pinky and her droopy eyes would finally close from exhaustion.  When her little body sank into my own, trying to become one with me again, as I was her safe haven.  Because of her I knew true love.

Now... (she pauses, inhaling deeply) Now I see true love in many forms.  I see it in the way my sister smiles at me when her pride shines through.  I notice it in the man I love, as he caresses my cheek and cradles me in his protective arms.  I see it in Tantiana's playful grin and Parowan's sideways glances, flicking her tail for my attention.  True love comes in all shapes and sizes and because of my daughter, I finally recognize their value and meaning.

Interviewer:
(Sighs) What a delightful description.  Thank you for sharing your life and thoughts.  I wish you all the luck on your journey through the stars and I hope you find what you are searching for.

Malkia:
(Stands up and shakes the Interviewers hand) If it means I will have my daughter again in my life, I will do everything I can to succeed. (A smile spreads across her face, as she leaves the room).


Join Malkia's journey and find out more about her life.  The story begins here...

NikiLivingstonAuthor.com 

Stay tuned for next week's interview with Dario, in Meet the Characters segment!  The story is only better from here!

Picture credits from top to bottom:
https://abstract.desktopnexus.com/wallpaper/284089/ 
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/320951910915182525/ (this one I could not find more information, so if this belongs to someone who has a copyright, I will remove or buy)
Tristan und Isolde

Indie Pride Day 2016

Happy Friday!!

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http://www.amazon.com/gp/kindle/series/B01GVK9VPW 

Chapter Six - Eyes Wide Shut

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five



Six
Malkia’s mind went blank for just a split moment, before the adrenaline kicked in. Her eyes flashed over to Dario again, and he was looking back at her. She glanced over at Jayde and Damion. Jayde remained unconscious, and it appeared like Damion was ending his healing process.
Malkia focused her attention over to the thick of the trees where Jacob was hopefully speaking with the pixies and she began to run towards them.

She could hear Dario shouting after her, and then Kelsey began yelling as well, both of them telling her to stop. She was not going to stop. She needed answers right now. Dario was the most honorable man this moon had, and there was no way those savages were going to take him away from it prematurely.
As she neared the trees Jacob stepped out of them and motioned for her to come in. She kept running right past Jacob and into the shadows of the trees.
She jolted to a halt when she saw what was waiting for her. They were breathtaking and entrancing. Their beauty overwhelming, and their light warm and inviting. Safety and peace settled over her, as she gazed around at the beauty before her. They were no more than a foot long with silky wings and a wonderful aura, with light beaming from their bodies. All possessing long, satin hair, with a diversity of color. Not one was identical and their divinity could be felt to the depths of Malkia’s soul.
They were all smiling at Malkia, as she took in the splendor of this moment. One of them flew forward, placing her hand on Malkia’s cheek. A warm sensation spread through her body and the worry disappeared.
“You will be okay, Malkia,” the pixie sweetly beamed. “Trust in what is to happen and know everything is in its perfect order.”
Malkia gawked at this creature with admiration and asked in a quiet voice, “What about Dario? Will he survive?”
“We cannot answer that question, but we can tell you the world is already a better place because of you. As for the people tracking you, they are close. Less than an hour away and closing in. Their group is only a few hours behind them and they are determined to capture you and your people. They do not know who leads, but they desire the eminence.” The pixie’s smile melted into a frown. “You must divert to the west immediately. Porter is there. Your men have found him and they are returning. If you leave now you will meet up with them, and possibly escape the trackers. Malkia, you are meant for extraordinary events. Please move promptly and protect yourself. Dario must do whatever it takes to keep you alive.”
The pixie flew back towards the others and together they flew into the trees, disappearing. Malkia stood there for what seemed forever, before she was able to pull herself away from the peaceful feeling the pixies brought with them.
Jacob curled his fingers on her shoulder, forcing her back down to reality. Now she knew why it required someone with the special ability, to be able to speak with the pixies. Their essence was overpowering and exhausting.
Malkia turned and faced the edge of the trees, where her small group was probably waiting for her. She stepped out of the trees and was greeted by Dario, Kelsey and a few others.
Dario grabbed her hands and peered into her eyes. “Malkia, do not worry about me. I will not let anyone take you away. I will save you no matter what it takes. Please, let’s go now. Jacob told us we have to head west according to the pixies. Is that what they told you?”
“Yes, they also told me Porter and the other two men are returning, right now and we will find them, as we head west. They did not tell me if Porter was hurt or why he was stopped, but they did say we had to head west if we wanted any chance of avoiding the trackers. If everyone is ready, let’s leave.” She paused, wiping away a single tear, as it escaped her eye. “I will not take any chances on losing you Dario. Yes, I will worry about you. You are my rock and I cannot lose you, ever.”
Malkia whistled and Parowan trotted up to her. She mounted the beast and raced towards the others. Dario, Jacob and Kelsey, along with the few others had whistled for their pegasi as well, racing behind her.
As they neared the group she could see everyone else was mounting their pegasi, waiting for her instructions. She rode up to them and moved into the mix of all of them.
They all turned their pegasi towards her as she began to speak. “The pixies have told me Porter, Alex and Levi are safe and returning to us, as we speak. They also informed me, the trackers are less than an hour behind us and they are closing in on us, with their group only a couple of hours behind them. They said the best way to evade the trackers is to divert to the west, towards Porter and the others and pick them up as we escape. We have to leave now. Leave the trailers here. Everyone grab as much food and water as you can carry.”
Malkia rode towards the trailers. She pulled open her saddle bags and stuffed as many essentials as she could in them. The others followed suit, as she eased Parowan towards the west. They were well on their way, with Jayde sleeping over Damion’s lap. She remained unconscious, and Damion was not sure she would awake for a while.
It worried Malkia to think of how far they pushed Jayde. It was hard to determine how far anyone could be pushed, especially since the last time they had anything horrible occur was eight years ago. Jayde had only been a teenager at that time and hadn’t understood her ability, let alone the amount her body could tolerate its usage. Malkia realized she had made a lot of mistakes in her leadership these past couple of days.
As they rode through the forest, they stayed silent, and only spoke up if it was absolutely necessary. Malkia was worried about many things, one including the trail they were leaving through the woods. It was not long before they heard rustling through the thick vegetation. A few moments later Alex and his pegasus walked around some trees and bushes, followed by Levi and Porter.
Malkia immediately noticed Porter’s leg was torn up, and his face and neck were overrun with teeth marks and deep scratches. She jumped off of Parowan and ran over to Porter.
“What happened?” she asked Levi and Alex.
“Ask him. He has been out of it most of the way back. We stopped asking him and let him rest,” replied a frustrated Levi, as he slid Porter off the pegasus and into Dario’s arms.
Dario eased Porter down on the ground and Malkia grabbed his face, looking at the teeth marks. They were not as deep as they seemed, but enough to cause serious blood loss, along with his torn up leg. Damion handed Jayde over to Kendrick, and approached to see what he could do to heal his friends’ body.
Porter looked at Malkia and smiled. “The pixies saved me,” he quietly mumbled. “I’m pretty sure what attacked me was a ritter, but it happened so quickly, I’m not positive. The pixies intervened before he ate me for dinner. The thing was ferocious and strong, ready to tear me apart.”
“A ritter?” Malkia croaked. “We already have enough problems. We are going to have to make it to the river faster than I thought. I hear ritters are scared of water, and the trackers will lose our scent as soon as we enter the water.”
“Do you think the trackers can smell us?” Kelsey asked, her eyes growing wide.
Malkia breathed in deep. “I don’t know. I do know they have gained on us faster than we anticipated, and we masked the other groups scent. So, my opinion is one or all of them have the scent of a dog. Plus, they have some super speed on their side, which leads me to think their abilities have something to do with an animal. All I know, is if we do not flee to the river, we might as well hand ourselves over to the savages. The ritters or the savages will take us, without the mask of the water.”
Damion was quickly working on Porters leg. It seemed to be working, but Malkia began to think it would take too long. She motioned for Kendrick to mount with Jayde and everyone else to find their rides. She waited a few more moments and then softly touched Damion’s shoulder. “We have to leave. Will he be okay, long enough for us to arrive to the river?”
“How long until the river?” Damion asked.
“We should make it before the last sundown,” Malkia responded, tilting her head to search the sky.
“Yes, I think he will be fine. Let’s go.” Damion jumped up and mounted his pegasus, holding Porter in front of him.
As they neared the river Malkia felt an uncanny sensation spread in her stomach. She whipped around to look over her shoulder, fearing they were being watched, just to see the rest of the group behind her. She observed her surroundings, her whole body on alert, knowing something was not right. Dario saw her change in composure and rode up next to her.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“I think we are being watched,” Malkia whispered back to him.
Dario glanced around as well, before he responded, “Why do you think that?”
“I can feel their eyes on us. I don’t know where they are.” Her eyes flashed around the brush. “Dario, I’m scared. If they are the trackers there will be no way for all of us to escape. Please, take the group as fast as you can to the river. I will distract them long enough for the rest of you to flee.”
Dario’s eyes narrowed, regarding her with a scowl. “No way, sweetheart. You are not getting away from me that easily. Let’s send the group ahead of us. A few of us can stay back and keep a lookout. If they move we can intervene.”
Malkia’s eyes filled with tears. She knew what would happen if Dario stayed and was not willing to let that happen. She needed him to go with everyone else, but how would she convince him if he had no intentions leaving her side?
Then she had an idea. A stupid and reckless idea, but at least it would distract the trackers and give the group enough time to run.
“Okay, let’s do it your way,” Malkia muttered to Dario.
Dario moved his pegasus back towards Alex and Levi. He asked them quietly to follow him to the back of the group.
Malkia rode over towards Kendrick. “Kendrick, I need you to take the group as quick, and as quiet as you can, towards the river. Fly in the air, as soon as I am out of sight, and do not stop no matter what happens. Find a safe place to hide away. Us four will follow shortly, but do not wait if you feel it could be dangerous.”
Kendrick brows bumped together in a scowl, and it appeared like he was going to object, but then he shook his head, riding to the front of the group.
Malkia made her way back towards Dario, Alex and Levi. She realized then, her plan had major flaws. Even if she distracted one of the trackers, what would stop the other three from following the group? How would she protect Dario if he is fighting to rescue her, and save the group at the same time? Her mind raced in a hundred directions, looking for ways to make this work, when all of a sudden she heard a child‘s voice.
“Help me,” the child cried.
Malkia jumped, nearly tumbling off Parowan. She peered around thinking she would see a child standing close by. There was nobody, but her group moving away, and the men riding closer. She then realized the voice was in her head.
She became very still. Who are you? She asked in her mind, directed towards the child.
My name is Misty, the child cried back.
Where are you, Misty?
I don’t know! I was taken by some very bad people and now they give me gross goo to stop the mind reading, but today I tricked them. Are you the same person I felt a long time ago?
I believe so, sweetie. How can I rescue you, from these ruthless men?
Misty paused, before she whimpered. They are so mean, and they scare me. We are chasing some people, that’s all I know. The leader wants them desperately, and he scares me. They have some of their wolf-men chasing after them and from what I heard last they are almost caught up with them. Do you know who they are?
Malkia glanced at Dario as he approached. The look on his face indicated her expression was concerning. She focused back on her thoughts and on the scared child. My group is the one they are after. You say they are wolf-men after us? What are wolf-men?
I’m not sure. I just know they are fast and can smell you. They look just like normal people, except their teeth are sharp and they snarl sometimes, just like a dog. One of them killed my dad and took me and my mom. They are horrible and if… Misty’s thoughts ended abruptly.
Malkia glanced around hastily, and realized they were doomed. Her decision placed the four of them and possibly the smaller group in danger. She heard some snarling not too far away, in front of them. As all four of them whipped around from the noise, they heard another snarl on the side of them.
“Fly,” Malkia quietly ordered, staring relentlessly at the three men in front of her.
Malkia slapped Parowan’s side and the three men did the same, just as she heard the rush of swift feet barreling towards them. Parowan was clearing the tall vegetation, when whatever it was smashed into Malkia. She tumbled off Parowan’s back, hitting the hard dirt ground with a thud. She gasped for air, before a boulder collided with her, flinging her into a nearby tree.
She knew she was done. Blood trickled down her face, streaming into her mouth, as she gagged from the copper taste. Her breath came in short, while she blinked feverishly, trying to restore her sight.
Then she heard Dario yell her name.
Oh no, he came back for me. They will kill him!
She tried to stand up, but toppled back down to the ground, scratching her face against the brush. Her eye stung from the impact, but her sight began to return, as she finally inhaled deeply, catching her breath.
“Run Dario, run!” Malkia shrieked as loud as she could holler. Her voice was cracked and shallow and she knew he did not hear her.
She glanced around trying to focus and find her bearings. She rose again, stumbling forward and catching herself on a tree. She saw movement to the right of her as Dario sprinted towards her. She heard the whistle of the arrow, before she saw Dario fall. He hit the ground with a crash, sliding face down into the base of tree.
“No!” She screamed louder then she thought was possible running as fast as her legs and vertigo would allow.
Just before she reached Dario, someone with an overly strong grip, snatched her body and yanked her away from him. She shrieked, crying and struggling desperately against the rock hard body she was carried against. A hand eased over her mouth, shoving what tasted like lakseed into her mouth and forced it down her throat. Moments later she felt herself slip into blackness.
****************
This is the last chapter I will be posting of Eyes Wide Shut! I really hope everyone has enjoyed the first six chapters and will come by my website and buy the entire book, either a signed copy directly through me, or through Amazon (ebook and printed), Createspace (printed) or Smashwords (ebook). 
NikiLivingstonAuthor.com 
And as always, leave me a review on Amazon, Goodreads or here on my blog (or all three) and let me know what you think! Every review I receive on Amazon, edges my books into the limelight just a little bit more. It is the best act of kindness a reader can do for an author! Plus, it helps me know what I can improve on, along with how well I am doing. 
I'm excited to hear the feedback and thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed it so far!  XXXXX - Niki Livingston 

Theia's Moons Enyo's Warrior (Official Book Trailer)

Settling into her new home, Malkia now knows the unvarnished truth, or so she believes. The malicious murders in Domesca's boundaries, Mataya's disappearance, and the sudden change in Dario's behavior have her second guessing what she thinks she knows.

As she is forced to face more evils and life-altering lessons, she wonders if she ever knew any truth about her life.

Embarking on her new journey, she quickly realizes the war she witnessed on Esaki, is nothing compared to the bloodshed and atrocities she will partake in, as Enyo's Warrior. 

Chapter 5 - Eyes Wide Shut

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four




Five            The day had nearly passed by, and Jayde and the pixies continued to keep an eye on the trackers, as they began gaining significant ground towards their small group.
They had fallen for the bait to continue south, even though they spent about two hours at their camp site, sniffing out the dragon. They had checked the tracks, and at one point considered heading east. However, all four of them ended up continuing on south, and the relief was felt throughout the whole group.
The pixies had gone further north and were checking on the savages group. Jacob had said they would bring word soon, however no matter how prepared they were, Malkia was anxious for what was about to happen.
The trackers were only a few hours behind them and Malkia knew it could only be a matter of time before they either had to run for the east or begin fighting. She prayed they would be able to pull the trackers far enough off the scent of their larger group, and then head for the skies, so they could safely leave the trackers lost and confused.
Jayde raced up next to Malkia and smiled at her, “I just viewed a glimpse of all four trackers. They are definitely closing in, but it does appear as if they are slowing. I wish I could hear through the ears of the hawks as well, but we will just have to wait until the pixies return to Jacob, before we will know what is being said. It does feel good to know they took the bait and are heading our way, but now I am not sure how well we can fool them from here.”
“We will be fine. I have no doubts that this will end soon,” Malkia affirmed. She didn’t mention her own doubts were creeping in.
“Malkia,” Dario said as he rode up to the other side of her, “have you heard from Porter? He left over an hour ago to check the paths to the west, and he should have been back long before now.”
“He went alone?” Malkia asked, biting her lip.
“We had no choice but to send him alone. All our resources have been used up. We have to retain enough people here, to keep up with the appearance of the tracks. The ones we can spare, we have had to send them out alone, so we can cover more area.”
Malkia’s heart sank. She had an awful feeling in her stomach, and she knew Porter’s disappearance was not good.
They rode in silence for a few minutes while Malkia sorted through her thoughts and ideas. We definitely have to find Porter, but we cannot leave the trail, unless we want to adjust our whole plan. I can send out a couple of the men to track down Porter, and bring him back, but what if there was a trap out there, and we lost more men.
Malkia peered over at Dario, “What do you think we should do?”
“We have to find him. We cannot just leave him. I have had Kelsey take some sleeping herbs and she is laying in the wagon.” Dario waved his hand towards the wagon. “She had just fallen asleep when I heard the news about Porter. We can let her sleep for a good half hour and hopefully by then she will be able to give us an idea of what we might expect. She has not had a chance to sleep since we left our town, so she might be impossible to awake. So, I propose we send two of our men out to find Porter and instruct they return in half an hour. If they cannot find him in that time, then we will have to rely on Kelsey, the pixies, when they return, and possibly you, Jayde,” he said, looking over at Jayde.
Jayde nodded, yawning at the same time. The poor girl was exhausted. Between very little sleep, and spending most of her waking life in the trance of the hawks, she was really doing a number on herself.
Malkia suddenly realized how terrible this whole idea was. They required sleep, and if they didn’t rest soon, there would be no escaping the trackers, if they started closing in. These men were superhuman. They had been tracking them for almost two days, and they did not seem to be tired or worn out. They just kept coming.
Malkia had thought they would have to rest at some point, which they had, but only for two hours one time and an hour the other time. Their lack of sleep had made this whole plan pointless and impossible. The reality of hit Malkia hard, and she wanted to run for the hills, ending this charade.
“Dario go ahead and pick your two most alert and capable men and instruct them to find Porter. Give them one half hour, like you said, and tell them they better return, or we will have to move on without them. We are going to stop right here.” Malkia pointed up ahead, to a thick area of trees. “I want most of the group to take a nap. They have one hour for sleep, and then we are moving. This should give you enough time to prepare your men, and for them to find Porter and return. Does this plan work for you?”
Dario’s brows furrowed into a scowl. “Malkia the trackers are only a few hours behind us. If we stop they will only be two and if they keep moving at their current speed, it could be only one,” he quickly replied, shaking his head.
“But if we do not stop and let the people rest, we will doomed when they catch up to us anyway. I am at a loss here. We are fighting an impossible war, and unless we think of something fast we are done for,” Malkia argued, feeling the whole weight of their survival on her shoulders.
Dario glanced around at the weary group, and then back at Malkia and nodded. “You are right. Let’s take a break. You need to rest as well. I can be one of the watchers, while everyone else sleeps.”
Malkia was so tired. Her eye lids were heavy from exhaustion, and she could barely concentrate on any plan at this moment. She gazed at Dario and wanted to hug him. He was the finest man, and he deserved the best life. She did love him. She loved him more than she wanted to admit.
“Will you let the rest of the group know? Jayde and I will begin to pull off just up there in the thick of the trees. They should give us enough coverage and protection. I really could lay down for a little bit. Thank you Dario, for being my rock. You are appreciated more then you know,” Malkia mumbled, a yawn taking over her face. She really did love Dario.
Dario nodded and pulled back on his pegasus. He relayed the message to the others, as Jayde and Malkia steered their pegasi off the trail and into the trees. One by one the others followed them, dismounting their pegasi and letting them rest next to the small stream running through the forest.
Malkia and Jayde found a shady spot with some tall grass. They pushed the grass down and laid their blankets down. Malkia peered around at the others and witnessed many of the small group already laying down, and dozing off. They were all exhausted. She should have stopped earlier.
Dario looked over at her and he smiled. He had five other men around him and she knew he would take care of the situation, while she slept. She smiled back, easing herself down onto the ground. The blackness filled her mind almost immediately, and she could feel herself slipping away to a very deep sleep.
It felt like moments when Malkia felt someone shaking her. Her eyes flew open. “What’s wrong?” She exclaimed, as she shot up from her sleeping position. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes and no,” Dario said, putting his hands on her shoulders, his eyes wide with fear. “We need to wake up Jayde, but she is in a deep sleep. I just woke up Kelsey and she told me the trackers will catch up to us before sun down, and they will capture you. We need the sight of the hawks, right now.”
Malkia hurried over to Jayde and nudged her in the shoulder. Jayde began to stir, but then fell right back into her sleep. Poking at her again, Malkia called out her name over and over again. It took a few moments, but Jayde slowly woke up. She appeared more exhausted, then before she had gone to sleep.
“I’m so sorry Jayde. I hate to wake you up early, but we have a problem. The trackers are very close and Kelsey has seen them take me away. We need to find the trackers,” Malkia desperately sputtered.
Jayde’s eyes rolled back into her head for a moment, and as she fumbled to stand up, she fell over and hit her head on the tree she had been lying next to. Malkia grabbed Jayde, stopping her from hurting herself further. She peered up at Malkia, before turning over to the side and throwing up. Her body was rebelling against her abilities.
Malkia glanced up at Dario looking for some kind of answer. He reached over and scooped Jayde up into his arms, sprinting towards Damion. “Damion, we need your help,” He shouted, as he neared him. “Jayde has over done it, and her body has shut down. We have to have her sight right now, or else we won’t be able to see how far the trackers are from us. Can you use your healing ability?”
“Wait, Dario,” Jacob said from the shade of a tree. “Let me see if the pixies have returned. If they have maybe they can give us an answer, and then Jayde can keep resting. Give me a few minutes. I will be right back.”
Jacob raced towards the thick part of the trees, and was gone before anyone had the chance to object. Dario laid Jayde down on a blanket and motioned for Damion to begin his healing process.
Malkia admired Dario for his supporting hand. She walked over to him and put her hand on his arm. He did not look right away, but after a few seconds he peered at her with tears in his eyes.
He abruptly looked away, moving towards the other two guards. “I will be back in a minute. Damion start healing her the best you can. Be easy on her. If healing her will be too hard on her as well, stop. Whistle when either she regains consciousness, or when Jacob returns.”
Malkia knew he was keeping something from her. She focused on Kelsey, who was helping some of the others wake and pack their pegasi. Kelsey must have told him something more, and it must have been something that would have upset Malkia, too much.
She walked towards Kelsey, contemplating whether or not she wanted to know. Then she remembered the look of sadness Dario had all over his face. Something bad was going to happen. She ran towards Kelsey as the thought hit her mind with a jolt.
“Kelsey,” Malkia shouted, as she moved closer. “I need to speak with you.”
Kelsey turned towards Malkia, walking towards her. “What’s up?”
“What did you tell Dario about the trackers? Why is he so upset?”
“I told him they will take you away and their leader will want to keep you.” Kelsey’s forehead puckered, as she licked her lips. “I also told him, this will all happen before sun down.”
Malkia was dumbfounded. Was he just upset because they would capture me? They knew their plan now, so they’d be able to stop them. He would never let them take me. She looked away from Kelsey and glanced over at him. It made her sad to think he was so worried about her. Why does he think he would not be able to stop them?
“Thanks Kelsey, I guess that is a good enough reason to be upset,” Malkia said, as she began walking back towards Jayde and Damion.
“Wait, Malkia!” Kelsey interjected. “There is one more thing I forgot.”
Malkia quickly turned around and peered at Kelsey.
“Dario is going to be executed by these men. That is why he is so upset. He knows unless we leave, and change our plans, he will not be able to stop them from taking you away.”

Theia's Moons Series Book Boost

At the age of five, Malkia's memories were erased and along with her sister Palma, was hidden on the moon Esaki to keep them safe from the Artemisians, who were threatening to kill off their civilization on Eris.
Unbeknownst to Malkia, a battle was brewing in the heavens and because of her existence the Artemis creatures waged war on every moon they could travel to, in order to eliminate her life.
During this time, her world was shattered on Esaki and as her memories were restored, she came to realize why she was really created and what her parents and people had in store for her. Her stubbornness surfaced quickly and her refusal to be their weapon, leads her down a road of deceit and anguish, spiraling her life into a reality she did not want.
Join her travels around the moons of Theia and find out the true origins of the Artemisians and Erisians conflict. The journey is just beginning.
NikiLivingstonAuthor.com

Chapter 4 - Eyes Wide Shut

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three



Four
Malkia fumbled backwards, trying to escape from the dragon, without taking her eyes off of it. The crazy man glanced back at her, just as she stumbled on a branch and fell backwards. 

Both dragon heads whipped over to look at her and their red eyes stared at her through the darkness. The man raced towards the beast and the heads reared back, preparing for a fight.  

Malkia whipped around, searching desperately for a tree large enough to shelter her from the breath of this beast. As she turned, she felt large hands grab her waist and pull her behind a tree. One of the hands stifled her scream and for an instant she thought she was doomed once again. 

Quickly she recognized the smell of the shirt she was leaning against. She turned around and smothered Dario, with a hug. He pulled away, placing his finger to his mouth, signaling her to remain quiet. He crouched and peeked around the tree, but returned his eyes wide, as he inhaled a sharp breath. 

“It’s coming,” he mouthed to her. 

In that moment, they heard a man yell and the dragon growl. There were some groans and a gurgled yelp, before the forest became silent again.  

Malkia and Dario both peered around the tree this time, and saw the dragon lying dead, only a few feet away. The strange man was standing next to it with his large knife. He was covered in green liquid and Malkia noticed it oozing from the dragons neck, where the man had slit it. 

Malkia was shaking uncontrollably and she stared at the crazy man. “Oh my hell!” 

“Hell indeed. You are lucky I was already tracking this beast, lady. This thing would have had you for dinner, if I had not intervened. These are one of the most vicious dragons, but luckily they are senseless as well,” he said, snickering, as he cleaned his knife with a dark cloth. 

“I had no idea,” Malkia sputtered, stepping closer. “I never knew these creatures existed. I mean, I have heard stories about them, but in all my travels I have never encountered one, nor have I ever met someone who has seen one. I’m sorry I walked in on your little show, but if I had any idea there was a dragon nearby I would have stayed as far away as I could from this area.” 

“Actually, it was a surprise to me this one flew so far. In fact if I did not have my pegasus, I would not have been able to track it. I was trailing him for days, way up North, when he shot up into the air and began his flight down this way. I stayed behind him for almost a day, before he landed,” the man’s brows knitted together, as he shook his head. “I thought I could start tracking him again, but not much later he was in the air again. We landed here no more than twenty minutes ago and you just happened to walk in on our struggle, just a minute or two after I landed. Luckily I decided to land closer to him.” 

“Who are you,” Dario asked quizzically.  

The man moved around the beast, wiping the remaining remnants from his knife, on the side of his pants, looking at the two heads lying on the ground. He then regarded Dario and Malkia, giving them a wicked smile. 

“I am one of the few dragon slayers left in this world. After the sky people came, the dragons disappeared more than they already had and when the wars began they were never seen, as if they never existed. I was out of a job. It has not been until the last few years that they have ventured out of their caves and began terrorizing the towns around them.” He slid his knife into its holder, strapped to his side. “I was a dragon slayer before all the madness began, so I returned to my occupation, and now I am here saving your backsides.” 

“And you have no idea why it flew this far? Are there dragons that live down this way?” Malkia asked, still stunned by the recent events. 

“Honestly, I don’t know that answer. I have never seen a dragon this far south, but that doesn’t mean they don’t. But flying that long… I have never known that to occur. Sometimes they act out of character and do bizarre things. I’m not sure why this fiend did it, but I’m just grateful it’s dead.” 

As he finished his sentence, Skye came running up to the three of them with Curtis a few feet behind her. They were clearly worried and when they saw the dead dragon they skidded to an abrupt stop, just behind Malkia and Dario. Their jaws dropped, as they scanned the grizzly man, their eyes darting to the dead dragon and back to Malkia and Dario. 

“Who is this, what is that and what is going on?” Curtis asked loudly, his jaw clenched. 

“This man saved my life,” Malkia replied. She pointed at the man and beast. “Dragon slayer, dragon and dragon slayed.” 

“I miss all the fun,” Curtis teased, a wary smile surfacing on his lips, as he gave Malkia a soft punch to the arm. His eyes remained intense, attempting to downplay his concern. 

“Well, dragon slayer, what are your plans now that your dragon is slayed? Do you intend to return to the north, or are you sticking around this area?” Malkia asked. 

“Going home,” he responded, his hands on his hips. 

“Us too,” Malkia began, “We are traveling as a group to a new home. What is your name?” 

The dragon slayer stepped forward, running his arm over his forehead. “Thanks for asking. My name is Tatum. I have not been back home for nearly a year and it would be great to see my family again.” 

“Where is your home?” Dario curiously asked. 

“I’m from Domesca, a town northeast from here. Beautiful place, with a wonderful castle, and tall walls for all of us to use as a defense against dragons,” Tatum shot them his wicked smile again. 

Malkia’s eyes widened, when she heard him say Domesca. 

“What’s wrong?” Tatum asked, eyeing Malkia suspiciously. 

Expelling her breath, she said, “Really, Domesca is your home? Our group is heading to your town once they awake.” 

“Why?” he asked, his eyes narrowing to crinkled slits. 

“We are on the run. There is a large group of savages on our tails and the only safe place I could think of was Domesca,” Malkia chattered a bit too quickly. “The group asleep just outside the forest are my people, and I’m charged with their safety. These savages are horrific brutes.” She paused, taking a deep breath. “I visited Domesca last year, and I know we would be protected there. Could you please help our friends and family make it there safely, while we divert these malicious people to the south?” 

Tatum stood there eyeing down Malkia. He turned away from the four of them and walked a few feet deeper into the forest. Malkia’s palms began to sweat, anticipating he would leave and tell Jasper to not allow their group to join them. This man had to be on their side.  

Tatum turned back towards the four of them, and nodded. “I will do it. I would hope you would be there if the roles were reversed. I will show your group the way to Domesca, and I will speak with Jasper as you have asked.”   

Malkia walked over to Tatum and held out her hand to him. He reached for it and after shaking hands, she threw her arms around his large body and gave him a bear hug. “Thank you. You are our angel. You do not know how much I have prayed for someone like you to come along.” 
Tatum stepped away from the embrace. “Thank the dragon, sweetheart. If he had not led me here, I would have never met you. But,” he paused, his eyes darting around the group. “I can definitely see God’s hand in this. To land right here in the place where you are walking, it has to be his intentions. I know a short cut from here, back to Domesca. It will cut off over a day in traveling. I will gladly show your people the way. We will have to head east for almost two days, but there is a passage that can be taken after that which will cut straight through the forest and onto the path towards my home town. Do you need us to send someone back to guide you?”
“No, I know my way.” Malkia shook her head. “We will all be on our pegasi, so we will be taking short cuts all the way up. Skye, Curtis, we will no longer plan on meeting you at the stopping point to the east. Go ahead and keep going, until you arrive to Domesca. We will catch up with you either on the road or after you have reached his town.” She turned back to Tatum. “Thank you again. Let’s go ahead and wake everyone else up and prepare for departure.”
The group of them walked together out of the forest and into the camp site. As they were walking towards the center fire, Malkia could see Jayde sitting near the fire in a trance. Her jaw was clenched. Malkia hurried ahead of everyone else, rushing to be there with Jayde. 

Jacob walked up, as Malkia sat down next to Jayde. “The pixies should return soon, but it looks like Jayde might have details beforehand. By the way, where were you? The whole group of you disappeared and no one knew where to find any of you.” He ran his hands through his hair, his brows knitted together, as he looked over at the others, and for the first time noticed Tatum. 

Malkia glanced up at Jacob and replied, “We ran into this man in the forest.” She pointed at Tatum. “He’s a dragon slayer and from Domesca. Tatum will be helping our families travel through the area to the east and north, and lead them to Domesca. He has also agreed to speak with Jasper and convince him to shelter and protect them, while they wait for us. Tatum, this is Jacob. He will be going with me to the south.” 

Jacob leaned forward to shake Tatum’s hand, “Nice to meet you. You say you are a dragon slayer. Is that a joke?” 

“Wishful thinking,” Tatum replied, laughing. “No, it is not a joke. Go take a look yourself. I killed a dragon just inside the forest. He was about to eat your fearless leader, before I arrived.” 

Malkia was not paying attention. Her eyes were on Jayde’s face, as she came out of her trance and gasped. She looked at Malkia with startled eyes. “Malkia, they are quickly approaching. Faster than I thought possible. It is like they are super humans. They will be here in less than a half a day, if they continue at the speed they are going.” 

Malkia jumped up and commanded, “Wake them up. They have to leave now.”

***
“Dario and Skye, are your groups ready to leave?” Malkia asked, racing towards them. 

“My group is all ready and waiting,” answered Dario. 

“My group is as well,” replied Skye, her inky irises flashing around the area. 

Malkia’s lips set in a grim line. “Good. I just spoke to Curtis, and his team is already at the forefront, ready to move forward. If you want to pull your groups together and explain to them what is expected, and let them know you and Curtis are in charge from here on out. They need to follow Tatum’s instructions to the letter in order to make it to Domesca together and alive. Dario have you prepared the families who will be separating?” 

“They are as prepared as they can be.” Dario nodded. “They have all teamed up together to make sure everyone is taken care of while they are separated. Everyone is willing to do what it takes to make sure this plan works and keeps the whole group safe.” 

“Just so we are clear.” She pivoted to look at Skye. “You will be heading east for nearly two days, instead of three, and then you will be diverting northeast. Anyone on a pegasus must fly out of here, but tell them to stay as low as possible. The less tracks visible, the less we have to cover up. Make sure to stay as upbeat as possible,” she requested, turning to Dario. “Once they are gone, we will lead the tracks to the dragon and make it appear as if there was running in several directions, but in the end we ran for the south. The dead dragon should create some confusion and hopefully distract them from the larger group, entirely.” 

Dario and Skye nodded, as they steered their pegasi away, leaving Malkia and Mataya to say their good-byes. Mataya was busy packing her pegasus and did not look up at Malkia. 

Malkia walked over to her and pulled her into her arms. “I love you girl. You mean so much to me, and I will do everything in my power to return to you. Please, please stay with Justin and let him protect you. Help with the families who do not have their spouses and parents with them. Please be a beacon to these people we love so much. Show them what you are made of. Be a light to them, and I can guarantee it will make you feel better, as well.” 

Tears were streaming down Mataya’s cheeks, and could not respond, as she sobbed, loudly. She hugged Malkia, holding on tight. They stood there in silence, while gripping onto one another, not wanting to separate. It was scary to think of the “what ifs” but Malkia was determined to focus on the plan and not worry about what might happen. 

She finally pulled away from Mataya, and looked into her tearful eyes. “Be strong, sister. You and I are made from the same energy. You can do this.” 

Mataya smiled softly thinking of her parents. “I will make you proud and I know I will see you soon.” 

Malkia kissed both of Mataya’s cheeks and then gave her another quick hug. They separated and Mataya finished packing her pegasus and then mounted her.  

Malkia mounted Parowan and held her hand out for her sister. Mataya grasped her hand and together they squeezed each other’s hands three times. It means “I love you” their mom had always told them. They smiled and let go of each other’s hands. Together they rode over to the rest of the group.

*** 
“Malkia, I think we have covered up their tracks as best as we can. We have flown over several times to make sure they cannot be seen. The pixies have reported they cannot see their tracks, and the hawks have seen the group disappear into the woods. The dragon is the perfect diversion. We have to move out, or we will not be able to fool the trackers,” Dario said, riding up to Malkia.
Malkia glanced over at Dario, as she listened to him. She was ready to depart. She had been ready for a while, but was still anxious about covering up the tracks of everyone else. Everything had to work according to plan. There could not be any mistakes.
“Dario, if you feel comfortable with the work that has been done, then let’s go ahead and leave. It looks like the rest of the group is headed our way anyway,” Malkia said, nodding her head over in the direction behind Dario. 

Dario looked behind him and then back at Malkia before saying, “I think it is the best we can do. I won’t be comfortable until we have actually diverted them away from the group, but I feel good about moving on and beginning this journey.” 

“Let’s go then,” Malkia replied. 

Dario and Malkia directed the pegasi towards the rest of their group and when they met, they all turned in the direction of the south and began their journey. It would be a long couple of days. They needed to make it look like the whole group had escaped this way. They had brought two of the trailers so the trackers would not be thrown off when the wheels just stopped.  

It was time for their next adventure.

Chapter Four - Eyes Wide Shut

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three



Four
Malkia fumbled backwards, trying to escape from the dragon, without taking her eyes off of it. The crazy man glanced back at her, just as she stumbled on a branch and fell backwards. 

Both dragon heads whipped over to look at her and their red eyes stared at her through the darkness. The man raced towards the beast and the heads reared back, preparing for a fight.  

Malkia whipped around, searching desperately for a tree large enough to shelter her from the breath of this beast. As she turned, she felt large hands grab her waist and pull her behind a tree. One of the hands stifled her scream and for an instant she thought she was doomed once again. 

Quickly she recognized the smell of the shirt she was leaning against. She turned around and smothered Dario, with a hug. He pulled away, placing his finger to his mouth, signaling her to remain quiet. He crouched and peeked around the tree, but returned his eyes wide, as he inhaled a sharp breath. 

“It’s coming,” he mouthed to her. 

In that moment, they heard a man yell and the dragon growl. There were some groans and a gurgled yelp, before the forest became silent again.  

Malkia and Dario both peered around the tree this time, and saw the dragon lying dead, only a few feet away. The strange man was standing next to it with his large knife. He was covered in green liquid and Malkia noticed it oozing from the dragons neck, where the man had slit it. 

Malkia was shaking uncontrollably and she stared at the crazy man. “Oh my hell!” 

“Hell indeed. You are lucky I was already tracking this beast, lady. This thing would have had you for dinner, if I had not intervened. These are one of the most vicious dragons, but luckily they are senseless as well,” he said, snickering, as he cleaned his knife with a dark cloth. 

“I had no idea,” Malkia sputtered, stepping closer. “I never knew these creatures existed. I mean, I have heard stories about them, but in all my travels I have never encountered one, nor have I ever met someone who has seen one. I’m sorry I walked in on your little show, but if I had any idea there was a dragon nearby I would have stayed as far away as I could from this area.” 

“Actually, it was a surprise to me this one flew so far. In fact if I did not have my pegasus, I would not have been able to track it. I was trailing him for days, way up North, when he shot up into the air and began his flight down this way. I stayed behind him for almost a day, before he landed,” the man’s brows knitted together, as he shook his head. “I thought I could start tracking him again, but not much later he was in the air again. We landed here no more than twenty minutes ago and you just happened to walk in on our struggle, just a minute or two after I landed. Luckily I decided to land closer to him.” 

“Who are you,” Dario asked quizzically.  

The man moved around the beast, wiping the remaining remnants from his knife, on the side of his pants, looking at the two heads lying on the ground. He then regarded Dario and Malkia, giving them a wicked smile. 

“I am one of the few dragon slayers left in this world. After the sky people came, the dragons disappeared more than they already had and when the wars began they were never seen, as if they never existed. I was out of a job. It has not been until the last few years that they have ventured out of their caves and began terrorizing the towns around them.” He slid his knife into its holder, strapped to his side. “I was a dragon slayer before all the madness began, so I returned to my occupation, and now I am here saving your backsides.” 

“And you have no idea why it flew this far? Are there dragons that live down this way?” Malkia asked, still stunned by the recent events. 

“Honestly, I don’t know that answer. I have never seen a dragon this far south, but that doesn’t mean they don’t. But flying that long… I have never known that to occur. Sometimes they act out of character and do bizarre things. I’m not sure why this fiend did it, but I’m just grateful it’s dead.” 

As he finished his sentence, Skye came running up to the three of them with Curtis a few feet behind her. They were clearly worried and when they saw the dead dragon they skidded to an abrupt stop, just behind Malkia and Dario. Their jaws dropped, as they scanned the grizzly man, their eyes darting to the dead dragon and back to Malkia and Dario. 

“Who is this, what is that and what is going on?” Curtis asked loudly, his jaw clenched. 

“This man saved my life,” Malkia replied. She pointed at the man and beast. “Dragon slayer, dragon and dragon slayed.” 

“I miss all the fun,” Curtis teased, a wary smile surfacing on his lips, as he gave Malkia a soft punch to the arm. His eyes remained intense, attempting to downplay his concern. 

“Well, dragon slayer, what are your plans now that your dragon is slayed? Do you intend to return to the north, or are you sticking around this area?” Malkia asked. 

“Going home,” he responded, his hands on his hips. 

“Us too,” Malkia began, “We are traveling as a group to a new home. What is your name?” 

The dragon slayer stepped forward, running his arm over his forehead. “Thanks for asking. My name is Tatum. I have not been back home for nearly a year and it would be great to see my family again.” 

“Where is your home?” Dario curiously asked. 

“I’m from Domesca, a town northeast from here. Beautiful place, with a wonderful castle, and tall walls for all of us to use as a defense against dragons,” Tatum shot them his wicked smile again. 

Malkia’s eyes widened, when she heard him say Domesca. 

“What’s wrong?” Tatum asked, eyeing Malkia suspiciously. 

Expelling her breath, she said, “Really, Domesca is your home? Our group is heading to your town once they awake.” 

“Why?” he asked, his eyes narrowing to crinkled slits. 

“We are on the run. There is a large group of savages on our tails and the only safe place I could think of was Domesca,” Malkia chattered a bit too quickly. “The group asleep just outside the forest are my people, and I’m charged with their safety. These savages are horrific brutes.” She paused, taking a deep breath. “I visited Domesca last year, and I know we would be protected there. Could you please help our friends and family make it there safely, while we divert these malicious people to the south?” 

Tatum stood there eyeing down Malkia. He turned away from the four of them and walked a few feet deeper into the forest. Malkia’s palms began to sweat, anticipating he would leave and tell Jasper to not allow their group to join them. This man had to be on their side.  

Tatum turned back towards the four of them, and nodded. “I will do it. I would hope you would be there if the roles were reversed. I will show your group the way to Domesca, and I will speak with Jasper as you have asked.”   

Malkia walked over to Tatum and held out her hand to him. He reached for it and after shaking hands, she threw her arms around his large body and gave him a bear hug. “Thank you. You are our angel. You do not know how much I have prayed for someone like you to come along.” 
Tatum stepped away from the embrace. “Thank the dragon, sweetheart. If he had not led me here, I would have never met you. But,” he paused, his eyes darting around the group. “I can definitely see God’s hand in this. To land right here in the place where you are walking, it has to be his intentions. I know a short cut from here, back to Domesca. It will cut off over a day in traveling. I will gladly show your people the way. We will have to head east for almost two days, but there is a passage that can be taken after that which will cut straight through the forest and onto the path towards my home town. Do you need us to send someone back to guide you?”
“No, I know my way.” Malkia shook her head. “We will all be on our pegasi, so we will be taking short cuts all the way up. Skye, Curtis, we will no longer plan on meeting you at the stopping point to the east. Go ahead and keep going, until you arrive to Domesca. We will catch up with you either on the road or after you have reached his town.” She turned back to Tatum. “Thank you again. Let’s go ahead and wake everyone else up and prepare for departure.” 
The group of them walked together out of the forest and into the camp site. As they were walking towards the center fire, Malkia could see Jayde sitting near the fire in a trance. Her jaw was clenched. Malkia hurried ahead of everyone else, rushing to be there with Jayde. 

Jacob walked up, as Malkia sat down next to Jayde. “The pixies should return soon, but it looks like Jayde might have details beforehand. By the way, where were you? The whole group of you disappeared and no one knew where to find any of you.” He ran his hands through his hair, his brows knitted together, as he looked over at the others, and for the first time noticed Tatum. 

Malkia glanced up at Jacob and replied, “We ran into this man in the forest.” She pointed at Tatum. “He’s a dragon slayer and from Domesca. Tatum will be helping our families travel through the area to the east and north, and lead them to Domesca. He has also agreed to speak with Jasper and convince him to shelter and protect them, while they wait for us. Tatum, this is Jacob. He will be going with me to the south.” 

Jacob leaned forward to shake Tatum’s hand, “Nice to meet you. You say you are a dragon slayer. Is that a joke?” 

“Wishful thinking,” Tatum replied, laughing. “No, it is not a joke. Go take a look yourself. I killed a dragon just inside the forest. He was about to eat your fearless leader, before I arrived.” 

Malkia was not paying attention. Her eyes were on Jayde’s face, as she came out of her trance and gasped. She looked at Malkia with startled eyes. “Malkia, they are quickly approaching. Faster than I thought possible. It is like they are super humans. They will be here in less than a half a day, if they continue at the speed they are going.” 

Malkia jumped up and commanded, “Wake them up. They have to leave now.”

*** 
“Dario and Skye, are your groups ready to leave?” Malkia asked, racing towards them. 

“My group is all ready and waiting,” answered Dario. 

“My group is as well,” replied Skye, her inky irises flashing around the area. 

Malkia’s lips set in a grim line. “Good. I just spoke to Curtis, and his team is already at the forefront, ready to move forward. If you want to pull your groups together and explain to them what is expected, and let them know you and Curtis are in charge from here on out. They need to follow Tatum’s instructions to the letter in order to make it to Domesca together and alive. Dario have you prepared the families who will be separating?” 

“They are as prepared as they can be.” Dario nodded. “They have all teamed up together to make sure everyone is taken care of while they are separated. Everyone is willing to do what it takes to make sure this plan works and keeps the whole group safe.” 

“Just so we are clear.” She pivoted to look at Skye. “You will be heading east for nearly two days, instead of three, and then you will be diverting northeast. Anyone on a pegasus must fly out of here, but tell them to stay as low as possible. The less tracks visible, the less we have to cover up. Make sure to stay as upbeat as possible,” she requested, turning to Dario. “Once they are gone, we will lead the tracks to the dragon and make it appear as if there was running in several directions, but in the end we ran for the south. The dead dragon should create some confusion and hopefully distract them from the larger group, entirely.” 

Dario and Skye nodded, as they steered their pegasi away, leaving Malkia and Mataya to say their good-byes. Mataya was busy packing her pegasus and did not look up at Malkia. 

Malkia walked over to her and pulled her into her arms. “I love you girl. You mean so much to me, and I will do everything in my power to return to you. Please, please stay with Justin and let him protect you. Help with the families who do not have their spouses and parents with them. Please be a beacon to these people we love so much. Show them what you are made of. Be a light to them, and I can guarantee it will make you feel better, as well.” 

Tears were streaming down Mataya’s cheeks, and could not respond, as she sobbed, loudly. She hugged Malkia, holding on tight. They stood there in silence, while gripping onto one another, not wanting to separate. It was scary to think of the “what ifs” but Malkia was determined to focus on the plan and not worry about what might happen. 

She finally pulled away from Mataya, and looked into her tearful eyes. “Be strong, sister. You and I are made from the same energy. You can do this.” 

Mataya smiled softly thinking of her parents. “I will make you proud and I know I will see you soon.” 

Malkia kissed both of Mataya’s cheeks and then gave her another quick hug. They separated and Mataya finished packing her pegasus and then mounted her.  

Malkia mounted Parowan and held her hand out for her sister. Mataya grasped her hand and together they squeezed each other’s hands three times. It means “I love you” their mom had always told them. They smiled and let go of each other’s hands. Together they rode over to the rest of the group.

*** 
“Malkia, I think we have covered up their tracks as best as we can. We have flown over several times to make sure they cannot be seen. The pixies have reported they cannot see their tracks, and the hawks have seen the group disappear into the woods. The dragon is the perfect diversion. We have to move out, or we will not be able to fool the trackers,” Dario said, riding up to Malkia.
Malkia glanced over at Dario, as she listened to him. She was ready to depart. She had been ready for a while, but was still anxious about covering up the tracks of everyone else. Everything had to work according to plan. There could not be any mistakes. 
“Dario, if you feel comfortable with the work that has been done, then let’s go ahead and leave. It looks like the rest of the group is headed our way anyway,” Malkia said, nodding her head over in the direction behind Dario. 

Dario looked behind him and then back at Malkia before saying, “I think it is the best we can do. I won’t be comfortable until we have actually diverted them away from the group, but I feel good about moving on and beginning this journey.” 

“Let’s go then,” Malkia replied. 

Dario and Malkia directed the pegasi towards the rest of their group and when they met, they all turned in the direction of the south and began their journey. It would be a long couple of days. They needed to make it look like the whole group had escaped this way. They had brought two of the trailers so the trackers would not be thrown off when the wheels just stopped.  

It was time for their next adventure.

Theia's Moons Eyes Wide Shut (Official Book Trailer)

"This book was brilliant one of the best fantasy stories I have read in quite a while! Malkia is a complex and loving character who I adore and felt connected to; as the tale went on I fell deeper in love with it." - Miss Makala Thomas

"Niki Livingston is a talent! In "Theia's Moons: Eyes Wide Shut," she has crafted a mesmerizing fantasy world filled with complex characters." - Encuentro

"I've got to read the sequels! Great character and plot development with dragons, winged horses, and the paranormal included, altogether, an exciting well-plotted fantasy." - Howard Lipman 

Read it and Review!!!  I would extremely grateful for any feedback! 

Enjoy the book trailer...

Chapter 3 - Eyes Wide Shut

 Three
The day flew by, and the large group progressed as quickly as possible, towards their destination. Malkia continued to send trackers ahead and back the way they came. 

The abandoned towns and cities crept up on them one at a time, displaying their pasts through their unkempt appearances. The broken buildings and homes were scattered throughout all of them, each having a story none of them would ever know.  

Many of the towns’ people had never ventured so far out of their little village, and seeing the buildings in one of the larger cities, was like nothing they had perceived. They did their best to stay out of the thick of the city, in case there were wild animals roaming in the buildings, but it was enjoyable to watch the expressions on the people’s faces, as they viewed the difference in how others had lived. 

As they trudged along, Malkia found herself admiring the beautiful world they lived on. The large trees, with their purple and red leaves, the stunning bright green, orange and purple flowers, and the sweet birds who sang softly to them, as they made their way through their territory. The most captivating sight was of Theia, with her magnificence hovering above them, through it all.  

Even the old cities, with their shattered homes added a bit of charm to their broken world. She realized how blessed she was to live where she did, and yearned to have safety and peace again. 

The day faded away, as they neared the small abandoned town, they would rest at, for the night. Malkia calculated their arrival to be within a few hours after sundown, and was looking forward to taking a break and sitting down with the trackers, for an update.  

Approaching their resting point, Malkia waited impatiently for the trackers to return. She desired to know what the hawks were seeing and whereabouts of the savages. Her nerves were putting her into a frenzy. 

As if Jayde had read her mind, she came racing up with more news. “They made it to our town,” her golden eyes wide with worry. 

Malkia breathed out slowly, “Justin was right, they made it there just like he predicted. Is it the whole group, or just their trackers?” 

“Just the trackers.” Jayde inhaled sharply. 

Malkia nodded. “The town is just up there,” she pointed forward, and to the left. “As soon as we are settled in, let’s take a moment and apprise all the leads, and plan what we are going to do next.” 

“Sounds good. I’m going to convey what I know to my mom, and help her settle in. I will meet you at the main camp fire.” Jayde pulled back on the rope attached to her pegasus, easing her way through the crowd. 

Within the hour they were all settled in their camp and all the towns people had set up their tents, with most of them asleep. Malkia, Dario, Skye and Curtis gathered with all the trackers and Jayde, along with Mataya. Malkia nodded towards Jayde, giving her the floor. 

Jayde rose, explaining what the hawks had seen. “It was really difficult to see at times. Their trackers are sly devils, but the hawks finally found three different ones. One of them had just come through the woods, and was observing at our town. He features were frightening.” She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. “I’ve never seen a human appear that large and burly before, which makes me wonder where these people really came from. Anyway, I’m not sure if he noticed our absence, but he turned back into the woods and whistled. The two other trackers sprinted his direction. At this point, they have gathered just inside the woods on the north end of town. They have not ventured into town and I am wondering if they are waiting for others before they advance. As for the group, they are only a few hours... Oh wait!” Jayde sagged against the boulder behind her, falling into a trance, as her ebony hair slid in front of her face.   

The entire group held their breath, waiting for the news. They had all feared this point, where their absence would be discovered. They were too large of a group for these savages to disregard them. It was evident, it was only a matter of time before this assembly was actually tracking them. 

Jayde swept her hair out of her face, as she recovered from her trance, eyeing her comrades. “There is another tracker. The hawks missed this one. He must have high tailed it back to the large group once he heard the whistle. He was speaking to an irate man, who was shouting and pointing in the direction of our town. Then the tracker began racing back to our town, with the group tailing behind him. And they seem to be speeding up! They saw the hawks and a few of them shot arrows at them and I think they got one!” Jayde sobbed, cradling her face in her hands. 

Malkia stood up, curling her arm around Jayde’s thin shoulders. She knew it was tough on her. The whole situation was problematic, and they all knew they were running for their lives. 

“There’s a possibility these savages will arrive sooner than anticipated.” Malkia eyed her leads, placing her hand on Jayde’s shoulder. “I am not sure how the trackers will respond, when they discover our absence, but chances are they might head out after us immediately. We will not have much time here, so we all have to converge our ideas together, and ensure we have a clear plan on what both of our groups are going to do.” She twisted to stare at Curtis and Skye. “The larger group has a long journey ahead of them without Dario, myself and a few key players. Devise some ideas on how you can compensate for our absence.” 

Skye and Curtis nodded, glancing at one another. 

Malkia stepped forward, standing tall. “I do need to request a favor from a few of you. Kelsey, Janesa, Kendrick and Damion we need you four to accompany Dario and me southbound while the rest of the group heads east. We have a handful of others we will be asking as well, but we do need your abilities to assist in distracting and misleading those savages, from the other group. Would you all be willing to come with us?” She asked, regarding each of them. 

The four of them agreed to go with the smaller group, turning to speak quietly to one another, as Malkia moved away from them. 

Malkia pulled Jayde aside. “Are you going to be okay?” She asked. 

“I’ll be fine.” Jayde said, clenching her jaw. “I can handle this Malkia. It is difficult to have one of my hawks hurt or killed, but we all have a part in this plan and anyone could perish, at this point. I will be fine and I understand my role.” 

“I know you do. I just don’t want to push you too hard. You are not unbreakable.” A wary smile surfaced on Malkia’a lips. “Please tell me if it starts becoming too distressing. Your health and endurance are far too important to our group.” 

Jayde quickly nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. “I will do whatever it takes to keep us safe. I might push myself hard at times, but I am praying I will at survive, until we are out of harm’s way.” 

Jayde walked away from Malkia and sat down next to Curtis. Malkia noticed a tear escape her eye, before she hastily wiped it away. She breathed in deep, closing her eyes for a moment, before strolling over to the group and sitting next to Mataya.  

Over the next couple of hours they kept busy giving out ideas and thinking through different plans. It was rough arguing and negotiating with the ones she loved, but they did make progress and Malkia was grateful for the support they chose to give to one another. 

She got lost in her own mind, when she happened to glance at Jayde and watched as she fell into another trance. Jayde’s face grimaced several times, appearing to be distraught. Malkia hushed the group, pointing at Jayde. Curtis peered over, cradling his arm around her for support.  

A moment later Jayde returned from her reverie, gaping sadly at the group. “Apparently, the fourth tracker has closed in enough to communicate to the other trackers. The three of them are advancing into our town right now. As of a few minutes ago, they had not reached it, but they were close. I’m not sure what their plan is, but I am assuming they are smart enough to know they cannot take on the whole town, with just the three of them.” 

“We all hope you’re right,” Malkia murmured, her lips set in a grim line. “We will continue to monitor the group through the sight of the hawks. Jacob, we need you to begin your work with the pixies. Jayde, please rest, but inform the hawks to keep us updated on anything those savages do. We all need to rest, so each of you should take,” Malkia abruptly stopped talking, as she noticed Jayde fall into another trance.  

The spells were obviously forced by the hawks, which they only did if they had vital information. Malkia was afraid they were going to put too much pressure on Jayde’s’ body, making her inoperative for remainder of their journey. 

She was only out for a moment, when her wide eyes focused back on the group. “They have discovered we are gone. They peeked in the windows, then braved the venture indoors. Now they are running through the town checking every dwelling. They were shouting, and the fourth tracker is now returning to their large group. We might not be able to stay here all night. Their group should be to our town within the next few hours. If their leader tells them to start tracking us, our large group would need to be well on their way to the east.” 

It was time to panic. This was exactly what Malkia had not wanted to happen. She had hoped they would have taken more time to check on their homes. She knew right then they would be tracking her group as soon as they were given the orders. Yes, they were nearly a day behind them, but if the trackers were bounding towards them within the hour, they could track their whereabouts and find the larger group. 

Dario walked up to her and put his arm around her. “You need to lie down and rest. The next few days are going to be rough. We all need some sleep, before we take on this group.” 

“No, I can’t,” Malkia responded, pacing back and forth. “My mind is racing and there is so much to do before we separate. I’m not positive I can handle this pressure. I am afraid our plan will not work, and the group will not be safe. Our people need to begin their journey soon, so we can cover up their tracks. I do not think my anxiety will allow me sleep. You go rest and tell the others to do so as well. I will wake everybody up when it is time to depart.” 

Dario shook his head and Malkia watched as he walked away, wishing he would stay with her. She could use his mind to throw around ideas with and it would be nice to have someone keep her company. She did not have the heart to ask him to stay, so she continued to pace further and further away from the group, so they could relax. She found a rock to sit down on and began to go over some ideas rolling around in her head.  

“Malkia?” 

She jumped from the sound of the deep voice and whipped herself around. Dario was standing a few feet away, his jaw clenched, and his arms crossed over his chest.  

Malkia rose from her rock and walked over to Dario, embracing him in a big hug. She needed him so bad. It was so much easier to sort through her mind if she had someone there to assist her. She pulled away and gazed up at him and smiled. “Thank you for returning. I am not sure I can do this alone.” 

He grinned back at her and for a moment they just looked at one another. Then Dario put his hand under her chin and pulled her face towards his and met her lips with his.  

It lasted only a moment and when Malkia pulled back, her brain was in a fog. She stumbled backwards and glanced back at Dario. For an instant she noticed pain in his eyes, but as quick as it was there it was gone. 

He shook his head and walked over to the rock where Malkia had been sitting.  “Let’s finish this, so we can move out,” he said, looking down at the rock, as he patted it for Malkia to sit back down.  

Malkia walked back to the rock and put her hand on Dario’s shoulder. His expression was blank as he glanced up at her. She shook her head and sat down on the rock, holding back her tears. He could not see her feeling weak. 

“We have about two hours before we should start waking the others you would like to join us going south. We will need to speak with Jacob and see what the pixies have decided and the large group will require preparations for their journey east.” He paused, his deadpan expression remaining in place, as if he was under a spell. “Once the other group is gone we will do all we can to cover their tracks and make it appear as if we all continued south. We will hightail in that direction, as quickly as we can, and set up points along the way to keep them confused and distracted from the east,” Dario said all of this, as if it was coming directly from Malkia’s mind.  

He knew her way too well. Malkia peered at Dario with sadness in her eyes, “Dario I do care about you and if we were not running for our lives, I could probably think more clearly about you and I. I do not feel this is the time or place to jump into something, we both know could just be sparked from the high emotions of the whole situation.” 

Dario shook his head again, his face crimson, as he angrily responded, “Are you blind Malkia? Do you really think my feelings for you were ignited from this state of affairs? Maybe you responding to me is because of your high emotions, but my feelings towards you have been strong long before this whole situation began.” 

Dario was shaking as he finished. He turned away from Malkia and stepped towards the others. After a few feet he stopped and turned back towards her. “What do you want me to do first? Is there something to prepare before we wake everyone? Should we find Jacob?” 

“Yes, Jacob first,” Malkia responded, as she stood up. 

They strolled towards the group and tip-toed through the masses of people asleep on the ground. Malkia could see Jacob over towards the edge of the group, talking with Kendrick and Skye. She led Dario over there and quietly walked over to them, not wanting to interrupt what they were speaking about. 

Jacob smiled when he saw the two of them approaching, “Oh, good you are here. I was just on my way to you, when I ran into these two. The response I received from the pixies was excellent. They trust you Malkia. You might not realize this, but they watch you and they believe you are a great leader. They say you lead with your heart which sometimes can be disparaging, but they were amazed how you are always able to turn it back around and center yourself.” 

Malkia half smiled and looked over at Dario. He still appeared stern and upset, but his face softened. She was not positive why they had hesitated before now to contact the pixies. If she knew they had been observing her, she would have built this relationship long before now. 

“Thanks, Jacob!” Malkia beamed at the group, her nerves easing for the moment. “Thank you for connecting with them. Will they be willing to speak with me personally, or do they prefer to only speak through you?” 

“They said they will speak mostly to me, but when it is necessary they will request your presence. They have already sent some of their assemblage to observe the savages, and will be reporting back to me within the next hour. I know Jayde is sleeping, so this will make it easier for her as well. Seeing through the hawks’ eyes is draining, and I do not want her giving up, before we even have a chance to start this,” Jacob replied. 

“We are happy for their help,” Malkia smiled. Turning to the rest of the group, “This would be a good time for everyone to sleep. We want to be on full alert, when we split up.” 

“I’m running on adrenaline, and I don’t think I could lie down even if I tried,” Skye replied, wringing her hands together, as her eyes darted around the minor crowd. 

“Same here,” responded Kendrick and Jacob.  

Malkia nodded, biting her lip. “I’m feeling the same way, but I worry if we all do not rest, then we will be useless when it matters most. But, if you really cannot sleep, then formulate some ideas for our journey south, and for covering up the tracks of the larger group.” 

They all split into their separate ways, and Malkia watched as Dario hurried away from her, making it obvious he did not want to speak. It upset her to see him troubled and angry, but she could not focus on his affection for her.   

Malkia strolled to where Mataya was sleeping and sat down next to her. She softly played with Mataya’s wavy hair and thought of the past when she was happily married, and had a beautiful baby girl. 

Mataya was overjoyed to have a niece to play with. Their whole family was ecstatic by the baby. It had been a wonderful part of her life and she wished she could return to that time.  

Mataya was nine years younger than her, and had always been her little baby sister. She wanted to protect her from every danger, and now that they were facing it again, her emotions were on the surface when it came to this girl. She just wished she could go back and protect her baby girl, and husband as well. The sadness of that day overwhelmed her at times. 

It took some time, but she eventually let those feelings slide through her body and then used the planets energy to ground herself. She came back to reality and began to sort through the next day’s events in her head.  

Her mind was beginning to quiet down, when Jacob raced up to her and whispered into her ear, he had heard from the pixies. Quietly, she slipped away from Mataya, stepping away to talk to Jacob. 

“The pixies have news,” Jacob exclaimed, his eyes wide, breathing heavily. “The trackers didn’t leave immediately. They waited until their leader arrived at the edge of the forest. Once he saw the size of our town, he gave them the orders to find us. He believes we are large enough to do damage to his plans, and doesn’t want us to escape. Fortunately, the trackers remain over a half day behind us. This will give us time to move the larger group out of the area, cover their tracks and head on south. Do you want everyone to wake up now, or should we wait?” He asked, inhaling deeply, to catch his breath. 

“They could use a little more rest,” Malkia replied, peering over the campfires. “Let’s find Dario, Skye and Curtis and meet back at the center fire. Once we are all on the same page, we can wake up the rest of the group. If you see them before I do, let them know to meet there.” 

Jacob nodded. “Sounds good. Is there anything you would like me to tell the pixies?” 

“Yes, tell them thank you. If they are able, have them return to watch the trackers and their group. And I would love an update before we leave.” 

“I will inform them.” Jacob said, turning away from Malkia. “I will meet you at the center fire as soon as I am done speaking with them.” He said over his shoulder. 

Malkia hurried out to find her team leads. She found Skye, but Curtis and Dario seemed to have disappeared. She was worried something had happened and feeling frantic from the sudden urgency. It was not like either one of them to disappear without saying anything. 

Skye and her separated to search for them, and agreed to meet at the center fire in fifteen minutes. Malkia walked into the forest, hoping to find Curtis and Dario hanging out in the trees. She wandered around for about five minutes until she could no longer see the lights from the camp fires.  

As she turned back around she smacked into a warm body. “Ouch!” she exclaimed. She rubbed her nose and glanced up. The older bearded man was no one she had seen before. 

He stifled her scream with his hand and put his finger up to his mouth. He was peering behind her and his eyes were wide and intense, on what he was glaring at. “Get behind me,” he whispered. The fear in his eyes convinced Malkia to follow his orders. 

She slid behind him, peeking back around to see what he was staring at. A massive beast was lumbering straight for them, and Malkia cringed at the thought of running into that fiend instead of this wild man. She hoped the latter was the better of them two. 

As it was advancing towards her, Malkia could hear a peculiar racket in her head. Her temples pulsated, from the confusion, and she had to focus twice as hard on the scene before her. 

The man yanked out a large knife, waving it erratically at the beast. In all her travels, Malkia had never seen an animal as big as this one, being four or five times larger than Parowan, and it appeared as if it had two heads. 

Without warning, its large wings spread and spiky heads reared backwards, while its red beady eyes glared at the two of them. Malkia gasped, realizing this was the last creature she believed, would ever come in contact with her.


Chapter One


Chapter Two


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