Prologue

Jaren wakes from a week-long nightmare of captivity and torment, only to find the nightmare is real. Held hostage in his own home, he discovers his captors possess supernatural abilities they call "Songs." To their shock, these powers don't work on Jaren.

Led by a mysterious red-haired woman, the group is both fascinated and alarmed by Jaren's apparent immunity. As the prologue ends, they prepare to uncover the extent of Jaren's hidden potential.

Chapter 1

In the bustling heart of New York City, small-town girl Calandra's job hunt takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles into a mysterious blind stranger. In a fleeting moment of contact, Cala's world shifts as she hears an otherworldly melody that awakens something deep within her. Little does she know, this chance encounter will plunge her into a hidden world of magic and danger.

Just as the enigmatic man vanishes into the crowd, Cala falls victim to a brazen purse-snatcher. In a twist of fate, her bag is miraculously recovered by the very same blind stranger. His gruff demeanor and refusal to explain himself only deepen the mystery surrounding him.

Back at her apartment, Cala's roommate Meri is inexplicably affected by the haunting tune Cala unconsciously hums. The melody's power becomes undeniable, hinting at forces beyond her understanding.

Meanwhile, in a shadowy warehouse, we meet Jedrek (Drek) - the blind man who's far more than he seems. A tense encounter with Jasira reveals a hidden society known as the Kin teetering on the brink of extinction. Ancient allegiances are being tested, and a pivotal meeting looms on the horizon.

Jedrek is shaken to his core by his interaction with Cala. Her ability to hear and replicate his mystical melody - something that should be impossible for a human - sends shockwaves through his carefully guarded world. 

Jedrek must uncover the truth about this seemingly ordinary girl who might possess extraordinary abilities. Is Cala a threat to the secret world of the Kin? Or could she be the key to their survival?

Chapter 2

Drek visits Terrwyn’s elegant Upper East Side apartment. Their interaction quickly turns serious when Drek reveals an unusual encounter with a human girl who seemed to hear his hidden Song—a rare and troubling occurrence. Terrwyn, recognizing the gravity of the situation, suggests investigating the girl further with the help of her son, Colin.

Meanwhile, Cala starts her day with hopeful but unsuccessful job hunting. Her spirits are buoyed by a mysterious tune she can’t forget. She meets Drek again, this time accompanied by Colin. When Drek offers her a potential job opportunity, Cala, initially hesitant due to her roommate’s warnings about strangers, decides to take a leap of faith and accept the offer. She is to help assist a friend of Drek’s and plans on meeting her the next day.

Drek’s returns to his warehouse, where intruders are discovered. Using his Song to create illusions of flames and scare off the thieves, Drek encounters unexpected help when Jasira returns. Her intervention saves Drek but also reveals her dangerous shift towards extreme measures. Their confrontation highlights a moral divide between them, with Jasira's ruthless approach clashing with Drek's more measured stance.

Chapter 3

Cala and her friend Meri arrive at Terrwyn’s apartment for their scheduled meeting, feeling a mix of apprehension and curiosity. Terrwyn, an older woman with a warm demeanor, greets them enthusiastically and invites them inside. The apartment is bright and cheerful, filled with flowers and sunlight, which eases Cala's initial worries about safety.

Inside, Terrwyn is busy preparing tea and an impressive array of cookies while chatting energetically. She mentions Colin, who is expected soon. When Colin arrives, he greets Cala with a bow and a kiss on the hand, which catches Cala off guard, but the situation is quickly diffused by Terrwyn’s jovial intervention. 

As the conversation flows, Cala becomes unsettled when she notices that Colin’s singing sounds similar to a song she heard from Drek, causing a brief moment of tension. Terrwyn quickly steers the conversation back to the topic at hand: discussing the terms of Cala’s potential job. They offer Cala a position to visit Terrwyn three times a week, which Cala, despite her confusion, agrees to after hearing the compensation.

Once Cala and Meri leave, Colin and Terrwyn discuss the unexpected development of Cala hearing the Songs of Power. They suspect that Cala's ability might be connected to physical touch, as she only heard Colin’s song after making physical contact with him. Terrwyn expresses concern about how this might affect their plans and the reaction of their society’s leaders, especially Jasira.

Drek and Colin travel together to attend a Council meeting and Drek can’t stop thinking about Cala’s unique abilities. Drek and Colin drive through the snow and when they arrive at a seemingly unimportant location, exit the car and begin Singing Songs of power. The Songs transform them into dragons and they take flight to continue their journey.

Chapter 4

Terrwyn arrives at the Caverns, a secret meeting place in the Arctic for dragons from around the world. She catches up with old friends, including Shirina, a young dragon she once mentored. As she visits the Hall of Sovereigns, she pays homage to past dragon leaders and reflects on their history, particularly the agreements and sacrifices made to protect humans from the Kin’s interference. The chapter then shifts to the Council meeting where Colin is restless and observes rising tensions, especially concerning the faction led by Jasira, who opposes the treaty with humans and wants to end their secrecy.

Edolie summons Drek for a meeting where she reveals that she has a solution to a problem Drek has been dealing with for decades - his blindness. Healers had tried for many years to heal him after the incident that caused his blindness with no result. Edolie Sings a Song of Power that she created and heals Drek. It is so powerful that every dragon at the Caverns feels a small amount of Healing as well.

During the Council meeting the next day, Jasira makes a dramatic speech claiming she has discovered why the dragon Kin can no longer reproduce and proposes that they abandon their hidden existence to rebuild their ancient society. The news sparks a heated debate among the dragons, with Jasira’s bold claims and a mysterious egg adding fuel to the fire. The chapter concludes with Edolie, the Queen, calling for a break, signaling the beginning of a critical period of reflection and decision-making. Meanwhile, Drek, who has been quietly anxious about Jasira’s influence and his own private concerns, is urged to reveal a significant, yet troubling, piece of news.

Chapter 5

Colin, Drek, and Terrwyn rush to see Edolie, driven by urgent news about a human who can hear the Songs of Power. Upon reaching Edolie’s chambers, they encounter a bustling crowd and Edolie’s assistant Khalon, who informs them of Edolie's busy schedule and Jasira's recent outburst. Terrwyn reveals their critical discovery: a human named Cala who can detect the Songs of Power, which shocks Khalon and prompts him to escort them to Edolie.

Inside, Edolie welcomes them with a mixture of kindness and weariness. She acknowledges their news and the existence of Cala’s brother, revealing that she had already suspected the humans' abilities. Edolie seeks to understand the humans better, requesting Colin, Drek, and Terrwyn’s assistance in protecting Cala and her brother, if needed. She stresses the importance of evaluating their personalities and decides to trust the trio with the Kin’s secrets, despite the looming threat of chaos from Jasira’s announcement.

As Drek revels in the beauty of his regained sight, he reflects on Jasira’s bitter transformation from when he knew her to the person she’s become. Later in the night, Terrwyn abruptly awakens Drek, revealing the shocking news of Edolie's sudden death. Drek realizes the threat to Cala and the disarray Edolie’s death has created. He and Terrwyn race to catch up with Colin, who is tracking Jasira and her faction. The chapter concludes with Drek grappling with the weight of Edolie’s sacrifice and the guilt he feels that she was weakened after Healing him. He and Terrwyn soar into the night, determined to safeguard the future amid the unfolding chaos.

Chapter 6

Colin relentlessly pursues Jasira, tracking her through the sky using his skills in Air and Fire. Despite his expertise, tracking another dragon is challenging. As dawn approaches, Colin spots Jasira and her group but is soon ambushed by a dark blue dragon, sent to cover Jasira's tracks. Colin engages in a fierce aerial battle but is ultimately overpowered and severely injured. He crash-lands in a snowy area but manages to heal himself.

Back in the city, Cala is surprised by an unexpected visit from her brother, Jaren, who arrives unannounced and looks troubled. He exhibits signs of stress and fatigue, prompting Cala to offer him a place to stay and food while questioning what’s wrong. Jaren’s arrival is marked by tension, particularly when he reacts fearfully upon meeting Cala’s new employer, Terrwyn, and her friend, Drek. Jaren is initially hostile, suspecting them of malicious intent due to their ability to Sing. Terrwyn and Drek, surprised that he can Hear the Songs of Power, assure him they are there to protect Cala and him from danger.

As Jaren recounts his recent ordeal, he reveals that Jasira and her associates had captured and tortured him, trying to use their Songs of Power to manipulate him. Jaren managed to escape by using the Songs himself, an ability he had only recently discovered. Terrwyn explains the nature of the Songs and their group, detailing how they manipulate elements through music and the significance of Jaren and Cala’s ability to hear these Songs.

Chapter 7

Terrwyn and her companions are planning a move to Brenton House, a large and significant mansion. Terrwyn, Colin, Jedrek, Cala, and Jaren relocate their base of operations from Colin's apartment to this more spacious and secure location. Terrwyn believes her old house will be crucial for their upcoming struggle against the Jasira.

Colin expresses reluctance about moving back to Brenton House, while Drek supports the decision, emphasizing its strategic advantages. As they finalize their plans, there is tension around their next steps, including how to manage communication with their allies and protect Cala and Jaren.

Cala grapples with the new magical revelations about herself and her growing concern over Jasira’s threats. Her friend Meri is worried about her, but Cala is too preoccupied to explain the full situation.

Drek, dealing with his newly restored sight, encounters Vincent, one of the intruders who had attacked him before. Vincent reveals that Jasira had manipulated events to discredit humans, leaving Drek wary of her intentions.

Upon arriving at Brenton House, the group is met by Brent, Colin’s father and someone Terrwyn clearly has unresolved issues with. This unexpected reunion stirs up old memories for Terrwyn. Colin explains to Cala that Terrwyn and Brent had once been married and they are both sensitive on the topic of each other.

Chapter 8

The characters settle into Brenton House. Brent charms Cala with stories, creating a warm, familial atmosphere, but tension underlies every interaction, especially with the enigmatic Drek, who becomes more intriguing and mysterious. 

Cala and Drek drive back to the city to retrieve her friend, Meri. The tranquility is shattered when Jasira attacks Cala, demanding Jaren's whereabouts. In an attempt to protect herself and her friends, Cala discovers her latent powers, unleashing flames in a desperate bid to escape. Drek, revealing his true strength, saves Cala, and together they flee.

Back in the car, Cala’s world is upended. Overwhelmed by the sudden discovery of her powers and the escalating threat from Jasira, she leans on Drek for comfort. Their bond deepens as they head back to Brenton House, knowing that the safety they once felt is quickly slipping away, and that the true battle is just beginning.

Chapter 9

Back at Brenton House the next morning, Colin receives a call from Meri’s phone but instantly realizes it’s really Jasira. She has captured Meri and demands a trade for Cala.

Terrwyn quickly takes charge, sending Colin on a crucial mission and instructing the others to investigate the whereabouts of Meri and Jasira. As Colin leaves, Terrwyn decides it's time to reveal their most guarded secret to Jaren and Calandra: they are dragons who can take human form through the Songs of Power. The revelation is met with shock and disbelief, but Jaren and Calandra begin to accept the truth after witnessing Colin transform into his dragon form and soar into the sky.

The group discusses Jasira's dangerous motives, which are rooted in her jealousy and bitterness, particularly towards Calandra, who has the ability to Sing the Songs of Power. Terrwyn and Jedrek speculate that Jasira's desire for power over humans is driven by a deep-seated hatred and possibly lingering feelings for Drek, whom she was once married to.

As Brent, Drek, and Calandra head to Colin’s apartment, they discover evidence of Meri’s kidnapping and manage to follow a trail briefly before it disappears. They return to Brenton House to regroup and train Calandra, who is determined to save her friend.

Meanwhile, Colin arrives at the Arctic Caverns, exhausted but determined. He finds Shirina, who informs him that the dragons are still mourning Edolie. Colin explains the situation at Brenton House, hoping to convince the dragons to join the fight against Jasira.

Chapter 10

As they prepare Brenton House for future violence, Terrwyn comforts Jaren and answers his questions about dragons, then takes him to a secret basement command center at Brenton House. The command center is revealed to have a highly advanced security and defense system, which impresses Jaren. They spend hours ensuring the system is fully operational, including surveillance, sensors, and automatic defenses. Afterward, they return upstairs for lunch, where Terrwyn bakes her special "Comfort cookies," which contain traces of Songs of Power.

The Songs of Power are explored in more depth during a conversation between Terrwyn and Jaren. Terrwyn inquires about Jaren's and his sister Cala's abilities, which appear to be genetically linked. Cala's love for music might enhance her success with the Songs, but Terrwyn is puzzled by why humans like Cala can now access these powers. She suspects that something significant has changed, allowing humans to connect with the power in the Songs, a phenomenon previously inaccessible.

The chapter also explores Cala’s growing powers and her emotional connection with Drek. Cala and Drek share a passionate moment, signaling the deepening of their relationship. Drek, meanwhile, reflects on the past and the future, worried about the looming threat posed by Jasira but determined to protect Cala and her brother Jaren.

The chapter closes with Terrwyn beginning to teach Cala about the Songs of Power, emphasizing the urgency of mastering these abilities before their next confrontation with Jasira. She explains how the Songs of Power are tied directly to the Earth and control the elements of Earth, Air, Water, and Fire in complex ways. Cala tries to focus on her lessons, despite being distracted by her feelings for Drek.

Chapter 11

Colin makes a final appeal to the Kin at the Caverns, hoping to recruit allies for the fight against Jasira. Despite his efforts, he only manages to gather a small group, including his old gnome friend, Jerome, and the dragon Khalon. They depart for Brenton House, where Colin's family anxiously awaits their return. Terrwyn prepares for the trade of Cala for Meri. The tension builds as Colin and his companions arrive at Brenton House, where Terrwyn welcomes them and ensures they get some rest before the impending confrontation. The chapter ends with the team bracing themselves for a decisive battle that could determine the future of the Kin.

Chapter 12

Drek and his allies prepare the exchange to rescue Meri and save Cala, using Drek's warehouse as the meeting place. Jaren is safe at Brenton House with Khalon while the rest converge on Drek’s warehouse.

Jerome the gnome, hidden in Cala's purse, aims to gather information. As the tense exchange begins, Drek and Cala enter the warehouse, where they confront Jasira. Despite Cala's brave offer to sacrifice herself for Meri, Jasira mocks Drek's choices and then allows him to leave with Meri while keeping Cala.

Inside the warehouse, Cala faces a series of dangerous attacks from Jasira's men, who test her abilities with deadly Songs of Power. Though she uses her newly learned skills to defend herself, she is eventually caught by Jasira, who begins to strangle her with a lethal Song. Cala, in a desperate move, manages to disrupt Jasira’s Song, causing Jasira to choke instead. As Cala struggles to recover, Colin arrives just in time to rescue her, but Cala loses consciousness from the ordeal.

Chapter 13

In this chapter, the tension escalates as Colin brings Cala back to his apartment, where she remains unconscious, and the group, including Terrie, Drek, Meri, and Brent, tries to understand what happened during her confrontation with Jasira. Drek questions why Jasira would go through so much effort if her intention was to kill Cala. Colin reveals that Jasira was Singing a Song over the metals in Cala’s blood, a forbidden and torturous practice known as a Song of Destruction. This shocks everyone, especially Brent, who is a skilled healer and familiar with such Songs from the past.

Brent uses his knowledge to begin Healing Cala while the others discuss the implications of Jasira's actions. Jasira's use of such a dangerous Song could lead to her exile, but they are more immediately concerned with her potential next move. As Brent heals Cala, she wakes up and describes how she managed to stop Jasira's whistling by using her Song of Air by tapping on her hand.

The group realizes that Jasira, although injured and temporarily powerless due to her inability to whistle, will likely return with a vengeance. They prepare to leave the apartment, suspecting they missed something important in the encounter, and anticipate a more intense conflict in the near future.

Chapter 14

On their way back to Brenton House, Terrwyn receives an alert about a breach at Brenton House, prompting a high-speed dash back home only to find it engulfed in flames. As Terrwyn and her team fight to control the fire and search for missing family members, including Jaren, they uncover disturbing footage from security cameras.

The video reveals a coordinated assault by intruders who intended to cause maximum damage, Singing the fire through the house methodically. Jaren, who tries to fend off the attackers, is overpowered and captured. 

In the wreckage, Cala discovers a photo of Brent's long-lost love, Eleanor, who is also Cala’s grandmother. The chapter ends with a somber note as Brent prepares to confront his past and its impact on the present.

Chapter 15

Drek comforts Cala and then meets with Terrie, who is distraught over the destruction of her home and their failure to protect Jaren. They discuss the possibility Jasira might be planning to use him to gain power. Terrie expresses concern about their security, leading to a discussion about tracking devices and potential spies.

As they strategize, the group learns that Jasira has taken Jaren to a farmhouse, likely the childhood home of Cala and Jaren. The chapter reveals that Jasira’s motives might involve studying Jaren's unique abilities and potentially using his blood to enhance her own powers. The team decides to search for clues, protect their base, and prepare for a rescue mission. Drek leaves to scout ahead and learn what he can at the farmhouse.

Brent’s past relationship with Eleanor is revealed, complicating the situation further. Colin interviews Merissa, who provides crucial details about her captivity, adding urgency to their search. The chapter ends with Terrwyn organizing a covert operation to rescue Jaren, underscoring the high stakes and the group’s commitment to their mission.

Chapter 16

Terrwyn and her team—Brent, Colin, Khalon, Calandra—track Dek’s signal and regroup. They discuss their next steps, revealing concerns about Shirina's status and strategize their plan. Jerome provides crucial intel about their enemies: Jaren, Jasira, and six others are in the house. Shirina is also there, which raises suspicions that she might be involved.

The team splits up to surround the house where Jaren is being held. Cala and Drek move stealthily from the south, while Terrwyn and Brent approach from the east. Cala's nervousness is palpable as they hide in the underbrush, but her successful use of the Song Invisible saves them from detection by a guard.

Terrwyn, perched in a tree, spots Jaren being moved inside and communicates with local trees to signal the team. She and Brent then advance toward the house, avoiding detection, and Terrwyn climbs to a second-floor window. Inside, she finds a lab with equipment and vials labeled with Jaren’s name but is interrupted by approaching footsteps. 

Colin and Khalon wait outside a farmhouse, with Colin using his abilities to monitor the situation inside. They notice Brent, which confirms Terrie is on the second floor. Colin creates a distraction by shattering windows, allowing them to attack while Khalon uses fog for cover. As they engage in battle, Cala and Drek are positioned to rescue Jaren.

Cala and Drek sneak into the house amidst the chaos. Cala finds Jaren bound and gagged in a bathroom, and with Drek's help, they free him. Drek then hears Terrie in distress, and with Brent's aid, they plan to escape through a window. Jasira appears, but instead of confronting Drek, she collects her belongings, including a massive and ancient book, and flees as the house catches fire.

Drek and Cala manage to escape with Jaren, but Drek must return to help the others. He finds the farmhouse in flames and helps save Terrie and Shirina. From their location at a safe distance, Colin is determined to help, but Khalon insists on staying with Jaren. Khalon sneaks away and meets with Jasira, who reveals her success and plans to leave, instructing Khalon to return with a false story to the others.

Chapter 17

Terrwyn wakes in a motel room, confused and in pain, surrounded by her friends. Brent explains they rescued Jaren and returned for her after Jasira’s defeat. They discuss the aftermath: Jasira escaped with important items and her power is now increased due to her experimentation with Jaren’s blood. She has gained immunity to the Songs of Power. Terrwyn, worried about a possible mole, questions Brent, who suggests keeping Khalon close and limiting his knowledge.

As Terrwyn rests, Cala and Drek enjoy the restored Brenton House, now a secure fortress. The house is vibrant and welcoming, reflecting their renewed hope. Inside, the group gathers for a meal, celebrating their reunion and the safety of their home. Cala feels a deep sense of belonging and joy as they share a moment of peace and togetherness.