Nightcalls

By Caylen D. Smith

After traveling the seas, Aly returns home expecting a different life. But one setback after the other, she finds out the horrible truth of being away for far too long. It was as if nothing had changed. She was still known as only the councilman's young, innocent daughter. A prize through many eyes.

When her grandmother and newly dubbed fiancé do everything in their power to control her, Aly has to learn to trust her instincts even when everything in her path keeps setting her ten steps back. New relations will appear, and the difficult choice of birthing an alliance or dividing all ties will cloud her judgment. For trouble seems to find her once more, and even though she shouldn't, Aly will need all the help she can get, even in the most unexpected places.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Caylen D. Smith
• Release date: Nov 21, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370840908

Caylen D. Smith

CAYLEN D. SMITH was born and raised in Southern California. She published Ripples, her debut young adult novel in the Guardian Series, at the age of nineteen. Now, five books later, A Thief's Game, is her first book in The Robyn Hoode Chronicles. Smith holds a Bachelors Degree in English. She enjoys reading, drawing and attending plays and musicals.

Book preview

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This has been a long journey of enlightenment, tears, banging my head on the keyboard, and lots and lots of coffee. Though whenever there is a struggle, thank yous are in need. 

Without question, I have to thank my first child, Alexandria O'Halloran, for popping into my head and from there, going through the many name and character design changes, and so on. Alexandria has endured much. I created her story that finally crafted itself into a full series, when we were both at the age of sixteen. So thank you, Aly, for always sticking with me even when you hated the choices I had to make for your friends.

I have to thank, of course, Deborah Raney for editing the first three books in the series, Terri Gibson for editing Nightcalls, and Daniela Owergoor, my talented cover artist because without them this series wouldn't be as beautifully finished as it is now. 

To my friends for wanting cameos and to my mother, Carol Smith, who pushed me to publish Alexandria's story because, without her, Alexandria's story would have stayed in my laptop and never shared. Of course, I have to thank my Aunt Gina for never failing to buy a copy, to my sister, Jenelle Smith, for being excited when news arrives, and my father, Rodney Smith, for just being the support I needed. 

I could thank people all day, if I had the time. But in closing, I have to thank those who chose to finish the journey with Aly. It was a long one, but those are the best kind.

Part One

Chapter One

Gasping for air, I launched myself out of the damp sheets, grasping at the empty space between my fingers. Brisk winter air had overtaken the land, and death lay all around me. My chest heaving, I set myself straight once again, and my body relaxed at the realization the dream was over. I breathed again, checking to be sure I was actually alive. The drapes remained drawn from my laziness to close them. I swallowed and placed my head in my hands. The dream. It was only the dream.

"Luna." Stillness, just the ragged breath coming from between my lips broke the silence. I suddenly realized I occupied the bed alone and the horror filled me. Quickly jumping onto my hands and knees, I crawled over to the edge and saw nothing left on the floor except for the boots from last night and the burnt-out lantern.

What a fool I am. I sat back down and noticed the dull fog rolling in from between the trees. Early morning. Luna’s information echoed through my mind. I will be on a scouting mission with Robert and his guards.

I clamped my teeth down hard. The chill of the morning was impossible to ignore. The pompous boy thought he could control my guardian, taking the white wolf with him on his hunting parties. Only a month into his permanent residency, and he acted like he owned this city. As if he were king. My horrible excuse of a fiancé. To think I will have to marry someone without any connection between us. That was how the world worked. I had to remind myself of that frequently, but I couldn’t; not now, not ever, not when there was someone else.

The empty room consumed my very being. Luna was usually here when I had those dreams and coaxed me back to sleep. I had a few more hours before my duties as a blushing bride were expected in the mansion. Slipping out from between the covers, I exited through the back of my room, taking the servants’ passage that spiraled around the secret passages of the mansion.

I was smart enough to keep my socks on, but the frozen floors could still be felt through the thin cotton. My eyes adjusted nicely to the dark, after being out at sea where light was not an option most of the time. My sharpened vision helped me in more ways than one would think.

The thought of the vast ocean and the pirates with whom I traveled brought back the emotions I promised myself I should not be feeling any longer. Those adventures were done with, and I virtually placed them in a box and buried them deep within the closet, never to be thought of again. But every wonderful memory rained down on me like hellfire.

The endless halls had doors that were shut tightly for the ones who could sleep soundly and not worry about the future. People whose lives were of their own choosing, even if it were total lunacy. If they knew what was good for them, they should leave and never turn back, along with the citizens in the city. They didn’t need to live in this lifestyle of farce: glittering colors along with the tedious balls, endless balls for every occasion.

The oak door I’d been searching for stood strong in front of me. I opened it without a single knock and entered the room. The window was, of course, opened so I went over to it, shutting out the cold.

The snow leopard guardian was nowhere to be found, probably being used as a puppet to fulfill Robert’s requests. I pulled back the sheets and slipped under the covers, placing my back to the one sleeping in the overly large bed.

Arms wrapped around my abdomen and pulled me closer. His icy nose pressing onto the nape of my neck. The dream again? His sleepy voice warmed my exposed skin.

I pressed my body against his, holding his arms in place. I’m fine, Aaron. I just need a place to sleep.

Mmm. He was out like a light and surprisingly, his soft snores were hardly noticeable, allowing me to fall back asleep, now secure in his embrace.

Aaron was my best friend, and he had my heart in his hands. No one else, just him. I feared that people might consider all the time we spent together was more than appropriate or proper, but they barely had any right to their suspicions. Countless guards were stationed at the behest of the all-powerful Cornelia, my grandmother. Her power was easily grasped after she doomed my life to this laughable engagement, one which Robert happily agreed. No young woman my age could ever have voiced her own opinion, especially a woman such as myself, who had yet to rise to power.

Everyone knew I had my reasons for not wanting to follow through with the engagement, but I was willing to sacrifice everything, even my freedom, in order to comply with my grandmother’s wishes. I told them half the truth, that I accepted this arrangement as final and would not dare to disobey Cornelia’s bidding, but I never told them about Robert threatening me, which happened months ago. He warned me if I ever defied him, or if somehow he found out I was planning something or even told anyone of our personal conversations, he would personally see to it that Republic City went up in flames. He even added that he wouldn’t mind if some of my companions found themselves caught in the blaze.

It was all for them. For him.

Aaron’s soft breath on my cheek woke me. During my sleep, I apparently turned to face him. A smile crept along my lips, something I had to fake during the last month. Only a few saw the genuine smile I reserved exclusively for those I cared for in my life. He looked so peaceful, and I swiped his bangs away from his forehead.

He breathed in deeply and his face grimaced as the light shone in his eyes. I pulled away my fingers. Sorry, I woke you up, didn’t I?

From the most amazing dream. He grumbled and pressed his face into the crook of my neck.

Oh?

I was at a huge banquet with all the food I could eat.

I should have guessed it would have been about food, him and that bottomless stomach of his. No meal was safe from his greedy appetite. Somehow, he could eat as much as he wanted and whichever foods he liked while still building his strength as a normal boy of eighteen.

I hope you got to taste at least some of the lamb? I teased. I knew he would never pass up a leg of a lamb.

Aaron’s lips pulled up into a smile against my skin. Yes, I did.

I traced the lines under his shirt, following the scars, which he received when he was captured by ruthless pirates. He never mentioned how he got them. I believed that was for his sake more than anything. He probably didn’t want to recall the unhappy memory. I never asked him about them, and I never will.

He pulled away and his distinctive grey eyes that saw every part of my soul, glistened in the rising sunlight. Do you want to talk about it?

I closed my eyes and breathed in deeply. It is the same dream. I don’t really have much to say. But thank you for letting me sleep here. I found it more difficult each day to sleep alone. When Luna wasn’t occupying the same room with me, I, without even thinking about it, would often find myself traveling through the corridors and going into Aaron’s room.

Do you think sparring might help to ease your mind? Landon and I plan to train outside.

I smiled at hearing that. I don’t know how it happened but after many years of rivalry, their conflict came to a close. Maybe because Landon was not murdered as first thought. It was an impossible topic to discuss because it seemed so incredibly ridiculous. But I sincerely think that because of it, they both realized they might have had their differences and clashed for a long time, but their relationship as brothers never died.

Landon and I have a different relationship although we both enjoy each other’s company. We’ve grown up with each other, forging a bond that can’t be broken.

The star pendant dangled on the necklace around Aaron’s neck. I gently placed it in my palm and rubbed my thumb against the smooth metal. I can’t—

He grabbed me around the waist and rolled on top of me, releasing his weight, but being careful not to crush me. Then stay here with me. We don’t have to leave the room.

A laugh bubbled out of my throat as I grabbed his face between my palms and brought his head down to mine. I kissed him lightly on his lips. You didn’t let me finish. I have an appointment this morning.

Aaron rolled onto his back and stared up at the ceiling. Well, that’s no fun.

The cold air seeped in from the absent space so I scooted closer to him and rested my head on his shoulder as I looked up at his jaw. But I suppose I will fill you in for the evening.

His eyes turned in a comically circular fashion. I should be so lucky as to be graced with Alexandria’s presence.

I snorted and shuffled out of the warm bed, stepping out into the cold. I wrapped myself up with my arms and gave him a look. This room would have been a lot chillier if I had not closed the window.

He draped an arm over his eyes. I love the cold. I welcome it.

If I intended to be on time, prolonging our banter would never have allowed me that success. The person I was meeting was someone I had only been informed. I never met her. Now that I was older, Cornelia wanted to acquaint me with the children of all the rulers belonging to the Republic Nations. I hoped she wouldn’t be a pain in my ass.

Chapter Two

Once I fastened the onyx cloak around me, a single knock was heard on my door. I could only guess who was behind it. The open door revealed a tall, wide-shouldered man with black hair recently trimmed. My shoulders slumped. Come to escort me, Maxwell?

Maxwell was one of the newest guards. He was a little young and presently assigned to protect the residents of the mansion, courtesy of Cornelia. So, I made it my daily routine to goad him into saying more than three sentences to me. All he really did was stay concealed in the shadows and never spoke unless it was crucially necessary.

He bowed. Miss O’Halloran.

I slipped past him, glad when my fabric easily grazed his freshly pressed garb. You needn’t call me that, Maxwell. No formalities, remember? Aly is perfectly fine.

No response of course, just the sound of his blade with the head of a lion. He kept it securely attached to the belt around his hips. He remained six steps behind me, never more and never less. The mansion was unnaturally chilly, and I wondered who was in charge of heating the building. Or it could have been just my imagination. As soon as I stepped outside into the biting cold, I couldn’t quite fathom the idea of escorting a new visitor about the grounds.

I pulled the cloak over my shoulders, and a small puff of white steam formed before my lips.

Sorry for keeping you. A girl with a brilliant smile waltzed over with practiced grace. A red cloak trailed behind her and two passive-faced guards followed. Her light brown, shoulder-length hair was picked up by the wind. Two braids, one on each side, lay next to her cheeks. Her hands were covered with fine, lace gloves and she took my gloved hands into hers. Good morning. It is so nice to finally meet my soon-to-be sister.

I tried very hard not to cringe at the knowledge this girl would indeed be related to me by marriage. Margret Vibia Claymoore, Robert’s younger sister. Her name was only a formality. A series of letters on a piece of parchment. Never any pictures that could express what her appearance might be. Everyone thought it was appropriate for me to get to know the Claymoore family before I married into it. But after my experience with Robert, I was not enthusiastic about any of it.

Hello, Lady Margret, I hope you settled into your rooms nicely. The off-putting voice I used nearly hollowed me.

She, along with Robert, would be living in the mansion until the dreaded nuptials. My legs ached to launch across the garden and never stop. I felt like running away until civilization ceased to exist. I couldn’t do this. I couldn’t keep up such a ridiculous farce.

Margret. Her bright, chocolate eyes shone, and she hooked her arm with mine before we began to walk around the courtyard. The guards followed us, as if they were attached by a string being pulled. I’ve never been in Republic City before. Father usually keeps me locked up.

My eyes wandered. Is that so? But her hand clapped down on my shoulder and she shook it quite violently to bring me out of my state of reverie.

Won’t you take me on a tour of the city? I would love to see how your people live. I’ve heard many of the buildings were rebuilt!

I blinked once, then twice. Margret seemed genuinely elated about her visit. As if she cared about the culture of my land. Our feet crushed the pebbles as we rounded the side of the building. The rose bushes were slowly withering in the cold, and would soon grow no longer.

Nodding, I managed a smile. If you would like me to.

Margret squealed; actually squealed. Hearing that, I suspected she had more intense energy than the average lady. Oh, yes, please. I would love it so. She became silent as she gawked upon viewing the grounds. The grass with fresh frost sparkled under the sunlight. I wouldn’t have been surprised if my nose were bright red. The cold and I never really got along very well.

She poked my side. I’ve heard a lot about you. I grimaced but she giggled, waving a small hand. Don’t worry, it isn’t bad. Just the single year you spent away from home. Pirates! How exciting. Tell me about it.

Uh… Shocked to hear that information traveled quite fast, I realized I never really spoke about our times at sea. Mostly the only ones who wanted to hear about it were Landon and Aaron, or Blythe, who loved to hear my stories of the high seas. I would say it was adventurous in many ways, but it was only temporary. I am sure they are traveling the oceans; searching for some new treasure to be found.

A soft smile crept on my lips. I thought of Jon being the First Mate, trying to prevent his captain from doing something dangerous in the process of sailing their ship. And then my mind traveled to the little boy I often took care of and supervised.

Did you have to go to battle? Margret cut in.

Yes, actually. I tucked a stray hair behind my ear and looked over my shoulder, spotting Maxwell. He was carefully watching our surroundings as if danger would spring upon us at any moment. But he was looking for the wrong people. The person he should have been keeping a close eye on was Robert.

Her mouth hung open as she stared straight ahead. She was entranced. It was kind of sweet. Her eyes wandered before she looked back to me. Do I hear you have a sister? Is she around?

I nodded. Samantha is here, but she will be leaving soon.

Margret’s eyes saddened. Aw, and why is that?

Because my sister was raised a gypsy. Now that the weather was steadily growing worse, she needed to sail on the next boat back to Geldin, which is where she lived. She loved spending time with me, but this life wasn’t hers. She said she would be back when the weather was better for travel. And being locked up in this mansion with our father right down the hall… she refused to make any further commitment.

Samantha has business to attend to in the south. I lied, though Geldin was in the south but that’s about it. I believe she will return soon. I really did hope so because I couldn’t go through this without having her by my side. When she returns, maybe I might muster the will to apprise her of the true situation and what was happening behind the walls of Republic City.

Well, then, I would love to meet her. Your life seems exciting. A sister you’ve never met, and rebels, and pirates. Do you know how lucky you are?

Lucky might have been pushing it a bit, but I understood what she meant. Maybe she was just like me and also craved something intangible to fill up the empty spot in her chest. I weakly smiled. Never thought of it like that.

She giggled and pressed her head against my shoulder.

The courtyard opened further, and the practice area where the guards worked to keep up their stamina and fighting skills was occupied by some early birds. I spotted two of those early birds from a distance. Margret slowed her steps as she watched the men practicing their routines. A few of the guards who were not on duty ran past us and gave us a formal greeting.

Landon and Aaron were in their own little world, cursing and joking with each other as they dueled. I laughed when Aaron got his ass handed to him by Landon. Finally, someone who could beat Aaron at the masterful art of swordplay.

Do you know them? Margret used her chin to indicate the duo.

I chewed my lips between my teeth. They are Councilmen Peter and Nicholas’s sons. Now it was only Nicholas. Peter passed away a few months ago, growing too ill to recover from something even the healers couldn’t identify.

Oh, I have heard of one of them. Landon, right? He is the new councilman, correct? Is the other one in training for the same role?

Yes, he was officially appointed not too long ago. Aaron is still learning the duties of his father’s position. When Aaron was dubbed worthy of accepting the role, I felt sure the both of them would rule this land fairly. I tried to ignore the uneasy feeling in my stomach whenever I thought about leaving them after the wedding.

She patted my arm. Can we greet them? I would love to meet the other children of the court. Her smile stretched wider and I could have sworn she was bouncing on her heels.

I thought for a moment whether or not this was the smartest idea, but eventually concluded there couldn’t really be too much harm in it. She was here to meet the people who lived in the mansion. I don’t see why not. I pulled her along until we came to the edge of the arena. Clearing my throat, I spotted the leopard and wolf guardians who belonged to them, and was not surprised to find them here. They sat on the opposite side, watching their children battle each other.

Landon made the mistake of looking up first. His response left him wide open for Aaron to tackle him to the ground. Pretty dirty move, I must say. Get off me, you fool! The councilman pushed his opponent away before he fixed his tunic and helped his friend stand up.

Three to one. Landon, you are losing quite badly, Aaron teased as he followed after him. He ran his fingers through his hair and I had to avert my eyes to stop the red blush that was rising rapidly in my cheeks.

Aaron, Landon, this is Margret, Robert’s sister. She will be staying with us.

Landon exhaled, trying to catch his breath as he bowed to her. Lady Margret. I was previously informed you were arriving this morning. I hope Aly isn’t too much trouble for you. He raised a brow and his lips suggested a smile.

I huffed. She has taken a liking to me, if you must know.

Always so prideful.

Aaron rammed his elbow into Landon’s side. Nice to meet ya, Margret. His eyes shifted over to me, but only for a second. Then they dropped down to his snow leopard guardian. This is Eros.

The guardian’s ears flickered as his blue eyes slid over him. Aaron you must learn to properly introduce yourself. His head was bowed. Sorry for his boorish manners, Lady Margret.

Don’t be like that. Aaron chided back with a struggle of a grin.

Margret waved her hand at the creature, but she couldn’t fool me. She was quite shocked at seeing the talking animal. Only a certain number of small cities were graced with magic and the blessing of loyal guardians at the sides of their children. The upper divisions lost their magic years ago. We were one of the few that still survived.

No worries at all. It is nice to meet you. Her brown eyes dropped to Landon’s guardian. And what may your name be?

It is Kosmo, Lady Margret, he replied formally. She had to realize that these guardians would not change their penchant for formality. They knew when the protocol was appropriate and when it was not.

She bent down toward the two animals and scratched under their chins; her cloak fluttered in the wind. You are both gorgeous. I have never seen any finer creatures. She turned to meet my gaze. And yours? Where may yours be?

I stiffened and folded my arms across my chest, trying to hide my tight fists. Inside, I wanted to punch the young man who thought so highly of himself, but he was oblivious to my restrained urge. Your brother is with her. At some hunting party, I would presume.

Margret hummed to herself and gave the animals a few last scratches behind their ears before rising to her feet. How disappointing. Well, he is the commanding type. Her eyes flashed, but she quickly hid whatever emotion she was poised to reveal. I would love to meet your guardian when they return?

I smirked at her, wondering if I should give her a chance. Did I want a friendship between us? I chose the same with Robert once before, and look where it got me. Luna would love that. She loves meeting new guests.

A shadow loomed over me, and I jumped back and placed my hand over my heart. I could only grumble at the new arrival. Maxwell, why do you constantly do that? When I mentioned him always lurking in the shadows, he retreated once more. He might as well have been a shadow himself. His silence was such that many times I forgot he was still there, guarding me.

A glimmer of amusement flashed across his eyes. They soon clouded over again but it was too late; I saw it. Humor. How wonderful, the only thing that amused him was when I got scared out of my wits. Miss O’Halloran, the breakfast has been arranged.

I paled at the information of Cornelia’s feast, something she put together specifically for Margret’s arrival. I completely forgot that was one of the places where she wanted us to appear. Right. I mumbled. I briefly forgot about grandmother.

Margret dusted off her hands and took my arm. Then you shall lead the way. She waved over her shoulder at the boys. I hope to find some extra time to speak with you all! The girl pulled me away with haste, I hardly had any time to say my goodbyes.

Chapter Three

So, you know Cornelia? Mentally, I cursed myself for slipping up and not calling her Grandmother.

Margret twisted her right-sided braid. Yes, the duchess visits often to speak to Father. She is a very political woman.

I had no timeline of when Cornelia married into the Duke’s family, which were known to rule with an iron fist. I’d heard rumors from the city of Barford, and I have to say, I wouldn’t want to visit there any time soon.

I would not argue with that, I replied, gazing out the window. Despite the sun shining through, nothing could warm my bones. Oh, how I dreaded the cold. I wished for the warm salt water to fill my senses again and the sea breeze to caress my face.

Margret had slowed her steps and I lifted my gaze to see what could have stopped her.

A wide smile appeared on my lips. Up early this morning, sister?

Samantha turned at hearing my voice. Her crystal blue eyes flickered toward my companion, but she held a passive face. Yes, Lupin and I needed to stretch our legs. She snorted as her eyes soon spotted the guards behind us. The last time a guard was assigned to her, he scurried away with his tail between his legs. She said she didn’t need a man to watch over her. Father didn’t say anything about the matter; unlike me, he didn’t want to argue with Samantha. Sometimes, he acted as if he were afraid of her, and I would be too if I were the reason she was banished from her homeland. And who are you?

The girl actually curtsied. Margret, and you must be Alexandria’s sister?

Samantha. It is a… pleasure. I suppose she was told about Robert’s sister making an appearance today. She gave me an all-knowing look, and her open hand went out to her guardian. And this is Lupin.

Margret’s eyes sparkled at the black fox. What an interesting guardian. I’ve never seen fur like your kind before.

Lupin smirked. So, I’ve heard.

We were just about to head off to breakfast; would you like to join us? I sent Samantha a pleading gaze, hoping Margret would not notice. I needed someone by my side during the horrid conversation that was sure to ensue. Being left with Cornelia always put me on edge; at least with Samantha by my side, I might have been able to get through the meal.

Lucky for me, Samantha read my thoughts perfectly. Of course, I’m starving anyway. She fell into step with us and we walked down the endless halls of glassed walls. Her mane of locks now unbound, she pulled the waist-length blond hair over her shoulder, caressing it like a small puppy. She peeked out from behind the curtain of tresses and said, Maxwell, how nice of you to join my sister. I do hope Leonard is all right.

She took pure joy in toying with the guards. It must have been a habit from when she roamed the streets of Geldin. There, most of the guards knew her by name and posture. And let’s not forget those infamous sticky fingers of hers. Although she said that kind of life was long behind her, I had a feeling it periodically surfaced every once in a while.

Maxwell stiffened, and his eyes remained unreadable. I could only guess what could have caused such a reaction. I’d heard too many rumors to know the truth. Samantha welcomed the theories. He is managing well, Miss Samantha.

"Wonderful," she purred and I had to hold in my laugh when I glimpsed the mischief that flickered in her eyes. The guards must have been thanking the gods by now after the report of her departure was announced for the end of the week.

I heard you are leaving soon? Margret inquired.

What you heard is true. She gave me an apologetic look. Though I feel quite bad about my decision, for Aly’s sake. Having already begged her plenty of times not to leave, despite my pleas, she was firmly set on departing. I gave up after I realized that she also needed some freedom. I wouldn’t stoop to the level of the others who