SHADOW Song

Crysta DenOuden, author of the Dark Angel series ~The Daughters of the Otherworld series book 1~ Kalikas story Also in the Daughters of the Otherworld series: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Shadow Song Sapphires Moon Chosen Wings Heavenly Wings Once Gifted Always Gifted

Prologue My name is Kali Moore. I used to be a normal girl, trying to get by life. At least, I was until I died. Yeah, you heard me. I died and now I have the ability to see the dead. And the dead, well, they want to be seen. I cant tell anyone about my ability, or Ill wind up in a padded cell. Im Shadow Bound. Im sworn to keep the dead a secret and deal with it myself. This all happened when I was driving the car that killed my friend, Hannah. Its been eight months since the accident and now Im sure the dead is following me around. God only knows what they want My name is Kali, Im sixteen-years-old and I have the ability to see the dead who want to be seen. This is my story.

Chapter ONE: Anything can happen at any time in the world.

~Eight months previously~ Kali, dont you think Edward Cullen is hot? My friend Hannah asked me. We were driving home from my house, where wed watched a movie. I think that Jacob is hotter. I mean, who wants to date a super pale vampire? I asked, giggling. Are you drunk? Did you not notice his abs? Hannah asked incredulously. I did. But Jacob Black is ten-times better looking. I said. I guess. What about Emmett? She asked. Now that is what Im talking bout. Gorgeous in the name of Kellan Lutz. I said. She laughed. Exactly. She said. I didnt even see the car. It was just there. All I saw were headlights. KALI! Hannah screamed. The car came at us from the side, driving too fast on the dark street to notice us. The driver hit us. Open your eyes. Said a voice above my head. I opened my eyes. I was in a white room. There was a woman standing in front of me. Where am I? I asked. Youre dead. Said the woman. I stared at her like she was insane. She probably was. No. Im not dead. I said. You have a choice. You may remain here in the Afterlife with me and your grandfather, or you may return to the world of the living and be gifted with the Sight of the Dead. She said. I dont understand. what do you mean? I asked. You will be able to see those who are gone. She said. Who are you? I asked. Lets just say Im a Guardian Angel. She said. So Im in heaven? I asked. Of course not. Didnt you listen to a word I just said? Youre in the Afterlife. She said. Huh. I said. Hurry child. There is not much time. You must make your choice. Here or There? She asked. I choose to be alive. I said. Then the white room disappeared and so did the woman. ~*~ I remembered waking up in a hospital with my mother leaning over me. Wheres Hannah? Id mumbled. My mom had looked away, tears in her eyes. Im sorry, Kali. Hannahs gone. Mom had said. Its my fault. Id whispered. No, Kali. It is not your fault. Its not your fault. Mom had said, repeating the words over and over again. ~*~ Then, suddenly, its Hannahs funeral. Its been two days since the accident and I just got out of the hospital the day before. I stared at Hannahs black coffin, the one with the red tulips on the top. We gather in the memory of Hannah Marie Bright, daughter of Sarah and Michael Bright, sister of The priests voice drowned out. I couldnt help but think of how cruel this was to Hannah. Why would you put someone you loved in the ground, in the dirt, with all the bugs and animals? But everyone is put in a coffin when they die. Except for those whose bodies arent found. A single tear fell down my face, my moms hand tightens on my shoulder. I remember something that Hannah once told me, it was totally random, but I still remembered it: Someday, we will find out if the world ends, but someday, we will each end, its as sure as our birth. We are to be born to die again, as the body returns to ashes, and the ashes return to dust, and the dust soars into Heaven to be found again. Because maybe the world wont end, but maybe we will. I would never forget Hannah Bright, I would never forget her smile, her laughter. I knew Hannah didnt exist in body, but that she existed in spirit. I believed that Hannah had found Heaven and that she was there with her Grandfather, and I believed that she was happy. That she was okay. Keep your eyes open and dont be distracted,

Life can end in a blink of an eye.

Chapter TWO: Are you ready for school? My mom asked, sipping her morning coffee at the kitchen table. The bright Malibu sun was hot on my neck. Weve only lived here for three months. Im still not used to the heat at this hour in the morning. Yeah. I replied. Good. Ill see you at five. Mom said. She worked at the local Police Station. Okay. I said. I grabbed a granola bar and a water bottle and left. The sun beat on my back as I drove to West Malibu High. I was so, so careful as I drove the streets. Accidents did that to you, I heard, made you cautious. Id read on the Internet that people who have accidents are afraid of the very things that caused them. I had been in a car accident, therefore, I was terrified of cars. Not like a phobia, but I was still scared of them when I drove, so I drove super careful. It was the first day at West Malibu High and I hadnt been to any school since June, after summer holidays started. I was in the tenth grade, having just turned sixteen a week and a half ago. I didnt look like Id ever lived in Malibu. I had brown hair and bangs that have to be cut every three weeks, I have deep green eyes that my mom swears are a different color all on their own, deeper than emerald but lighter than the forest green Ive seen in paint. I sighed and pulled into the parking lot. Here we go. ~*~ Even though Id been on a tour of West Malibu High, the school was still huge and I still managed to get lost. I was late for my first class. Just my luck, I thought as I slumped down in my chair and tried to pay attention to my teacher, Mr. Brown. I was exhausted already and it was only my first class. Seven classes to go, I thought wearily. Hey! Hey Kali, wait up! Someone called after me. I turned around to see a blonde, wavy haired girl with sapphire blue eyes running up to me. She was from Mr. Browns class, I remembered. Hi. I said. Hey. Im Sapphire. Sapphire Robinson. Youre new here, right? She asked. Yeah. Im Kali. Kali Moore. I said. She grinned. Cool. Whats your next class? She asked. Um Art with Ms. June. I said. Lucky. Shes awesome. We have the same class. So does my friend Sabryna. She said. Sapphires a pretty name. I said as we walked. She grimaced. I dont think so. Its cause of my eyes. My eyes are sapphire colored, so my mom named me Sapphire. She said. I like it. Its unique. I said. Is Kali short for anything? She asked. Yeah. Kalika. I said. Cool. Like the goddess, Kali Ma, or Kalika. She said. I guess. I said. We had reached the studio. We went inside. Sapphire joined a girl with black hair and blue eyes at a lab-type table near the windows. I sat down as close as I could, which happened to be in the very back of the room, beside a boy with dark hair that hung in his piercing brown eyes. He looked nice. I never really paid attention to boys before, I had a lot of guy friends back in Toronto. Hey. Im Ethan. He said, holding out his hand. I shook it. His hand was strong, like bakers hands. Hi. Im Kali. I said. Cool. He said. Ms. June came in and started to explain about basic art and what would be required. I sighed. It was going to be a long year.

~*~ After class, Ethan and I exchanged phone numbers and I went to catch up with Sapphire. She was walking with two other girls. Hey. I said. Hey Kali. Guys, this is Kali Moore. Shes new to West Malibu. Kali, this is Aubrianna Night. Sapphire said. The girl with dark red curls nodded. Hi. She said. She had mocha brown eyes. And Sabryna Riley. Sapphire finished. Hey. Sabryna said. She was the girl from art, with black hair and blue eyes. Were you sitting beside Ethan Christopher? That guy with brown hair? Aubrianna asked. Oh. Um. Yeah. I said. Hes hot. Good job. She said. Thanks. I guess. I said. So, where are you from, Kali? Sabryna asked me. Toronto. I said. Cool. It must be nice to see some snow. It never snows here. She said. I guess. I never really thought about it. Usually, its pretty for the first month and a half, until Christmas, then it gets really annoying. I said. Sabryna shrugged. Did you have a boyfriend in Toronto? Aubrianna asked. No. None of the guys I knew were interested in me. that way. I said. None of them? She asked, clearly amazed. Nope. I said. Huh. She said. Aubreys into boys. Ignore it. Sapphire told me. I grinned. I think every girl is into boys, even if they wont admit it. Sabryna said. I laughed. And that was how it began with my new friends. ~*~ For the next couple of weeks, I hung out with Sapphire, Aubrianna and Sabryna every day during and after school. Sometimes we hung out at Sapphires house, sometimes at Aubriannas house, sometimes even at Sabrynas house, although we rarely hung out at Sabrynas. It was super crowded. Bryn had three sisters and two brothers, plus her and her parents. Bryn was the middle child. Her oldest sister was Angela, she was 18 and in her senior year at West Malibu, her oldest brother, Corey, was 14 and in eighth grade, her youngest sister, Kirsten, was 9 and she was in fourth grade, her middle sister was Jess and she was 15 and starting her first year of high school, her middle brother was Justin and he was 16, he was Bryns dads son, and he was in the same grade as us. Her parents, Aimee and Mark, had married after Aimee had Bryn, Corey and Jess (thats short for Jessica), Mark had Kirsten, Angela and Justin. Aubriannas house was a little less crowded on the siblings side, she had two brothers, Andrew and Mike, who were content to stay away from us while we hung out in Aubriannas room. Sapphires house was the best. She lived with her mom, Daphne, and her little sister, who was five, Bridgit. I didnt have any siblings, so my house would be ideal, but somehow we always ended up at Sapphires. Three weeks into school, Phire, Aubrey, Bryn and I were all hanging out after school at the park. Do you guys want to come to my house Friday night? My mom said I could have a couple friends over. I said. I cant. My moms having this meeting on Friday and I have to stay home and help Ang babysit. Bryn said. My mom has a date on Friday. I have to take care of Bridgit. Sorry, Kali. Sapphire said. I looked hopefully at Aubrey. I cant either. I promised Drake Id catch a movie with him Friday. Im sorry. Aubrey said. I sighed. Thats okay. Is Drake that tall guy on the football team? Drake Michaels? I asked. She giggled. You bet. He asked me out yesterday. She said. I grinned. You go girl. Hes hot. I said. Thanks. So, as you keep forgetting, is Ethan Christopher. She said. Oh. Um were just friends. I said. Maybe we werent even that. Ethan never talked to me in class, although we spent hours texting at night. I wasnt sure if that was considered friendship or what. Maybe you should ask him. Hell probably hang with you Friday. Aubrey suggested. Maybe. I said. I wasnt feeling very well all of a sudden. Just then, I saw it. My first ghost. I knew it was a ghost because whoever it was, was like a million years old. He had a wrinkled face and crinkling grey eyes and grey hair. I froze. Kali He whispered. Kali. I was frozen in my place. I couldnt move. I couldnt speak. Kali, whats wrong? Are you okay? Sapphire asked, waving her hand in front of my face. I barely noticed. Kali Kali save me. The ghost said. Save you? What do you mean? I asked finally. The girls stared at me as if I was nuts. Kali? Are you okay, hon? Sapphire asked. What do you want with me? I screamed at the ghost. People in the park were staring. Kali? Sapphire pleaded. I blinked. The ghost disappeared. Was he even real? I wondered. Sorry I I

couldnt think of a lie. I was stumped. Kali honey, what happened? Sapphire asked. We walked away from the playground. Will you guys think Im crazy? I asked. No. They said in unison. I took a deep breath and started explaining everything that had happened, including the accident in which Hannah had died. Okay so youre seeing ghosts because you died for like, five minutes? Sapphire asked. I dont know. Its not the first time Ive seen him. Its the same ghost. I had a dream about him. I saw him at the cemetery in Toronto, and now hes here. Its like hes following me. I said. Maybe he is. You said he asked you to save him? Sapphire asked. Yeah. I said, swallowing. I was afraid now. Maybe I was crazy, or maybe I really was seeing ghosts. They looked at each other, their faces showed nothing, but I could tell that there was something up. Do you guys know something about this? Because if you do, you have to tell me. I said. We dont know anything. Sapphire said, speaking for all of them. I sighed. I have to go, my mom will be wondering where I am. I said. Wait. Youll text me if it happens again, right? Sapphire asked. Yes. I said. I left the three of them there, at the park. Or at least, I pretended to. I drove away, but only three blocks, waiting for them. An hour later, I finally saw Sapphires car drive down the street leading home. I followed them. They stopped at the waterfall. Wed hung out there a couple of times, so I knew where I was going when I followed them in early sunset. Sapphire, what are we doing? Aubrey asked. Why are we here? Bryn countered. Shes Shadow Bound. Sapphire whispered. S-Shadow Bound? Thats impossible. Only necromancers see the dead. Bryn said. Who were they talking about? I wanted to know. Who is? Aubrey asked, as though reading my mind. Kali is, of course. I should have known. Shes Shadow Bound. She can see them. Sapphire said. How could you have known? Youre only a werewolf. Aubrey said. I stopped myself from gasping. Sweet and charming Sapphire was a werewolf? No way, I thought, Im dreaming. I am totally, one hundred percent, dreaming. Yes I am, but Kali is Shadow Bound and she doesnt know it. Sapphire said. Whos going to tell her? You? Bryn asked, speaking up. Ill have to. Sapphire sighed. Im a Pixie. I cant tell her. Bryn said. Pixie? I wondered. Sapphire looked at Aubrey. Aubrey sighed. Saph, do you know how long its been since Ive had blood? Theres no way I can tell her before the full moon. You have to do it. Aubrey said. I knew exactly what that meant. Aubrey was a vampire. It was literally impossible to believe. Sapphire, sweet, charming Sapphire whose name was the only different thing about her, was a werewolf. And small, cute, Sabryna, was a Pixie. And Aubrey, boy crushing, funny, Aubrey, was a vampire. It was impossible. So. When are you going to tell her? Tomorrow? Next week? After the full moon? Aubrey asked. Itll have to be before I join the Pack for the Full Moon. Sapphire said. Pack? There was a Pack of werewolves in Malibu? I couldnt believe my ears. I had to say something. Or, I said, stepping out of the trees, you could just tell me now. I crossed my arms when I reached them. Kali? What the what are you doing here? Sapphire asked. I should be asking you that. Youre the one discussing me behind my back. I said. How much did you hear? Sapphire asked, her voice quiet. Enough to know that Im Shadow Bound, whatever that is. And that youre a werewolf, Sabrynas a Pixie and Aubriannas a vampire. I said. Actually, Im a Werewolf . Sabrynas a Pixie and Aubriannas a vampyre. Thats werewolf with a u and vampire with a y. She said. Fine. Whatever. Doesnt make a difference. Youre all inhuman and now you claim that I am too. I said. You arent human. You see ghosts, but only those who choose to show themselves to you. In our world, this is called a Shadow-Walker. You are Shadow Bound. Sworn to protect the identity of the dead. Sworn to keep your secret. She said. Okay. But I havent been seeing ghosts all my life. Only the past three months. I said. What did the woman say to you? In the vision, when you were dead? She asked. It wasnt a vision. It was real. I said. Okay. But what did she say? She pressed. You have a choice, you may stay here in the Afterlife with me and your grandfather, or you may return to the world of the living and be gifted with the Sight of the Dead. I quoted the Angels words from memory, almost as if they were permanently etched into my brain. I froze.

There you go. That angel, or whoever she was, gave you the gift of a Shadow-Walker, the gift of Sight. She said. This is totally insane. I said. No it isnt. Its real. She said. Okay, so let me get this straight, Im a Shadow-Walker, youre a Werewolf , Sabrynas a Pixie and Aubriannas a vampyre. And no one knows about this? I asked. Well actually. My brothers and my dad are Werewolf s too, its the bloodline. It runs in the family, through the guys only. No one knows why I got the Gift. Sabrynas parents and her brothers and sisters are all Pixies. And Aubreys parents and her brothers are both vampyres. She explained. So its hereditary. Are my is my mom Gifted? I asked. No. The woman Gifted you alone. We dont know why. She said. We should be going. Its almost nightfall, and you shouldnt be outside at night, Sapphire. Sabryna said. Aaron will protect me. Sapphire said. Sabryna, for some odd reason, raised her eyebrows. We should go. We dont want to be out by the water in the dark. Sabryna said. Shes right. We should. Aubrey spoke up. Okay. Sapphire sighed. I didnt understand what was going on. I followed them out.

Chapter THREE: When I woke up the next morning, I still had the scratches from last night in the woods, when wed stumbled our way to our cars. Sapphire, Bryn, Aubrey and I were all Gifted. I didnt feel very Gifted though. I felt the same way I always did. I felt normal. Except for this tiny, irrational part of my brain that kept reminding me that I was a Shadow-Walker. I saw the Dead. I didnt want to, but I did. I guess no one could choose their Gift. That morning in Art, Ethan touched my hand. Are you alright? Youre strange this morning. He said. Im fine. Im just tired. I didnt get a lot of sleep last night. I lied. Okay. Hey, do you want to hang out Friday? I have this movie ticket to the movies. He said. I froze. I was not going to go to the movie theatre. No. Way. Im sorry. I cant go to the movies. Im I thought up a lie. Im afraid of the theatres. I said. Thats okay. We can still hang out. Maybe I can come over? We can study that English project together. He said, reminding me that we had English together. Um sure. I guess. I have to ask my mom first. Ill text you what she says. I said. He grinned. Of course. He said. I smiled back. There was something comforting about being around Ethan Christopher. Maybe you can invite your friends what are their names? Ill invite mine. I suggested. Um Ryan and Tristan. Sure. Ill invite them. Your friends are Sapphire Robinson, Aubrianna Night and Sabryna Riley, right? He asked. Yep. I said. Cool. The guys will like that. He said. Can we make it Saturday afternoon? The girls have plans with their families. Baby-sitting and stuff. But they can probably make it Saturday. I said. Sure. He said. I smiled. I cant wait. Itll be like a quadruple date. I said. Sounds awesome. He said. We smiled at each other. ~*~ So, I got us dates for Saturday afternoon. I said to the girls later that day at lunch. With who? Aubrey asked, looking excited. Tristan ONeil, and Ryan McCarter. I said. And? Thats only two, K. Youre holding out on us. Who else? Aubrey demanded. Ethan Christopher. I

said. Oh. My. God. She said. I grinned. Sapphire looked away. I cant go. She said. Why not? I just got the best looking guys in school to hang out with you and youre turning them down. I said, pouting. I I have a boyfriend. She said. What! I exclaimed. Aaron. Aaron Kingsburg. Hes the Alpha of the Pack. She said. You youre dating the Alpha? I asked. Yes. Im really sorry, Kali. She said. Its okay. I think the girls wont mind having three other guys to hook up with while Im with Ethan. I said. Youre with Ethan! Aubrey squealed. Well not yet. I improvised. So youre going to be? She demanded. Leave it to Aubrey, I thought, to ask that question. I dont know. Maybe. I said. Oh my goodness! Youre going to be with Ethan Christopher! One of the best looking guys in the school! She exclaimed. I smiled. I guess so. I said. Go Kali, Go Kali, Go Kali! She chanted. Shh! Theyre coming over here! I whispered. And they were, Ethan Christopher, Tristan ONeil and Ryan McCarter were coming over to our table. Hey girls. I assume that Kali has told you about our six getting together on Saturday. Ethan said, sitting down. His friends followed. Aubrey was already puppy-dog-eyeing Ryan. I took in Ethans friends. They were all on the football team. Ryan was tall, with big abs, blonde hair and icy blue eyes, and finally, Tristan, who was the best looking- and whom Bryn was eyeing like he was the best piece of chocolate ever- had the biggest abs, black hair and jade green eyes. He was so freaking good looking I almost forgot about Ethan. Well almost. Um dude, I think your girlfriends checking me out. Tristan told Ethan. I blushed. Were not dating. I mumbled stupidly. He knows that. He was teasing. Dude, if you touch her without her permission, Ill kick your ass. Ethan told him. I was still staring at Tristan like he alone held the key to the earth. Hey. Its Sabryna, right? Tristan asked Bryn. My lower lip curled into a pout before I even realized. Ethan didnt notice, he was too busy looking at Bryn the same way I was looking at Tristan. Hey Bryn. We have Math, Spanish and other classes together. Ethan said, grinning at her. She met his eyes and stared. Wow. She said after a minute. We all stared at her, even Tristan. What? Are you okay, Bryn? I asked. I Im fine. She managed. I could tell there was chemistry there. I wasnt hurt. I was too busy looking at the jade green-eyed miracle that was sitting in front of me. Tristan ONeil. Hey Tristan. Do we have any classes? I asked. No one was paying attention to Sapphire, who was sitting turned away from the rest of us. Whats wrong with Sapphire? Ethan asked, noticing her. Aubrey jerked her head away from Ryan and got up. Saph? Saph? Are you okay? Aubrey asked. I I feel sick. Sapphire managed in a whisper. I have to get her home. Ryan, Bryn will give you my number. Aubrey said. She helped her friend stand up and led her out of the cafeteria. Is she okay? I asked. Probably something she ate. Bryn said. I remembered what tonight was. Id seen it on my special calendar this morning. Bryn. Its the full moon tonight. I whispered. I know. She whispered back. We couldnt say anymore on the subject. So, you think Sapphires gonna make it to the date on Saturday? Ethan asked. Um no. She had plans. I forgot to tell you. I said. Thats okay. The six of us of us will be fine by ourselves. Ethan said. Bryn was still looking at him. Um Bryn? Are you do you want to come to the fountain with me? I forgot where it was. I said. She snapped out of it. What? Oh, sure. She said. We left the cafeteria. Okay. Youre into him. I said once we were out of earshot of the boys. Who? She asked, pretending she didnt know what I was talking about. Ethan. You like him. He likes you. I said. R-really? She asked. Really. I can tell. Hey, its okay. I got my eye on a green-eyed hotness. I said. Tristan? She laughed. I smiled. Yup. I said. She rolled her eyes. Did you really have to get water or was that an excuse? She asked. That was an excuse. Come on, lets go back. Ill sit beside Tristan and you can sit beside Ethan. I said. She blushed. Do you really think he likes me? She asked when we went back into the cafeteria. I dont think. I know. I stated. She smiled and smoothed her hair as we neared the guys. Poor Ryan was looking all alone without Aubrey there. Hey. We decided to switch spots. Bryn likes the view of the windows on my side better. I said when we sat down. I sat right next to the gorgeous Tristan. Hey B, did you fix your hair? Ethan asked her. She stared at him. What did you just call me? She asked, amazed. I called you B. Do you mind? He asked. No. Of course not. She said, smiling at him.

I inhaled Tristans scent. He smelled like woods. He leaned down to my ear while Bryn and Ethan were flirting with each other. Good job hooking those two up. He whispered. Thanks. Now someone else has to hook up. I said. Well Ryan already has Aubrey. Its just you and me left. He said. I loved the way he said you and me. Yeah, because Sapphire has a boyfriend. I said. Oh? He asked. Yeah. He doesnt go here. In fact, I dont know where he goes. I said. Except for long runs on the Full Moon in the shape of a dog- oops, sorry, a wolf. I thought. Huh. He said. Out of no where, Tristan leaned forward and kissed my forehead. What was that? I gasped. Ethan, Ryan and Bryn were staring at us. She had something on her forehead. He lied. Okay. They all said. Come on, Kali. Lets go talk. Tristan said, pulling me away from the table. He led me to the small, hall-way, entrance by the cafeteria. He led me to the private bench that was half-way outside, half-way inside. Then, he held me against the wall where no one could see us. Youre beautiful. Did anyone ever tell you that? He asked. I shook my head. My heart was pounding a million times a minute. He smiled, a dazzling smile. Im glad Im the first, then. He whispered. His pulse was beating fast on his neck. I knew what he was going to do. He leaned forward and ever so gently, he kissed me. His lips found mine like they belong there. His hands held my wrists, he pulled my arms around his neck, I tangled my fingers in his dark hair. His kiss was like the light, warm and beautiful all at the same time. He kissed me, at first, softly and hesitant, then his kiss became more sure. He held me there, against the wall of the entrance hall, and we kissed. We kissed for minutes and then he pulled away. Wow. I whispered. I was pretty sure my cheeks were red as rubies at that minute. Wow. He whispered. We better get to class. I said. Yeah. He said. We left the entrance hall holding hands. When we stopped at the doors, he kissed my lips briefly. It didnt matter how brief it was, sparks went off inside my head. I smiled as he walked away and then went inside. ~*~ Sapphire never came back to school for the rest of the week. Aubrey explained that she always stayed a wolf for days after the Change hit. I felt bad for her. Aubrey explained that her dad and her brothers were there, helping her through the Change. Aubrey also explained that it was her fourth time Changing and she was still having trouble with it. No one was allowed to see Sapphire while she was Changing, it was against the law. On Thursday evening, I Google searched Shadow Walkers and clicked on the Wikipedia one. The results were scary and very accurate: Throughout the centuries, the Shadow Walker has remained hidden in our midst. The Shadow Walker posses the Gift to see the dead, but only those who choose to be seen. Shadow Walkers are the very souls of a Necromancer. They can see the dead, but whereas a Necromancer can see all the dead, even those who wish not to be seen, a Shadow Walker only sees the ones who choose to be seen. The Shadow Walkers gift, like Necromancy, is a Gift that no other person would wish on himself or herself. Centuries ago, the most Powerful Shadow Walker in the entire history of Shadow Walking, raised a force so strong, it caused destruction and death, and when this Shadow Walker died, so did the force of Power. Now with this power comes great responsibility. A Shadow Walker is Shadow Bound, he or she is not meant to share the Secret of the Dead, only with thy whom may be trusted to keep the secret to their graves. Shadow Walking is a very rare gift and the bloodline is lost. Shadow Walking is a very rare gift and the bloodline is lost. I froze when I read that. I was the last Shadow Walker. The last one. The only one with this Gift. Fingers trembling, I typed: Shadow Walker Bloodlines into the search box. A page popped up. I clicked and read:

The Shadow Walker bloodline is one line by itself. This is the Shadow Walker bloodline: Morganstone- Better name: Moore. Genevieve Morganstone Kalika Morganstone This is the last of the Morganstone bloodline of Shadow Walkers. I froze. My initials and my moms initials stared me in the face. I needed to ask my mom if it was true. I logged off my laptop, got up and went to go find my mom in the kitchen. ~*~ Hey honey. Are you okay? You look sick. Mom said when I sat down at the table where she was reading the news. Mom why didnt you tell me I had the Gift? I asked. Mom froze and put down her newspaper. Who told you? She asked. My friends. Sapphire Robinson, Aubrianna Night and Sabryna Riley. I said. I didnt think you would be Gifted with the Sight. Its impossible. She said. I wasnt. Not until I died the night of the accident. I said. You what? She asked. I explained everything that happened on that night, including the woman. Sapphire was right. I dont have the Gift. I was supposed to, but it skipped. She said. What do you mean, it skipped? I asked. The Gift it skips every other child. My mother didnt have it, but my grandmother did. My great-great grandmother had it. There is only a few Morganstones left. She said. Me and you. I said. Just you, actually. Im not a Morganstone. I dont have the Gift. That name is no longer mine. She said. I I dont understand. I said. In my family, there was fifteen women with the last name Morganstone, those fifteen had the Gift of Sight, the Gift to see the Dead who wish to be seen. The fifteen women were strong and powerful. Each of them received their Gift when they were fifteen-years-old, like you. I turned fifteen and for one year, I kept expecting to see a Ghost around every corner, but there were never any. Finally, my grandmother told me that I wasnt Gifted. I should have been glad, but I was upset. I wanted to be one of the fifteen women who were Gifted in our family, but I wasnt. Anyone who wasnt Gifted was stripped of the Morganstone last name and given the human version of the name, Moore. Genevieve Elizabeth Moore. Thats my name. She said. And Im Kalika Angelique Morganstone. I said, the name came off my tongue so perfectly, as if I was supposed to be saying it. Maybe I was. Yes. She said. Mom, I was wondering could I have my friends over on Saturday afternoon? I asked. Sure, honey. Sapphire, Aubrey and Sabryna right? She asked. I fidgeted. They arent my only friends. I said. Okay. Who else? I dont want a party here. She said. I laughed. No, of course not. Just Ethan Christopher, Tristan ONeil and Ryan McCarter. I said. Okay. Thats fine. She said. And, Sapphire isnt coming, shes got the flu. I lied. Okay, so just Sabryna and Aubrey plus the three boys. She said. Yeah. I said. Okay. That sounds good. She said. Thanks. I said. I left and went to text Ethan that my mom had said yes. Saturday came too quickly. That morning, I woke up at ten-thirty, and started getting ready. I had two hours until noon, when my friends were coming. I wore a sea green tank top and jean shorts. My brown hair was put up into a ponytail. My eye shadow was a light, pastel green color that brought out my eyes, and my lip-gloss was a soft pink color. I looked pretty. Around twelve, the doorbell rang. I ran to get it. My mom had left early, leaving a note telling me she was going to be in and out all day. I answered the door, Aubrey and Sabryna stood there with their hair wavy, wearing sundresses. I smiled. You guys look great. I said. Thanks. You look better. Aubrey said. I let them in. Where are the guys? Aubrey asked. Theyll be here, you guys were early. I

said. Oh. Right. Aubrey sighed. Do you guys want some pink lemonade? I asked, heading for the fridge. Yes, please. They both said in unison. I grinned. Ten minutes later, the boys had arrived. Ethan, still gorgeous as ever, made my heart break. He said a brief Hey and then went to go sit with Sabryna. Ryan came in, said hello, thanks for inviting me and went to go sit with Aubrey, who was already making puppy-dog eyes at him, then it was Tristan. I felt like I was melting when I looked at Tristan. He was so gorgeous, even though he only wore a tee shirt. Hey beautiful. He said, then he kissed my lips. We went to sit down with our friends, who were all flirting with each other. Hey, did you hear about that girl? Hannah Bright? Ethan asked suddenly. I froze. Hannah. My friend Hannah. Kali? Kali, whats wrong? Tristan asked. Then, before I could answer, I saw a ghost. Hannahs ghost. Kali. She said. It was obvious no one could see her, but Sabryna and Aubrey were staring at me like they had in the park. They knew what I was seeing, even if they couldnt see it. Kali. You must come back with me. Hannah said. Kali? Kali, what the hell is wrong? Tristan was panic-stricken. You must come back. Hannah said. I couldnt answer her, because then I would be telling Ethan, Tristan and Ryan what I was. At the very least, theyd probably think I was insane. Tristan, leave her alone. Ethan hissed. Why should I? Shes my girlfriend. Tristan replied. Hello? Are you in there? Tristan asked me, waving his hand in front of my face. I saw, I heard, but I didnt answer. I was frozen in my seat. You guys, could you go out to the deck for a minute? Sabryna and I will help Kali. Aubrey said, finally saving my butt. The guys sighed and left. Is there a ghost, Kali? Aubrey asked, her voice quiet, even though there was no chance the guys could hear us. Its Its Hannah. I whispered, speaking finally. Could you translate if I ask her a question? She asked. Yes. I said, my voice shaking. Hannah, what would you like Kali to do for you? Is there a message youd like to send? Aubrey asked her. I knew Hannah could hear her. I want Kali to come back to Toronto. She needs to know that the accident wasnt an accident. It was murder. Hannah said. She said she wants me to come back to Toronto. She said in need to know that the accident wasnt an accident. That it was murder. I translated her words for Aubrey. Why do you think that the accident was murder? Aubrey asked. Because I was almost killed the week before. You must find the murderer. Hannah said. She said it was because she was almost killed the week before. She said we must find the murderer. I said for her. I froze again. It was true. Hannah had almost been killed the week before she actually died. I remembered very clearly what had happened: ~*~ Hannah saw the man before I did. He was dark haired, brown eyed and dangerous looking. Do you see that man, watching us at the corner? Hannah hissed. What about him? I asked, looking quickly. Hes watching me like he wants to kill me. She whispered. Thats insane, Han. I said. No its not. He wants to kill me. She said. I looked at the man, he was staring at Hannah like she was death itself. The phrase: if looks could kill ran through my head for no reason I could see. Then I saw. The man pulled a knife out of his pocket. Kali! Run! Hannah screamed, we started running. Then I heard a scream. Hannah had been caught. I turned, to see the man with the knife at her throat. I dont remember what happened, for a minute, Hannah and I were alone, and then, there was a man. A man I now recognized. He had wrinkles, the type that only Grandparents had, and grey eyes and white-ish gray hair. I dont remember how it happened, in the next minute, Hannah had punched the dark-haired man in the stomach and we took off running. All I remember was hearing a scream. ~*~ What do you remember? Aubrey asked me. The man. There was a dark-haired, brown eyed man, he was trying to kill Hannah. I whispered. The ghost of Hannah, who was still there,

nodded furiously. Yes. She said. She said yes. I said for her. So why did this man try to kill her? Aubrey asked. I dont know. The Hannah-ghost and I said together. Hannah, did you recognize the man? Aubrey asked. No. She said. She said no. I said. Did you see the man again, after that? Aubrey asked. No. We both said. Okay. I guess we only have one way to look for the killer: Kali has to go back to Toronto. Aubrey said. I froze. What do you mean? I cant go back there, are you insane? My mom would never let me. I said. Does she have to know? I mean, obviously you have to tell your mom, but what if you tell her that youre going on vacation with me, Sapphire and Sabryna? Even for a weekend? We have a P.D day Friday, we can leave then. She said. Huh. But my mom knows I dont want to go back to Toronto. I said. So dont tell her thats where were going. Tell her were going to Orange County, theres a fair this weekend. Its the perfect excuse to go. She said. Okay. I guess. I said. Good. So, thats what our plan is. What do you think, Hannah? She asked. It will work. Hannah said. She said it will work. I said. Okay. So, will you be around to help us search for clues? Aubrey asked. Hannah shook her head. She said no. I said. Well, that sucks. Aubrey sighed. Hannah said goodbye and then she disappeared. We called the boys back in. What an eventful Saturday afternoon, I thought.

Chapter FOUR: What the hell is wrong with you? I called you, like, eighteen times, and you didnt answer! It was later that afternoon, after everyone had left, and I was walking down the street, headed for the grocery store, when I heard someone chewing someone out. I Im sorry. I was sick. It was Sapphire. I peered around the corner to see her standing with a guy, he had dark brown hair and brown eyes, and he was built and tall. I was immediately afraid of him, the way he spoke. It was Aaron, I realized, Sapphires boyfriend. I told you, I told you that you needed to come to the Pack when you were changing. He hissed. I call you, spirits of the underworld, help me. I whispered. I needed to help Sapphire. She was going to be hurt, any minute now, Aarons selfcontrol would break and he would snap and lash out at her. The ghost of the man appeared, along with others. I stepped out from my hiding spot behind the wall. Okay. When I say, now. I said to the ghosts in a whisper, they all nodded. Aaron hadnt noticed me yet. Hey! I shouted. Leave her alone! Aaron spun on me. Get out of here, girl. Aaron growled. Sapphire was staring at me. He pulled something out of his pocket. I froze. A knife. Then I recognized him: The man in the alley, in Toronto, with the same knife to Hannahs throat. He grabbed Sapphires arm and pulled her to him, putting the knife at her throat. I felt like dj vu. It was the alley all over again, and even the man was there to save us. Now! I told the ghosts, the command fullforce. They flew at him. Once ghost, probably a poltergeist, shoved the knife out of Aarons hand. Sapphire! Run! I screamed. Sapphire stood, transfixed as the poltergeist ghosts started chucking things at Aarons head, a plastic bottle, a skipping rope, a shoe. Get out of there! I screamed at her. Sapphire was growling. She was Changing, I realized. No! Sapphire! Theres no time! I screamed. In seconds, she was a wolf with sapphire eyes. Oh no. I whispered when I realized what she was going to do. She lunged at Aaron, growling and showing her fangs. Anyone passing by would think I was insane, to be standing here, and theyd probably flip and call animal control. There were no wolves in Malibu. Except in the Malibu Zoo. When I held out my hands, to stop the ghosts from hurting her, a burst of black, shiny light exploded out of my

hands. I knew Sapphire, Aaron and the ghosts saw it, because they all backed off. Stop! I shouted. Sapphire changed back. Aaron was bleeding, but just his hand, which Sapphire had bitten. Sapphire, please step away from him. I said. She walked away, wiping the blood off her lips. I held out my hands, the black light was still seeping through them. Put down the weapon, Kali. Sapphire said. I dont have a weapon. I said, confused. She pointed at my hands and at the ghosts. Send them away, put the light back in. She said. Spirits of the underworld, go back to your resting, your work here is done. I said. The ghosts disappeared. Now the light. Sapphire said. I I dont know how. I said. Just think of good thoughts. She said. I thought of Tristan, kissing me for the first time. The light faded and then finally disappeared. Good. She said. She walked back to Aaron. What are you doing? Leave him there. I said. Watch. She said. She bent over him, then she pricked her finger with a pin that she had, and put her finger on his wound. Werewolf blood heals the wounds. She explained. And it did. In minutes, Aarons blood was gone. There was no wound. Wow. I said. Then, Aaron fell asleep. Lets go. Before he wakes up. She said. We left the alley. He killed he killed my friend Hannah. He was the man in the alley, the one that held a knife to her and tried to kill her, just like now. I said. What? She asked. I explained exactly what Id told Aubrey and Sabryna earlier that afternoon. ~*~ You know what this means, right? Sapphire asked when Id finished. What? I asked. Were going to the Elders. She said. I didnt know what they were, but the way she said it, I was scared. I knew what had to be done and I would do it. No matter what.

Chapter FIVE: The Elders are a group of Supernaturals. Theres one of each of the Supernatural clans: Werewolf s, Witches, Warlocks, Vampyres, Pixies, Faeries, Necromancers and Shadow-Walkers, theyre all on the Elders Council. Sapphire explained as we walked home. Arent Pixies and Faeries the same thing? I asked. God no. Faeries are more magical, I guess. They create fireworks, thats summer Fae, those are called Illusionists, they make potions, thats the fall Fae, those are called Leaves, they create the magick, those are winter Fae, theyre called Angelsbecause of Snow-Angels in the winter- and they help speed a flowers blooming, those are called Blossoms, theyre spring Fae. She explained. Thats really cool. What do Pixies do? I asked. Pixies are hard to explain. Um they all have different, shall we say, Gifts. Some Pixies can read time, like when you and I step into a room and see it exactly as it is, a Time-Reader can see it as it was, say, fifty-years-ago. Some can Pixies are masters at compelling, which can make you do anything you want to do, theyre called Sirens, the others can read future, those are called Seekers, they can also read minds, those are called Readers, they can also heal, thats what Sabryna is, they call her a Sacred, that means that the healing Pixies are very rare, theres also Catalysts, who can do all sorts of things, like take over someones body, control the weather, etc.

She said. Anything else? And I thought catalysts were Witches. I said. Well, yeah, theres another name for them, its called a Controller. She said. That makes more sense. I said. Exactly. She said. So there are summer, fall, winter, and spring Faeries, then there are Time-Readers, Sirens, Seekers, Readers, Sacreds and Controllers. I said. Exactly. She repeated. What about Witches and Warlocks? I asked. Well, thats kind of easy to explain. A warlock is the opposite of a witch, only male. Their spells- or so Ive heard- are a lot harder and more complicated, witches are female, their spells are for self-defense, and sometimes they are for healing and stuff like that. She said. Huh. What about Necromancers? I asked. I already knew that Necromancers and Shadow-Walkers were somewhat alike, I just didnt know the difference. Necromancers, as you already probably know, can actually raise the dead, whereas, Shadow-Walkers can only see the dead, and they cant prevent it. Thousands of years ago, there Ghosts, every Necromancer family had one. She said. I knew that, but what else? I asked. Necromancers can summon the dead on their own terms and they can create zombies. She said. I flinched at the last word. Ew. I said. I know. Gross. She said. So what about vampyres? I asked. Vampyres hmm. Its easy to explain. Vampyres are creatures of the night, they can walk in the daylight, like humans, but they dont have a soul. They can see their reflection and show up on cameras, they can enter churches, be blessed by holy water, say the lords name, um oh they can, cross water, they can eat, drink and do anything else that a human can do, only they live forever and have to drink blood. For a new vampyre, its hard to stick to a routine of blood, so new vampyres go and drink blood almost three times everyday, just like humans and their food schedule. Older vampyres, once they hit five-years of being a vampyre, can drink blood about once every two weeks without getting thirsty. Thats what Aubrey does. She said. Huh. What about Werewolf s? What can they do? I asked. We change into wolves every full moon, we have better sense of smell, we can hear better and see in near-darkness. Oh, we are faster and stronger than humans, but not nearly as fast as a vampyre. We also hunt. She said. Like animals? I asked. Yeah. Deer, rabbits, squirrels, bats, etc. She said. Wow. I said. Yeah. Faeries and Pixies probably have it the easiest, they dont have to live forever and drink blood, they dont have to change into wolves, do magick, raise or see the dead. She said. I guess. Although, being faster and stronger with better sense of smell, hearing and eye-sight, would be kind of cool. I said. She smiled. Thanks. She said. Do you ever wish you werent Gifted? I asked. Almost never. Sometimes, I do wonder what its like to be a normal human, though. She said. I would, too. I said. Its not a curse, though, no matter how many books or movies say that it is. Its not. She said. I believe you. I said. She smiled. We had reached my house. I hugged her. Stay safe and stay away from Aaron, okay? I asked. Im leaving the Pack. My dad will be so pissed, but once I tell him what Aaron tried to do, hell understand. Im leaving the Pack. She said. Good. I said, trying not to be too satisfied. Ill see you on Monday. She said. Are you coming back to school, then? I asked. Yeah. I hate the week of the Change. She sighed. Ill see you on Monday, then. I said. She smiled and left. I went in the house. I hoped Sapphire would be safe tonight, now that we both knew that Aaron was dangerous, and he would go after her, once he woke up. ~*~ Once in my room, I called Hannah. She appeared after a few minutes. Hello. She said. Hi. I know who the guy is. I said. Who? She asked. Aaron Kingsburg. But there is a really big problem. I said. Okay. Well, do whatever you have to do to get rid of him. She said. Um are you going to the Afterlife? I asked. Not until you catch my murderer. Otherwise I cant find peace. She said. Im sorry about what happened to you. I feel like its my fault. I said. Its not your fault, Kali. She said. I know but I still feel guilty. I said. I know you do. She said. Ill catch this guy, Han. Dont worry. I said. She smiled. I know you will. Bryce says hello. She said. Who? I asked. Bryce. The guy that saved me that day in the alley. The

other ghost. She said. I could tell she had a hard time saying the word. I smiled. Hello, Bryce. Thank you for saving Sapphire, today. I said. He says youre most welcome. Hannah said. Do you have to go? I asked, she was fading. Yeah. Sorry. Ill catch up later. She said. Then Hannah disappeared. Or well, her ghost did, as Hannah was actually dead. I was still trying to wrap my mind around this fact.

Chapter SIX: I knew something had happened when Sapphire showed up my house on Sunday afternoon. What happened? I asked. Sapphires face was white as a sheet. I I went to Aarons to tell him I was leaving the Pack. He got mad and Changed. I I didnt know what to do. I saw that knife the one he used on me and I grabbed it I grabbed it and I I stabbed him, in the heart. She was scared. You killed him? I whispered, horrified. I had to. He would have killed me. She whispered. What did you do with his body? What happens when someone kills the Alpha? I asked, flinging the question at her. I I told the Pack. I think they burned it. She said. So what happens now? I asked. Im the Alpha, I guess. Thats what happens when another wolf kills the Alpha, she or he takes his place. She said. Has there ever been a female Alpha? I asked. She shook her head. Were too rare. She said. Oh. Great. I said. I mean we solved the problem. At least. She said. I dont think Hannah wanted him to die. I said. No, probably not. But at least he wont hurt anyone else. She said. Hannah, I call you to me. I said. Hannah appeared again. Hello, Kali. She said. Hi. I said. What has happened? Is this Sapphire? Hannah asked. Yes, this is Sapphire. I said. Hello, Sapphire. She said. She says hello. I told Sapphire. Hello, Hannah. Sapphire said politely. Aaron is dead. I said. Im guessing she killed him. Hannah said, gesturing to Sapphire. Yes. I said. Thank you, Sapphire. She said. She says thank you. I said. Sapphire smiled weakly. No problem. She said. Sadness fell over Hannahs face. Whats wrong, Hannah? I asked. Why is she sad? She asked. She wants to know why you are sad. I said. Because because as much as I hated the things Aaron did, I still had feelings for him. She said, a single tear slipped down her cheeks. Tell her that its okay to love someone, because love is inside each of us and we must take it in our hearts. But maybe someone is telling you that Aaron wasnt the one for you. She said. She says that its okay to love someone, because love is inside each of us and we must take it in our hearts. But maybe someone is telling you that Aaron wasnt the one for you. I said. Thanks. Sapphire said. I am sorry, but now that I can rest in peace, I will take up that offer. She said. Youre going on? I asked. Yes, I want you to know, Kali, that youre my best friend and I wish I could stay, but Bryce is here, he feels he needs to help more people before he moves on, as many as he can, so hell help you if you need it. Tell James, if you get the chance, that I loved him and that Id want him to be happy. She said. Will I ever see you again? I asked. In the next life. But dont be in any hurry to come. She said, smiling. See you, then, Hannah. I said. Goodbye, Kalika Moore. She said. I smiled, sadness swept over me. And then Hannah was gone, and this time, I wouldnt see her again. Shes gone. She passed over. I said to Sapphire. I hope she found peace. Sapphire said. She did. I said. You didnt say goodbye. She said.

Its not goodbye. Its never really goodbye. Because you always see the people you love again, maybe not here, but in the Afterlife. You should remember that, that way you can move on. I said. I know. I have to go, Im sorry. She said. See you tomorrow. I said. Yeah. She said. She hugged me and then left. I waited until she was gone, then I slipped on my flip-flops, wrote a note for my mom, telling her where I was, and left the house. By the time I reached Ethans, I was in tears. I needed Ethan. He comforted me, somehow. Tristan wasnt my boyfriend, so it didnt matter that I was going to Ethan now. I knocked on the door, wiping my tears away, in case his mom answered or something. It was his mom. Hi, Mrs. Christopher. Im a friend of Ethans. From school. I was wondering if he was around. I said. Hes right up stairs, second door on your right. Go on up. She said. I went up to Ethans room and knocked. He answered. He wore jean shorts and a tee shirt. Hey. What are you doing here? He asked. I dont know what happened. I just burst into tears, in the doorway of Ethans room. He pulled me inside and closed the door. Then, he held me against his chest and we sat on the bed. We just sat there, he let me stain his shirt with salt-water tears. He held me and I cried. I cried as much as I had when Hannah died. I just lie against Ethans chest and I cried. He held me, stroking my hair. He didnt even ask what was wrong, he just held me. ~*~ About an hour or so later, I finally stopped crying. Arent you going to ask whats wrong? I asked, my voice hoarse. I dont have any right to know unless you want me to. He said. I wanted so, so badly to tell him. But I was Shadow Bound. I had to keep it a secret. I want to tell you but I cant. I said. Thats okay. If you need a friend, Ill be here, if you need a shoulder to cry on, Ill still be here, and if you need to talk, then Ill listen. He said. Thanks, Ethan. I know Ive been horrible to you and I dont have any right to ask but are you dating Sabryna? I asked. No. I I told her that I cant. Um actually she told me that she and Tristan are dating. She said that he asked her out last night, after we left your place, and she said yes. He said. So youre available? I asked, hesitating. Definitely. Besides, I couldnt date Sabryna when I couldnt stop thinking about someone else. He said, meeting my eyes meaningfully. Me? I whispered. He nodded slowly. Yeah. He said. Well I dont have a boyfriend. I said. I know. He said. Then, before I knew it, Ethan was kissing me. His lips were soft, smooth and warm. He tangled his fingers in my hair and I wrapped my arms around his neck. He held me against him and we kissed. It was nothing like kissing Tristan, it was so, so much different. And better. Definitely better. We lie on Ethans bed, with the sun from the window shining his brown hair, kissing like wed never stop. It sure felt that way, at least. I was happy. I was perfect. I was whole. I would always remember Hannah, because she was my best friend, but now I had my new life. I could move on. I could live in Malibu, I could date Ethan, and I could hang out with Sapphire, Aubrianna and Sabryna. I could be happy. I would be okay. Everything would be okay.

Epilogue Anything can happen at any time in the world, and if you dont look before you walk, you might find out that you should have. But if you dont take that chance, that simple, simple chance, then you may regret it. Because life is all about taking chances. I took a chance when I drove the car that ended up costing Hannahs life.

But no one knows the exact future. Not until it happens. Anything can happen in a second. Anyone can leave in a second. Anything can happen in a second. Always look before you walk. Always stop to think before you talk. Always listen, Dont ignore. Anything Can Happen In A Second.

Because maybe the world wont end, But maybe you will. My name is Kalika Morganstone, and the day my best friend died, my life was eternally changed I will never be the same again.

This Is The Way The World Ends, Not with A bang, But

A whimper. T.S Eliot

Sneak peek at Sapphires Moon, book two in the Daughters of the Otherworld series by Crysta DenOuden Her destiny lies on the full moon

The Full Moon. It was nearly here. This time it would be the Sapphire Moon. My moon. Sapphires Moon. I couldnt possibly be ready for this. I couldnt. I couldnt. No way.

Sapphires Moon, coming soon.

Sapphires Moon: Book 2 in the Daughters of the Otherworld series by Crysta DenOuden

~Acknowledgments~ I have many people to thank for this novel so I cannot add you all, but you know who you are. First to Genna, who had to hear about every title change before I finally came up with Sapphires Moon Second, to Lindsey, who took me away from my writing and allowed me to get out into the world. Thirdly, to my sister Emily, who interrupted me a thousand times while writing Sapphires Moon and Shadow Bound. Fourthly, to my friend Jamie-Lee, for the friendship and the shoulder to cry on. Fifthly, to Megan, for all the times you had to listen to me go on and on about my life and how horrible it was, and for all the support you gave me and the advice. Last but not least, to Breanna Bee, because you listened.

Finally and most importantly, to the Facebook fans of the Daughters of the Otherworld series because you didnt know what it was about before, and now you do!

~Biography~ Crysta DenOuden lives in London Ontario, where she is still growing up. She attends her first year of High School, her only class is English. She loves books (both reading and writing). Shadow Bound is the first in the Daughters of the Otherworld series.