The Lost Chosen Heirs - A Mahalima-Inspired Set of Novels

Blood Moon Rising

"Are we there yet?" asked Ken in a bored tone.

It had been six hours since they left Preston City, the only place he had ever called home, and they had been on the road ever since. The sun was due to rise in a few hours, but all he could see was an endless road bordered by tall trees and rolling hills. Having grown up in a bustling city, Ken was used to the noise of traffic and people everywhere he looked. He vividly remembered the day his grandfather broke the news that his family was leaving the city. Just after Preston High had won the City Meet, and it was all thanks to Ken's talent. His coach and teammates were grateful for his skills and were all looking forward to playing with him at the regionals. He was so angry when he heard the news.

Suddenly, his younger sister bumped her head into the passenger side door, and Ken snapped out of his thoughts. It was evident that Maya was uncomfortable and very sleepy. Being the caring big brother that he is, Ken took his sister's head and made her use his lap as a pillow. An hour or so later, the Wolf Bridge came into view. It was the final indication that his life was about to change forever. Looking out the window, he realized that the sun was about to rise, and its red and golden hue began to blanket the greyish sky.

"Wake your sister up," his father commanded. Ken gently shook his sister's shoulder to wake her.

"Yeah, I'm awake," Maya responded sleepily.

Fredrick Jaeger started his never-ending reminders about how they should act in front of the townspeople. These were things that a parent should never tell their children, but they were different, and Ken knew that. They were all raised with the idea that their family had a critical mission that they must uphold and fulfill. Other teenagers worried about pimples and crushes, but Ken and his sister were not ordinary.

"Maya, are you listening?" His father's angry voice pulled him out of his reverie. When he looked at his sister, she was obviously not paying attention to their dad. "Maya!"

"Huh?" Maya asked while blinking twice.

"Reminders," Ken whispered.

"What is wrong with you, kid? Do you not—" 

"Don't draw too much attention, just enough for people to like you and see you as normal kids. Don't make enemies; make friends with everyone. That is how you can infiltrate their lives. Remember, we are a normal family with normal and boring backstories. Gather as much information as possible about everyone, especially the important people in the community. Did I miss anything?" Maya recited, mimicking their father's tone. He wanted to laugh but knew their father would be mad, so he forced himself to shut up.

"Yes. Drop the attitude."

After a few more hours of driving, the Jaeger family finally arrived in Moontown. They were all amazed by the beauty of the place, which was even more magnificent than the photos they had seen online. Despite the strange behavior of the townspeople, who stared at their car as they passed through the town proper, their journey to their new home went smoothly. It only took them twenty-five minutes to reach the house their parents had bought in town.

"Wow..." Maya exclaimed in amazement.

"I already love this home," Louisa Jaeger added.

Ken smiled as he saw his mother and sister's reaction. The house in front of them was charming, just like everything else in Moontown. The town had preserved all of its old structures, including the houses. When they entered the town, he felt like they had gone back in time, and he was mesmerized.

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Justin McKenzie heard a car parked outside while finishing the dish he had prepared for his new neighbors. He looked out the window and saw a family of four come out of a black truck, and it broke his heart. Being orphaned for thirteen years after his parents were murdered, he has gotten used to being alone. He is currently a steward of the crown and was supposed to be placed in a foster home, but the whole town united in protecting him. Now, he lives alone in his parents' house, surrounded by their memories and the fact that he could never see them again.