Authors: Melanie McFarlane

Tags: #teen, #young adult, #science fiction, #exploration, #discovery, #action, #adventure, #survival

There Once Were Stars (28 page)

BOOK: There Once Were Stars

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“Do that,” Alec says, putting a hand on my shoulder. “And take as many people out there with you. When I’m done, I’ll join you. Keep moving forward, Nat. There’s nothing left inside here for you anymore.”

I look back at the Axis. Alec is right. This place stole my life from me. It served as a vessel for my answers, and now that I’ve got them it’s time for me to move on.

Evan grabs my hand and squeezes it, as I watch Alec disappear inside. The uncle I once lost has returned. But his agenda has changed. He’s fueled by hate and vengeance. I’m too tired to care about those things anymore.

We make our way outside the dome. When I feel the open air against my face, I know I’m finally free. The night sky stretches out above me. The moon and stars light my way toward the life my mother wanted me to have. I turn and see other people flowing out of the open dome. In the distance, I can hear music in the air. People are celebrating.

I look out into the skies of the mysterious beyond. My fingers reach over and entwine with Evan’s. I whisper, just loud enough so he can hear me.

“Look, Evan. Out here, in the night, you can almost feel the stars shine against your skin.”

Evan squeezes my hand, and I never want to let go. I wish we could stay frozen in this moment forever. Under the stars. Free.

THE END

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

When I submitted
There Once Were Stars
, I had no idea how much my life would change. There was so much I had to learn, not only about writing, but also about the publishing industry. If it wasn’t for Georgia McBride taking a chance on an unagented newbie, this book may have never seen the light of day, and I never would have continued to write the many stories I’ve completed since (and am still working on). Her belief in this novel means the world to me.

I also have to send my thanks to Kahla Dombowsky, a co-worker, who offered to read
There Once Were Stars
, and upon completion came into my cubicle exclaiming, “This is so good!” That short burst of excitement gave me the confidence I needed to take this novel to the next level. From there I connected with an old friend, Bridget Spicer, who has been an invaluable beta reader, alongside Kahla and my mother Faithe, all helping to make my novel the best it can be. These three make up my team, and I couldn’t do what I love without them.

Since the day I signed with Month9Books, nearly two years prior to publication, I have met a world of wonderful writers and learned how to become better at this craft. A sincere thank you to everyone I’ve connected with, including my first editor, Sarita Amorim who taught me much more than any class could, on how to improve my manuscript. Amy McNulty, Jennifer Bardsley, Jessica Gunn, Suzanne van Rooyen, Pat Esden, Julia Ember, Louise Gornall, Vicki L. Weavil, Bethany Morrow, Stacey Mosteller, and the rest of the #WO2016 crew have been invaluable in teaching me how to help promote my book, before and after publication. Dorothy Dreyer and Beck Nicholas, both part of the Month9Books family, have pulled me into their inner circles of friendship and experience, showing how one can balance family life with the writer’s life. Booktuber Shala (Shaegeeksout) was the first to agree to a beta read without knowing anything about me; I reached out to her through Instagram, and her support since has been amazing.

For a girl who grew up in the middle of the Canadian prairies, this is beyond a dream come true. Thank you to my father and his made-up bedtime stories, and my mother who always pushed me to read.

All of you have helped to make my dream come true.

MELANIE MCFARLANE

Melanie McFarlane is a passionate writer of other-worldly adventures, a little excitable, and a little quirky. Whether it’s uncovering the corruption of the future, or traveling to other worlds to save the universe, she jumps in with both hands on her keyboard. Though she can be found obsessing over zombies and orcs from time to time, Melanie has focused her powers on her YA debut
There Once Were Stars
, and her YA urban fantasy
Summoner Rising
.

She lives with her husband and two daughters in the Land of Living Skies.

Connect with Melanie:

Website:
www.melaniemcfarlane.com

Twitter: @McFarlaneBooks
www.twitter.com/mcfarlanebooks

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/mcfarlanebooks

Goodreads Author Page:
www.goodreads.com/melaniemcfarlane

Instagram:
www.instagram.com/mcfarlanebooks

Wattpad:
www.wattpad.com/mcfarlanebooks

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