Dawning Ascent (The Pearson Prophecy Book 1) Read online

  Dawning Ascent

  The Pearson Prophecy, Book One

  Jen L. Grey

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  About the Author

  Acknowledgments

  Also by Jen L. Grey

  Dawning Ascent

  Jen L. Grey

  2017 Jen L. Grey

  Power comes with a price.

  Treated like an outcast in her own kingdom, Ariah learned to live in the shadows. But as she comes into her powers, she catches the eye of her life long crush and an unlikely ally. Trusting either of them could help her along a dangerous journey... or could bring her journey to a dangerous end.

  When enemies come to light and distrust spreads, Ariah's safety is put in jeopardy. If she places her trust in the wrong people, her hidden powers will be unveiled to those who wish to use them against her.

  To survive, Ariah must learn who has her best interests at heart. If she chooses wrong, it could mean not only her own death, but the crumbling of the entire country.

  * * *

  All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitious, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events, or locales is coincidental.

  Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Proofread by Kendra Gaither

  Edited by Kendra Gaither

  Cover Design Eden Elements

  To my husband and loving daughters. Thank you for supporting my dream.

  Prologue

  With the full moon shining high in the sky and the stars twinkling brightly, a prophecy was foretold. At the height of all the country’s suffering, this was exactly what the people needed to hear to drive their continued fight for survival. The country would get a second chance to thrive, a second chance for someone to come to power and lead the surrounding lands back into prosperity.

  The Pearson family was one of the few that didn’t feel the effects of the surrounding kingdoms. Not because they remained profitable, but because they had always been poor and really didn’t belong to any kingdom. They lived in the portion of the woods that bordered all four kingdoms, vowing allegiance to and being claimed by none of them. The prophecy named them as the target.

  The lands are made up of four kingdoms: Agrolon in the South, Crealon in the West, Orlon in the North, and Noslon in the East. When the phoenix rose from the southernmost edge of the land to give news of the prophecy, the kingdom of Agrolon was the first to get word before it spread to the others. With this news, the rulers made it a point to appoint all future Pearsons as King’s Advisors, so they could keep them close and stand above the others.

  Throughout these kingdoms, only females had ever been afforded the ability to harness the earth’s power. The males were leaders, by ruling and in battle, and spent their lives protecting their powerful females. Although there was always a king in place as ruler, it was the females who mattered, and it was their family names that passed down through the generations.

  And so, the prophecy foretold of a period of darkness before light would once again reign.

  Dark will prevail, and distrust will run rampant. With the people unaware, an evil tyrant will arise. A corrupt kingdom will prevail until a second of Pearson ascends. Her unrivaled power will transcend after a bond is formed. Trials and tribulations will abound. Only then can she bring the light to the dark, with the power of three and a key.

  This is how my story began…

  Chapter One

  Laying in the garden is one of my favorite things in the world. The sun warms my body, causing my power to pulse through me. It’s always strongest when I’m outside with nature, almost as if I’m part of it. I breathe in the fragrant hyacinths, lilies, and jasmine blooming all around me, feeling a sense of peace here that I’m unable to find anywhere else. From what I’ve been told, before my birth, this garden was nothing but weeds and dead trees. I find that hard to fathom because it’s vibrant now.

  After a few moments, my power flares. It takes my breath away, and I struggle to get it under control. This makes no sense to me since it’s been happening more. I’m not the Savior; my sister, Emerson, is the prophesized Savior, but in training, she drains a lot faster than I do. Granted, I reached the age of eighteen this past month, which is the age of Enlightenment where our powers finally grow to their full strength. She’s a year younger than I so she hasn’t peaked yet. She’s been practicing for a while with the strongest power holders in the kingdom, preparing for her role as the Savior. It’s a good thing all of that isn’t expected from me, but there are times I can’t help but wonder, what if.

  The only good thing is that Logan and I are in this together. He’s two years older than I am, but he has always been my best friend, and I would do anything for him. Unfortunately, I haven’t had that privilege with Emerson. In reality, we don’t know each other at all. King Percy was so impatient for my parents to give birth to a second daughter, who would be the Savior, that he kept our family close, naming Father as one of his advisors. As soon as I was born, King Percy badgered my parents into getting pregnant again as soon as possible. Just minutes after Emerson was born, my father grabbed her and ran out the door, taking her to the king’s quarters. After that, he and Emerson were given new quarters away from the rest of his family and close to the royals. I don’t remember any of it, since I was still just a baby, but everyone says it’s what caused my mother to change.

  Someone unexpectedly plops down beside me. I startle and turn to find myself staring into a pair of piercing blue eyes. Nick. His blonde hair shines in the light, and his dimples are on full display. I’ve had a crush on him forever.

  Nick nudges his shoulder into mine. “What are you doing out here, Raven?”

  I cringe. “Please, don’t call me that. You know how much I hate that nickname.”

  Nick smiles as he shifts closer to me.

  What is he doing? We normally keep a safe distance between us. He is the same age as my brother and is one of the few people who have always treated me as a person. We’ve been close, but we try to keep it hidden. I don’t need to become more of a target with the king than I already am. I already walk on egg shells around him. The few times his father found him talking to me, he’d ask, loudly, why Nick wastes time on me when he could be talking to my sister. Nick whispers an apology and then turns and walks away. I don’t blame him. His father is not very forgiving. My secret beatings from him are a testament of that.

  He leans in close, his tone light
. “Oh, come on, Ariah. I only do that because you get so flustered.”

  He’s incorrigible. However, I’m not going to complain about his attention.

  He leans closer, dropping his voice once more. “Do you want to know a secret?”

  I nod, my heart pounding.

  “My sister is jealous of your dark hair and how you stand out amongst everyone. You hold yourself apart from them, and they feel inferior when they see you use your power.”

  No, this can’t be true. It’s vital I stay under the radar. He watches me, and my palms get sweaty. I’m not sure what to say, but this conversation needs to change direction fast. I have to say something but need to leave before it can be expanded on. I take a deep breath. “If the princess thinks that, then she must be watching someone else. I tire out before anyone else. Look, I’m sorry, but I promised Logan that I would meet him now. I really need to go.” I stand, avoiding his gaze, and run back to the house, forgetting my blanket and leaving my peaceful haven behind.

  I feel bad leaving Nick like that, but he can’t know the truth. It’s for his own good. It’s hard not to tell him everything because we’ve been close for twelve years now, ever since his mother passed away.

  After the queen’s funeral, I went to my special spot in the garden to grieve and was surprised when I saw he was already there. When I walked up, Nick was lying on the grass with his knees pulled to his chest. His eyes were red from crying, and he didn’t even notice my approach.

  Even then, I was drawn toward him. I knelt down and wrapped my arms around him. We cried together, mourning the loving woman we both had lost for very different reasons. She was one of the few who treated me like an actual person.

  After a while, Nick had gotten up, dried his eyes, and tried to calm himself. I remember looking at him, wondering why he would be worried about his appearance at a time like this.

  His young eyes looked at me, searching for understanding. “Ari, a prince cannot act weak, ever. My father would lock me up in my room for days. This is our secret.”

  A kinship blossomed between us. We were two young kids being honest with each other, looking for someone to trust and confide in.

  Ever since then, we would meet at our special spot as much as possible. Nick was busy with his royal duties, but in these stolen moments, we could just talk about our families or make up some crazy story with each other. We would concoct tales about us leaving the palace and starting a new life far, far away. As we got older, our times together got shorter and less frequent, but we still sought each other out, almost as if something was attempting to push us together.

  The past year, things have been awkward between us. I yearn for his company, but in a different way that I am still not sure I understand. Every time, my hands get clammy and butterflies take flight in my stomach, so when he points out how different I am from everyone else, it bothers me. I am worried that he doesn’t want to be around me any longer, now that he realizes how different I am from Emerson.

  If that were to ever happen, my heart would be broken in two. I guess it’s better that it happens now, though, before I get even more attached.

  I walk into our house and stop in the doorway. Mother’s room and bathroom are on one side, while me and Logan share a bath, and our rooms are down a hallway on opposite sides. The den is simple, containing a couch, coffee table, and loveseat, with a bookshelf in the corner. Our kitchen is a decent size and contains a table for six in the center. Each bedroom has a large bed, chest of drawers, and closet.

  My brother, Logan, is in the den. He looks up from his place on the couch. I feel a nudging inside me where he is using our bond. “What’s wrong, Ariah?”

  Sometimes, I hate that we formed a magical bond when we were little. It’s really inconvenient because he figures things out before I even have time to sort through everything. However, I don’t know if I would have made it that day if he hadn’t tried to take my pain away. Of course, if anyone knew of this, we would be targeted by the royal family more than we already are. We are already unfavored and live here to keep up appearances that our family is loyal. So, our bond is a huge secret that we bear.

  I sigh and bite my lip. “I ran into Prince Nicholas in the garden, and he commented that everyone notices me and that I stand out. I’ve tried so hard to keep hidden, but my power keeps growing.” I rub my hands down my face. “I’m losing control.”

  Logan stays quiet for a minute and then leans forward. “Oh, Ari, this is bad.” He rubs the back of his neck. “All we can do is keep staying under the radar. You know what will happen if we don’t.”

  Oh, yes. We would become a target and would have no one to protect us. Our father despises us, accusing Logan and I for his disfavor in the king’s eyes. By Logan being born, and then me, just a means to get the Savior, along with my weird looks, the king gets annoyed every time he sees us. Even though I am grown, it still hurts to recall how Father blamed Logan and I for things Emerson had done, in order to protect her from the beatings that scarred my and my brother’s skin. The king never questioned our guilt, and I can’t help but flinch at my memories.

  I nod. “You’re right. I will be more aware, and careful, when using my power.” I can do this.

  He hands me a book. “All right, now that we have that resolved, how about we do some reading?”

  After a while, Mother comes home. Her long, curly red hair is wild from the wind, and her dark green eyes are clouded with concern. Her eyes widen, and she takes a few deep breaths. “I was out riding one of the horses today when I came across an abandoned campsite in the woods near the palace borders. It appears people are watching again. I just wish people would leave our family alone.”

  Ugh, I’m so tired of this. Our whole life has been dictated by this prophecy. I just wish it wasn’t our family targeted.

  Logan stands. “How big was the site?”

  Not wanting to hear anything else, I slip out of our quarters, needing time to myself. They both watch me leave, knowing I need to get away.

  At the gardens, I stroll to my usual spot and grab the soft tan blanket I left behind earlier. The sky is dark, and the stars are bright. Wow, we lost track of time. My skin crawls, as if I’m being watched and, unbidden, my powers stir.

  Nick emerges from the shadows.

  I try to rein in the all-encompassing power pulsing, but it’s a struggle. I clutch my hand to my chest and focus on containing the energy. “Nick, what are you doing here? You scared me.”

  Nick looks at me with concern. “I figured you would come out here. I went looking for you after dinner but couldn’t find you anywhere. Why’d you run off earlier? Don’t pretend that you had to meet your brother. I wasn’t trying to make you uncomfortable.”

  Taking a deep breath and steadying myself, I bite my lip.

  He takes my silence as an opportunity to step closer and reaches out, touching my cheek.

  All thoughts leave me at this sweet gesture.

  After a moment, he eliminates all the space between us.

  My heart pounds so hard, it’s ringing in my ears. I smell his spicy scent all around me. “What are you doing?”

  He smiles. “Why, Ariah, I’m thinking about kissing you; that is, if you want me to. I’ve been trying to explain how I feel for you but obviously not well. Like earlier, when I was telling you how everyone notices you, you left. Is it because you don’t feel the same way about me and don’t want to hear my confession?”

  What in Knova is going on? Is he being serious? My eyes widen. “I’m not Emerson!”

  He laughs. “Good thing, or this could get very awkward.” Then, he leans down and places his lips on mine.

  Oh my goodness, he’s kissing me. My lips tingle, and I respond to his kiss. It’s even better than the power pulsing through me.

  He leans back, his face gentle and eyes soft.

  How do you act after your first kiss? I don’t even know. Do we even have a future? “You’re the prince. There isn’t any way we can be to
gether.”

  Nick touches my cheek with his fingers. “You let me worry about that. I’ve wanted you for a long time, and I won’t hide my feelings any longer. You have the brightest smile when you think no one is looking, and I’ve watched how you protect the ones you love. I’ve thought this through, and I’m willing to fight for us... if you’re willing to have me.”

  Is he being serious? How could he think I wouldn’t want him? We have been friends for so long, and to realize that he feels the same way as I do has my heart feeling like it might explode. Despite everything, the king springs to my mind. He won’t allow this. “Are you sure?”

  In response, he kisses me again, then we make ourselves comfortable in the garden, enjoying the full moon and each other. This spot is definitely my favorite place in the world.

  Chapter Two

  A noise startles me out of my deep sleep. I force my eyes open and search for the blasted electric alarm to turn off. Sleep deprivation makes moving my arms difficult. After silencing the alarm, I fall back into bed. My thoughts go to Nick and last night. I can’t believe he kissed me! It was better than I ever imagined it could be.

  My body wants to lay here all day, but the day has just begun. The scent of fresh coffee infiltrates my nose. I wonder if they used the new coffee maker we got a few weeks ago. My body reacts, and I jump up, heading straight to the coffee, bypassing Mother and Logan at the dark walnut kitchen table. I walk over the counter, grab the largest cup I can find, and fill it to the top. I plop in a seat at the table, joining them. “Good morning!”