Novels by Chantell Bix

JELENA“I-I'm sorry, but I have to use the bathroom,” I say immediately, having absolutely no idea how to answer her question.The words leave my mouth before I can think them through.Without waiting for a response, I excuse myself and make my way toward the restroom, desperate for a few moments alone. My mind is already spinning from everything that has happened since waking up in this strange body and every conversation only raises more questions than answers, and pretending to be someone I'm not is proving far more exhausting than I imagined.As soon as the bathroom door closes behind me, I grip the edge of the sink and stare at my reflection, a face that still isn't mine stares back.I splash cold water on my face, hoping it will somehow steady the storm inside me.Who exactly am I now?Who poisoned this woman?How long have I truly been asleep?Most importantly...Why was I brought back?None of it makes sense but after taking a slow breath, I straighten my dress and force my ex

JELENAThe moment I step out of the bathroom, the room erupts into controlled chaos at least ten women are waiting inside.Some stand beside racks of dresses and others arrange jewelry on velvet-covered tables.A few carry trays filled with flowers that glow with faint silver light and the moment they see me, they immediately bow."My Lady."I freeze for half a second.Right.Apparently, I am important here, Andrea quickly moves beside me."Everyone, my Lady is ready."Ready is certainly not the word I would use, maybe a little touvh of onfused, lost but mostly terrified.Those seem far more accurate yet somehow, the women begin working around me with incredible efficiency.One starts brushing my hair and another examines my skin.A third carefully measures my wrist before fastening a bracelet made from white crystals that seem to contain tiny stars, I keep quiet observing and

JELENA"My lady, what's wrong?"The strange woman from earlier comes rushing into the bathroom and I am currently standing in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection in complete disbelief."My lady, what's going on?" she asks again.I slowly turn to look at her, my mind still struggling to process what I am seeingz the woman standing in the mirror looks nothing like the person I remember.The eyes are mine and the feeling inside my chest is mine but the face staring back at me isn't."I'm sorry, my lady, but we have to get you ready before the team arrives for your makeup and final fitting."I force myself to clear every trace of emotion from my face, I have no idea what is happening right now, I don't know where I am, I don't know why I look different and I don't even know if I am alive but one thing I know for certain is that I cannot give myself away at least not yet, until I'm sure of what's happening herQuestions flood my mind one after another.Am I still supposed to be m

JELENA“My lady, my lady, please wake up!”The voice reaches me through a thick haze, distant and muffled, as though I am submerged beneath deep water like something shaking my shoulder insistently, dragging me toward consciousness.“My lady!”I jolt awake with a gasp and the first thing that assaults me is sunlight.A brilliant golden beam streams through enormous windows, striking directly across my face, I squint immediately, raising a hand to shield my eyes, my head pounds faintly, and for a moment everything feels wrong.The bed beneath me is far too soft, the room is far too warm and the scent in the air is definitely not mine.“What's going on?” I croak, my voice rough and barely audible.“My lady, we need to get you ready. It is almost time for the wedding.”Wedding?The unfamiliar woman standing beside the bed looks close to tears, her hands are clasped nervously in front of her apron as she stares at me with obvious panic, I blink repeatedly, trying to gather my thoughts.Th

CALHOUN"What's the doctor saying about her now?" I ask Joshua, my right-hand man, without looking up from the stack of documents spread across my desk."We do not know for a fact yet, sir, but right now things aren't looking good," he replies.I sigh and lean back in my chair."Alright. Start preparing everything and inform her father about the impending doom."Joshua hesitates for a second before nodding."Okay, sir."He turns to leave."Send Jane in on your way out.""Yes, sir."The door closes behind him, leaving me alone with the silence.My attention returns to the documents in front of me.There is too much work waiting to be done.Too much responsibility.Too much pressure.Nearly a week has passed, and we have made absolutely no progress regarding who poisoned Valerie. Every suspect we investigate turns out innocent. Every lead ends in a dead end.At this point, the private investigators are working around the clock, yet we have nothing to show for it.Nothing.The entire sit

JELENA“Sit,” Mira says.“Uhm... okay,” I reply as I walk toward the sitting area where several bowls have been laid out on a small table.The room is still as silent as ever.The strange glow around us flickers softly, making everything look unreal that I hesitate before taking a seat.“Each bowl contains the qualities you lack as an individual,” Mira explains. “Before the judges, not even the smallest atom of weakness can be shown.”My eyes drift toward the bowls again, they all contain the same thing, a transparent liquid so clear that I can see my reflection in it.“The bag over there is filled with the portions needed for your journey as the path to the Parlance will take at least a day. Do not speak to or acknowledge any being you encounter along the way.”“Okay,” I say quietly.“When you finish the meals, carry the bag and only then will the doors open for you.”And just like that, she vanishes, I stare at the spot where she stood.“What was that?” I mumble to myself.The silenc