Girl from the Stars Book 3- Day's End Read online

  “Liora, do I need to run you through the scanner to make sure you’re alright?” Tariq asked, watching her closely.

  Liora shook her head. “I’m fine, but we need to go rescue Brandis.”

  “I know.”

  There was something to his tone that caught Liora’s attention. She gave him a closer look. Concern showed in his eyes and there were shadows that hadn’t been there before.

  “What is it?” she asked.

  “Liora, read my thoughts.”

  She stared at him. Tariq had never asked her to intrude in his mind before. The few times she had done so by accident had hurt them both.

  “Why?” she asked.

  “They showed me something,” Tariq replied. “I don’t think they meant to, but they did.”

  Before she could ask who he meant, Tariq took her hands in his.

  “Do it. Hurry before the memory loses its clarity.”

  Liora closed her eyes. She pushed away the fact that they stood in the middle of the Corian base’s hidden defense bay. The noise of other ships landing, repair crews getting to immediate work, and supervisors calling out orders faded to the background. She stilled her thoughts and pulled carefully, reminding herself that she was working with the man she loved instead of with a machine that had tried to kill her brother.

  The memory Tariq wanted to show her surfaced immediately. She saw it from a distance, yet it felt as though she was the one in the memory.

  Tariq fought to reach the orbs on Ralian. The Nameless Ones tore into him, shredding his body as they pulled at his soul in their attempt to suck him dry before he could reach the Omne Occasus orbs. The pain was unbearable and she saw his steps falter. He fell, rose again, and fell against the case. The Nameless Ones battered him mercilessly, and Liora felt the strange sensation of life being pulled away. He collapsed to the ground.

  “He’s gone, soulless one,” the leader of the Nameless Ones hissed to Liora. The voice was distant and muted. “He was weak, and had little left to give. We took what he had, his memories, his fears.” The leader paused, then said, “His love for you. It’s gone, Liora.”

  Tariq gritted his teeth and pushed up to his hands and knees. Nobody could ever take away his love for Liora. He would protect her if it was the last thing he did.

  The Nameless One continued to speak, its voice a grating, dry rasp, “As a token of our anger against your betrayal, we have sucked everything that made him what he was. He is an empty shell, worthless, useless. Your love is in vain.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong,” Tariq replied.

  He felt everyone turn to look at him. The attention of the Nameless Ones was palpable, as well as their hatred. He lifted his hand and slammed the blade into the green orb, followed by the black one. A burst of power shoved him backwards behind the case.

  Black and green energies swirled together in a whirlwind that sparked and pulled, drawing the Nameless Ones in. Tariq felt the force pulling on him where it could reach him, coaxing what remained of his life from his body. He opened his eyes just enough to see the form of the leader of the Nameless Ones standing in front of Liora. He couldn’t hear what was said, but satisfaction swelled in his chest when he saw the Nameless One pulled backwards into the whirlwind.

  You think you’ve won.

  The voice in his mind felt like claws scratching inside of his thoughts. He couldn’t move; he couldn’t get free. It was the most painful thing he had ever experienced.

  You’re wrong, human. You’ll pay. You’ll see.

  An image surfaced in Tariq’s thoughts. It was of a planet encircled by red and blue rings. The image dove through the clouded atmosphere to the surface where liquid bubbled, then hardened into thick lumps of red rock. A sulfur scent filled Liora’s nose and a dome met her gaze. The image took her to the top where voices reached her ears.

  “They eliminated the Gateway, Master,” a voice said.

  “The Sadarin were supposed to ensure that didn’t happen.” The voice that replied forced the tones as though they were spoken underwater.

  “The Sadarin failed,” the first voice said. “The orbs were destroyed.”

  “You told me that the Coalition’s greed would ensure that the Omne Occasus was used. They would destroy a galaxy, and that would open the Gateway. We need access to their planets.” There was a pause and a crash. A moment later, a Ketulan burst from the side of the dome. One of its claws hung crookedly and it listed to one side as it flew away. “These machines are useless to me.” The voice grew stronger. “Who destroyed the orbs?”

  “The Ketulans have brought the name Liora Day.”

  A grunt sounded, followed by the words, “Bring this Liora Day to me. If she refuses to come along in peace, make her an offer she can’t refuse.”

  Liora took her hands from Tariq’s. His face was pale, but he watched her.

  “They set a trap for you.”

  “It’s only a trap if I don’t know what I’m getting into,” Liora replied. She lifted her helmet to shove it back on her head.

  Tariq grabbed her arm. “Liora, wait. You don’t know what you’re getting into. We don’t know what they’re capable of.”

  Liora met his gaze. “They have Brandis. That’s enough for me. He searched the entire Macrocosm to bring me home, and I will do the same for him.”

  “Not alone,” Tariq said.

  “That’s what we keep telling her.”

  Zanden stepped out from behind the next docking station. Liora realized he had been waiting there the whole time. Kray and Tanlia followed, with Gunsa and Waylan close behind.

  “Warden Day, leader of the Fearless Six,” Creeden glanced at Tariq and gave him a skeptical once-over. “Seven Defenders of Corian and the rest of the Macrocosm, we are reporting for duty.”

  “You’re seriously going to have to work on that,” Kray said.

  “I think it’s perfect,” Creeden replied.

  “We could have saved the Macrocosm by now,” Waylan said dryly.

  “You’ve been listening to our conversation?” Liora asked.

  Zanden lifted his shoulders in an apologetic shrug.

  “It was my idea, Warden,” Creeden said. “A good team never leaves its commander alone.”

  “It was the quietest I’ve ever seen Creed,” Tanlia told her.

  Liora couldn’t help the smile that crossed her face. She turned back to Tariq. “Well, what do you say?”

  An answering smile touched his lips. “I say I’m putting my money on the Damaclan.”

  About the Author

  Cheree Alsop has published over 30 books, including two series through Stonehouse Ink. She is the mother of a beautiful, talented daughter and amazing twin sons who fill every day with joy and laughter. She is married to her best friend, Michael, the light of her life and her soulmate who shares her dreams and inspires her by reading the first drafts and giving much appreciated critiques. Cheree works as a fulltime author and mother, which is more play than work! She enjoys reading, traveling to tropical beaches, spending time with her wonderful children, and going on family adventures while planning her next book.

  Cheree and Michael live in Utah where they rock out, enjoy the outdoors, plan great quests, and never stop dreaming.

  You can find Cheree’s other books at www.chereealsop.com

  Find Girl from the Stars Book 4- Day’s Journey wherever books are sold.

  If you enjoyed this book, please review it so that others will be able to share in the adventure!

  To be added to Cheree’s email list for notification of book releases, please send her an email to [email protected]

  ALSO BY CHEREE ALSOP

  The Silver Series-

  Silver

  Black

  Crimson

  Violet

  Azure

  Hunter

  Silver Moon

  The Werewolf Academy Series-

  Book One: Strays

  Book Two: Hunted

  Book T
hree: Instinct

  Book Four: Taken

  Book Five: Lost

  Book Six: Vengeance

  Book Seven: Chosen

  Heart of the Wolf Part One

  Heart of the Wolf Part Two

  The Galdoni Series-

  Galdoni

  Galdoni 2: Into the Storm

  Galdoni 3: Out of Darkness

  The Small Town Superheroes Series- (Through Stonehouse Ink)

  Small Town Superhero

  Small Town Superhero II

  Small Town Superhero III

  Keeper of the Wolves

  Stolen

  The Million Dollar Gift

  Thief Prince

  When Death Loved an Angel

  The Shadows Series- (Through Stonehouse Ink)

  Shadows- Book One in the World of Shadows

  Mist- Book Two in the World of Shadows

  Dusk- Book Three in the World of Shadows

  The Monster Asylum Series

  Book One- The Fangs of Bloodhaven

  Book Two- The Scales of Drakenfall

  Girl from the Stars

  Book 1- Daybreak

  Book 2- Daylight

  Book 3- Day’s End

  Book 4- Day’s Journey

  REVIEWS

  The Werewolf Academy Series

  If you love werewolves, paranormal, and looking for a book like House of Night or Vampire Academy this is it! YA for sure.

  —Reviewer for Sweets Books

  I got this book from a giveaway, and it's one of the coolest books I have ever read. If you love Hogwarts, and Vampire Academy, or basically anything that has got to do with supernatural people studying, this is the book for you.

  —Maryam Dinzly

  This series is truly a work of art, sucked in immediately and permanently. The first line and you are in the book. Cheree Alsop is a gifted writer, all of her books are my complete favorites!! This series has to be my absolute favorite, Alex is truly a wonderful character who I so wish was real so I can meet him and thank him. Once you pick this book up you won't put it down till it's finished. A must read!!!!!

  —BookWolf Brianna

  Listed with Silver Moon as the top most emotional of Cheree's books, I loved Instinct for its raw truth about the pain, the heartbreak, and the guilt that Alex fights.

  —Loren Weaver

  Great story. Loaded with adventure at every turn. Can't wait till the next book. Very enjoyable, light reading. I would recommend to all young and old readers.

  —Sharon Klein

  The Silver Series

  “Cheree Alsop has written Silver for the YA reader who enjoys both werewolves and coming-of-age tales. Although I don’t fall into this demographic, I still found it an entertaining read on a long plane trip! The author has put a great deal of thought into balancing a tale that could apply to any teen (death of a parent, new school, trying to find one’s place in the world) with the added spice of a youngster dealing with being exceptionally different from those around him, and knowing that puts him in danger.”

  —Robin Hobb, author of the Farseer Trilogy

  “I honestly am amazed this isn’t absolutely EVERYWHERE! Amazing book. Could NOT put it down! After reading this book, I purchased the entire series!”

  —Josephine, Amazon Reviewer

  “A page-turner that kept me wide awake and wanting more. Great characters, well written, tenderly developed, and thrilling. I loved this book, and you will too.”

  —Valerie McGilvrey

  “Super glad that I found this series! I am crushed that it is at its end. I am sure we will see some of the characters in the next series, but it just won’t be the same. I am 41 years old, and am only a little embarrassed to say I was crying at 3 a.m. this morning while finishing the last book. Although this is a YA series, all ages will enjoy the Silver Series. Great job by Cheree Alsop. I am excited to see what she comes up with next.”

  —Jennc, Amazon Reviewer

  The Galdoni Series

  “This is absolutely one of the best books I have ever read in my life! I loved the characters and their personalities, the storyline and the way it was written. The bravery, courage and sacrifice that Kale showed was amazing and had me scolding myself to get a grip and stop crying! This book had adventure, romance and comedy all rolled into one terrific book I LOVED the lesson in this book, the struggles that the characters had to go through (especially the forbidden love)...I couldn’t help wondering what it would be like to live among such strangely beautiful creatures that acted, at times, more caring and compassionate than the humans. Overall, I loved this book...I recommend it to ANYONE who fancies great books.”

  —iBook Reviewer

  “I was not expecting a free novel to beat anything that I have ever laid eyes upon. This book was touching and made me want more after each sentence.”

  Sears1994, iBook Reviewer

  “This book was simply heart wrenching. It was an amazing book with a great plot. I almost cried several times. All of the scenes were so real it felt like I was there witnessing everything.”

  —Jeanine Drake, iBook Reveiwer

  “Galdoni is an amazing book; it is the first to actually make me cry! It is a book that really touches your heart, a romance novel that might change the way you look at someone. It did that to me.”

  —Coralee2, Reviewer

  “Wow. I simply have no words for this. I highly recommend it to anyone who stumbled across this masterpiece. In other words, READ IT!”

  —Troublecat101, iBook Reviewer

  Keeper of the Wolves

  “This is without a doubt the VERY BEST paranormal romance/adventure I have ever read and I’ve been reading these types of books for over 45 years. Excellent plot, wonderful protagonists—even the evil villains were great. I read this in one sitting on a Saturday morning when there were so many other things I should have been doing. I COULD NOT put it down! I also appreciated the author’s research and insights into the behavior of wolf packs. I will CERTAINLY read more by this author and put her on my ‘favorites’ list.”

  —N. Darisse

  “This is a novel that will emotionally cripple you. Be sure to keep a box of tissues by your side. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will fall in love with Keeper. If you loved Black Beauty as a child, then you will truly love Keeper of the Wolves as an adult. Put this on your ‘must read’ list.”

  —Fortune Ringquist

  “Cheree Alsop mastered the mind of a wolf and wrote the most amazing story I’ve read this year. Once I started, I couldn’t stop reading. Personal needs no longer existed. I turned the last page with tears streaming down my face.”

  —Rachel Andersen, Amazon Reviewer

  “I just finished this book. Oh my goodness, did I get emotional in some spots. It was so good. The courage and love portrayed is amazing. I do recommend this book. Thought provoking.”

  —Candy, Amazon Reviewer

  Thief Prince

  “I absolutely loved this book! I could not put it down. . . The Thief Prince will whisk you away into a new world that you will not want to leave! I hope that Ms. Alsop has more about this story to write, because I would love more Kit and Andric! This is one of my favorite books so far this year! Five Stars!”

  —Crystal, Book Blogger at Books are Sanity

  “. . . Once I started I couldn’t put it down. The story is amazing. The plot is new and the action never stops. The characters are believable and the emotions presented are beautiful and real. If anyone wants a good, clean, fun, romantic read, look no further. I hope there will be more books set in Debria, or better yet, Antor.”

  —SH Writer, Amazon Reviewer

  “This book was a roller coaster of emotions: tears, laughter, anger, and happiness. I absolutely fell in love with all of the characters placed throughout this story. This author knows how to paint a picture with words.”

  —Kathleen Vales

  “Awesome book! It was so action packed, I could not put it down,
and it left me wanting more! It was very well written, leaving me feeling like I had a connection with the characters.”

  —M. A., Amazon Reviewer

  The Small Town Superhero Series

  “A very human superhero- Cheree Alsop has written a great book for youth and adults alike. Kelson, the superhero, is battling his own demons plus bullies in this action packed narrative. Small Town Superhero had me from the first sentence through the end. I felt every sorrow, every pain and the delight of rushing through the dark on a motorcycle. Descriptions in Small Town Superhero are so well written the reader is immersed in the town and lives of its inhabitants.”

  —Rachel Andersen, Book Reviewer

  “Anyone who grew up in a small town or around motorcycles will love this! It has great characters and flows well with martial arts fighting and conflicts involved.”