The Search for Adarna

The Search for Adarna

K.M. Levis

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Guide Questions

Acknowledgments

About the Author

THE SEARCH FOR ADARNA

Kristyn Maslog-Levis

Copyright © Kristyn Maslog-Levis, 2019

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of the copyright owner and the publisher.

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eBook design by JP Meneses

Cover design and inside illustration by Dani Hernandez

For my sisters,

we are forever

The Charmed Ones

Author's Note

The Search for Adarna, although technically my third book, is not a prequel or a sequel to The Girl Between Two Worlds and The Girl Between Light and Dark. The events in this book happen simultaneously with the events happening in The Girl Between Two Worlds.

Chapter 1

Anna Waldorf-Ocampo had been nursing her mocktail for over an hour, trying to avoid talking to anyone at the party. She watched as her half sister, Elizabeth, flicked an imaginary hair off her face and slowly touched her chest, her hand traveling from her neck down, in a well-rehearsed act to draw attention to the giant jewel hanging around her neck. It worked, too. It always worked. Anna sipped her drink as she watched the latest boy toy ogle Elizabeth’s breasts. So predictable.

Anna knew Elizabeth only invited her because their father had forced her. Even Anna’s mom, Melanie, was there. Not to Elizabeth’s liking, of course. But everyone knew Anna’s mom, the former Miss Philippines and Miss Universe and successful children’s author, added pizazz to a party. And if there was one thing Elizabeth wanted, it was the abundance of pizazz in everything she touched. Anna looked over to where her mother was standing, stuck talking to a guy whose tie looked like it was choking him. She knew her mother was bored because she kept fiddling with her necklace and she was using her Miss Universe smile.

So, are you dying yet? Anna’s best friend, Asher Davenport, asked, showing off his million-dollar smile that melted women’s (and some men’s) hearts around the world. His blue eyes were twinkling with mischief as he took Anna’s mocktail and replaced it with his own.

Hint. It’s not a mocktail, he whispered, making Anna chuckle. She looked up, grinning at the almost six-foot-tall friend whose sandy blonde hair kept falling into his eyes.

If Mama finds out about this, she’ll kill you, Anna said, drinking the alcoholic beverage that smelled like chocolate and almost choking at its potency.

Well, don’t tell her then, Asher said, taking the cocktail from Anna and sipping it before giving it back to her.

Just how drunk are you?

Not drunk enough, Asher said, taking another drink from one of the waiters passing by. I need a lot more to survive the night.

Yes, because it’s sooo hard for you to be here, being adored by your lady friends, Anna said, subtly pushing her chin toward a group of women waving at Asher. She couldn’t blame them. If the only part of Asher that Anna knew was what the world saw, she’d probably treat him the same way as well. He grew up in front of the camera—a child prodigy in the cinematic world. One of the youngest to be nominated for an Academy Award. It didn’t hurt that his father was one of the most sought-after directors in Hollywood. Asher was and always will be an It boy. The strong jaw with the light stubble, the muscles on his biceps from training every day, the hair on his chest peeking out of his shirt. It was like the gods of Hollywood sculpted him themselves. He had changed from the gangly little boy that Anna used to play hide and seek with to the heartthrob on screen. It didn’t even seem to matter to anyone that at least once a month he was on the front page for getting arrested for a DUI or a prank that had gone wrong.

I would rather . . . Asher started the familiar game they’d played since they were kids.

Snort this cocktail up my nose than engage in small talk with Elizabeth’s friends, Anna finished.

That’s so tame, Asher said, rolling his eyes.

Okay then, you go.

I would rather ski over a cliff than meet another eligible bachelorette that my mother set up for me.

"But you have skied over a cliff. Just last month, in fact. You almost killed your manager and your parents with a heart attack."

Asher only grinned.

Well, a much higher cliff this time. Besides, I was fine, wasn’t I?

Asher’s adrenaline-junkie ways was a constant source of their arguments. If Asher wasn’t climbing a mountain somewhere, he was jumping off a helicopter in another country. She worried he would lose a leg or break his neck one of these days, but that didn’t stop Asher from inventing new ways to get his adrenaline hit. For that night, however, Anna let it go.

So what do you think of the party? Your sister is officially twenty-one years old. Aren’t you proud she got to this age without killing herself with plastic surgery?

Anna burst out laughing, spilling her drink on the floor. Shhh! If she hears you she’ll think I told you about her many trips to the doctor. She’ll hate me even more!

But you did tell me about her many trips to the doctor, Asher stage-whispered.

They both laughed then abruptly stopped after garnering stares from the other guests.

Anna wasn’t exaggerating about how much Elizabeth hated her. Whatever bad thing happened to Elizabeth, she would find a way to blame it on Anna. Elizabeth hated her with a passion. It wasn’t as bad with her other half sister, Olivia. At least Olivia was nice when Elizabeth wasn’t around.

How many people did Elizabeth invite?

Fewer than last year, I think.

Really? That’s strange, Asher said, taking yet another drink from a waiter passing by.

Apparently, she wanted a more exclusive gathering. Make it so that people are desperate to be invited.

She went all-out though.

You can say that again, Anna said, crossing her arms over her chest.

Anna looked around the room and sighed at the complete opulence of the place. It was definitely OTT. Too much gold, too much fluff, too many decorations, too much everything. The marquee that was set up outside the mansion could probably hold ten elephants with room to play football. But that was classic Elizabeth.

She stared at their house, the two-story four bedroom on the left side of the mansion where her father lived. Anna longed for her bed. It was a strange arrangement, for sure. It had been the fodder of many magazine articles over the years. How Henry Waldorf III forced his two ex-wives to live in the same compound as himself. Elizabeth, Olivia and their mother, Victoria, lived in the house to the right of the mansion, while Anna and her mom lived in the other house to the left. Anna never really understood the fascination with their choice of place to live. It’s not like divorced parents couldn’t live in the same street, which was essentially what they were doing. Except that they owned the whole subdivision. It was easy enough to avoid the other family if they wanted to.

You wanna go? Asher asked.

But Anna shook her head, I need to stay until she cuts the cake, or I’ll never hear the end of it.

Wanna dance then? He flashed a mischievous grin.

Are you insane? Haven’t you noticed how much they’ve been staring at us? I don’t want to give them even more ammunition to mock me, Anna said, pointing her lips toward Elizabeth’s group of girls, huddled together on the other side of the tent.

I’m your friend so believe me when I say your dancing has significantly improved since the last time you tripped on your—

Don’t you dare finish that sentence or I will end you, Anna threatened.

Asher put his hands up in surrender, trying to suppress his laughter but failing miserably. Okay. I’ll hang out here with you then. We can talk about what you need done with your face. I think you need a bit of a nip there and a tuck there, make sure you add a snout here and maybe a horn there, Asher said, touching Anna’s face. She laughed, swiping Asher’s hand away. He always knew how to make her laugh when she was nervous.

Asher, I need you to come with me for a bit. I want to introduce you to someone, Asher’s mother, Sylvia, tapped him on the shoulder. I’ll bring him back soon, Anna.

Asher turned to Anna, his face contorted in mock fear. They both knew what Sylvia meant. She was going to introduce him to yet another one of their rich friends’ daughters in the hope that he would like her. Although they were only sixteen years old, it seemed like rich people wanted their kids to mate as soon as possible, and only to other rich kids—probably to keep the wealth in the family. Sylvia fixed Asher’s shirt before taking him away.

Anna looked around, unable to relax now that she was on her own. She took out her phone and started scrolling through her Pocket to-read list. She knew it was rude, and that if Elizabeth saw her it would be another thing she’d complain about. But Anna was feeling vulnerable. Without Asher by her side, she didn’t know how to act. Asher was her shield for these types of gatherings. The other guests mostly talked to him and asked a polite question toward her every now and then. It wasn’t like she was ugly or anything. In fact, tabloids had named her time and again to be the prettiest Waldorf daughter. Her long light brown hair, tanned complexion, and light brown eyes were said to be the envy of everyone. Who everyone exactly was, Anna didn’t know nor did she care. She didn’t think she looked that bad, but she was far from her former Miss Universe mother. A part of her was flattered with the feedback on her looks, but she also felt violated every time someone printed a picture of her in shorts or in her school uniform or in her exercise gear with a giant important-looking headline. Like that was the only good thing about her. Asher seemed to enjoy making fun of her every time a picture popped up, though.

Anna’s heart started hammering in her chest as Elizabeth and her friends approached her, like sharks drawn to blood.

She had to admit, her half sister was gorgeous in her backless floor-length gown with a sweeping train, of course (Anna secretly hoped the train was heavy). Her long blond hair was pulled together in an elegant bun, showing off her slim neckline. Elizabeth’s blue eyes were accentuated by makeup—masterfully done by Hollywood’s favorite makeup artist to the stars. The thing with Elizabeth though was that she looked like that every day—perfectly coiffed. She never left the house with a hair out of place.

Couldn’t you have found a better dress than that? You could have asked for my designers if you didn’t have anything decent to wear, Elizabeth hissed in Anna’s direction while maintaining a fake smile.

It was good enough for your party last year, Anna retorted.

Exactly! You wore the same dress to my party two years in a row. You are so embarrassing! People might think we don’t have money. We need to keep up appearances, Anna. When will you learn that? Elizabeth said, still with the fake smile, waving to some guest across the floor.

Well, technically, we don’t have money, Elizabeth. Our father has money. We live on his property, we spend his money. Without him, We. Are. Poor, Anna said, enjoying herself far more than she should. The truth was that Anna deliberately wore the same dress because she knew it would piss of her sister. Elizabeth’s shock was quickly replaced with a silent seething fury. You could almost see her eyes flash red. Her friends didn’t know what to do, afraid of Elizabeth’s wrath.

Listen you little weirdo, this is my party, and you will behave yourself. I didn’t want you here in the first place so you better make sure you don’t do or say anything that would hurt my reputation. Otherwise, I’ll make sure you pay for it. Elizabeth stormed off, followed by her entourage of peroxide blondes. Anna forced herself not to grin, secretly feeling proud, like she had just won a medal for pissing off her half sister.

Their relationship wasn’t always volatile. Anna remembered a time when their paths had crossed without a mean word uttered. But over the years, things had gotten worse. Anna wasn’t entirely sure why, but she knew it didn’t help that she baited Elizabeth every time she got the chance. She saw Olivia from across the room and waved. Olivia raised her hand to wave back but quickly decided not to after seeing Elizabeth.

There were other kids her age at the party. In fact, Anna saw a couple of her classmates milling around, but no one wanted to talk to Anna, afraid of Elizabeth’s anger even if she didn’t go to the same school anymore. Anna didn’t care. She went back to her phone and typed a message to Tamarah.

A gif appeared on her phone. Someone had made a meme of Elizabeth that time she tripped in public. It was a couple of years ago, but it was still funny. Anna burst out laughing before she could stop herself.

What’s so funny?

Anna turned around to find her father wearing a made-to-measure Kiton tuxedo. Her face immediately brightened as she gave her father a hug.

Hey kiddo, I haven’t seen you all night. Where have you been hiding?

Henry Waldorf III was all six feet of dignified handsome. Some girls at school had constantly compared him to Pierce Brosnan and George Clooney, with his sapphire-blue eyes and chiseled jaw. But to Anna, he was just Dad.

Can I go now? I’ve shown my face. I’ve annoyed Elizabeth. I even drank a cocktail . . . I mean mocktail. I think my duties here are done.

Her father sighed, taking Anna’s face between his hands.

Oh, I wish you’d get along with your sisters.

It would be great if that were possible, but unfortunately they’ve made up their minds about me a long time ago.

Her dad let go of her face and hugged her.

What about a dance then? He offered his arm to Anna but she shook her head.

Dad, you know I’m petrified of the dance floor. Everyone will be looking at us.

Oh, c’mon. Just one dance?

Anna shook her head again.

Okay, how about we go outside the marquee and dance near that statue of the lady you like? No one would be there and we could still hear the music, her father said, grinning.

Anna looped her arm around her father’s and walked with him outside. She held his arm tighter as the music faded behind them. She relished what little time she got to spend with her father on her own, given his busy schedule.

So, how’s my brother doing? He asked, trying to sound casual. Anna looked at her father, surprised by his question but also happy that he asked.

He’s good. He added yet another extension to his island. It’s an art studio. You should see it sometime.

Anna heard her father sigh and knew it would never happen. Not any time soon anyway. Whatever it was that caused her father and her uncle to not speak to each other over the years would need more time to heal. It must have been something terrible to cause such a big rift. Anna knew she was the only one who constantly visited her Uncle Robert. It wasn’t because she was the only one who loved him, it was because Elizabeth and Olivia didn’t like where he was living after leaving the mansion and all it stood for all those years ago.

Her uncle had even asked her dad to buy him off, but Anna’s father refused. Her uncle had been living on a floating island he created almost two decades ago. While her dad lived in the spotlight, her uncle was the opposite—a hermit by choice and very happy with the life he had chosen.

He’s been helping me with my science projects. We’re trying to change the colors of rose petals by mixing their species. It’s quite complicated but also very interesting, Anna continued. He asks about you a lot, you know. How you are, where you traveled, if you’ve found a new girlfriend . . . , Anna looked up and grinned at her father. He smiled back but then doubled over, letting out a long gurgling cough.

Dad? Are you okay?

He waved his hand dismissively. Probably just caught something on my last trip. He righted himself, taking Anna’s hand again and continued dancing.

You went to the Philippines, didn’t you? Did you buy any more companies there?

Actually, it was more for my own curiosity than business, her father said, his eyes flickered with excitement. I learned about this rare type of bird that lives in the most secluded mountains in Abra that is said to heal all illnesses.

Anna raised a skeptical eyebrow at her father. You don’t believe in that kind of mumbo jumbo do you? You’re a businessman. Realistic and pragmatic. Why would you chase a magical bird?

Her father let out a chuckle, followed by another cough. He stopped dancing and took Anna’s hand to sit on a nearby bench.

It isn’t magic. You of all people should know that there are creatures on this planet that have not been discovered and explained by science. I’m sure you have great examples of them, don’t you?

Anna paused for a bit and thought about it. Her father was right, of course. Scientists were still discovering the strange and wondrous ways of all the species—if they ever find all of the species on the planet.

I guess, she started.

What was that about the jellyfish that you told me just last week?

That they can clone themselves? If they’re sliced in half each half can regenerate and grow into a new jellyfish.

You also said some of them are immortal. Now doesn’t that sound like magic to you? I mean, if someone didn’t know much about science they’d think it was a magical being, her father said.

Good point. But a bird that can heal all illnesses? That’s quite far-fetched. I mean, how does it do it? Does it eat a special diet and therefore has special poop?

They both burst out laughing.

The legend says it’s the bird’s call that heals the humans who hear it. And yes, I know it sounds out of this world, but legends have always had some sort of basis, and what if there’s a basis to this one, too? Not exactly literal to the stories but something else that could help the human race? Wouldn’t that be worth searching for?

Anna took her father’s hand and squeezed. His face was flushed and covered with sweat, but he looked excited talking about the fictional bird. She wanted so much to go on these adventures with her father. They weren’t often and, most of the time, he never announced when he’d go off his official itinerary, but the places he’d been to were fascinating.

Take me with you when you go next time, Dad. I really wanna go. And don’t say I’m too young or it’s too dangerous because I’m old enough now and I can travel rough, she pleaded. Her father patted her hand and nodded.

Next time I’ll take you with me. But it has to be our little secret. Your sisters will want to come and you know what happened last time, he said, winking at Anna. The cough rattled Henry again, much longer than the last one.

I think you need to lie down, Dad. Your cough is starting to scare me. Should I call Dr. Russell?

No. No need. I’ll call him tomorrow. I probably just need some water.

Anna helped her father off the bench, taking slow steps back toward the marquee. A frantic Victoria met them outside, frowning at the sight of Anna. How she managed to walk on grass in those ridiculously pointy heels was beyond Anna.

Where have you been? They are about to cut the cake! Everyone is looking for you, Victoria said, taking Henry’s other arm and almost dragging him back to the party.

Can you slow down? Can’t you see Dad’s not feeling well? Anna glared at Victoria.

Victoria let go of Henry’s arm and moved a few feet away. Is it contagious? I can’t be sick right now. I have a charity ball to get to in three days. I’ll call Dr. Russell now and ask him to come here. Just cut the cake, Henry then off to bed.

Victoria walked backwards while dialing her phone, still keeping her distance. He winked at Anna and gave a cheerful wave, but she wasn’t convinced. She could see he was having a hard time walking. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead and upper lip, and he was leaning on her more with each step. They both squinted as the bright lights inside the marquee greeted their faces. Elizabeth was already standing in front of the four-tiered cake, waiting for their father and Victoria to stand behind her. She gave Anna a quick dagger-look before returning to her fake smile. Their father walked to Elizabeth and put his arm around her shoulder, kissing her forehead.

Happy birthday, my princess, he said.

Thank you, Daddy. Elizabeth leaned toward the cake and blew out the candles. Cameras flashed, everyone clapped and cheered, Elizabeth beamed, loving being the center of attention. But her time in the limelight was brief. Seconds after the last candle was blown, their father clutched his chest and gripped the edge of the cake table. When he fell to the ground, he pulled the cake down with him, covering Elizabeth and Victoria with frosting and bits of the dessert.

Anna was on her father’s side in a flash, followed by her mom and Victoria.

Henry? Henry? Can you hear me? Someone call 911! Her mom screamed.

My cake! My dress! Elizabeth wailed, before realizing that everyone was looking at her. It took her a moment to see their father lying on the floor, unconscious. Olivia ran to Elizabeth’s side and hugged her sister.

What’s going on? What happened? Is he dead?

Daddy? Daddy?!

Shut up, Elizabeth! Victoria screamed.

It was a blur of activities after that. The bodyguards were called, creating a perimeter around them. A chopper arrived to take him to the hospital. The marquee was cleared and visitors were guided off of the property. Anna moved out of the way as they carried their father to the chopper, with her mom and Victoria by his side. Once the helicopter left, Elizabeth, Olivia, and Anna remained in their spots, shocked and unable to move.

What did you do? Elizabeth hissed at Anna.

What are you talking about?

You were with Dad. You were outside with him. You were the last one by his side before he collapsed.

I didn’t do this! We were just dancing and then he started coughing. He said he was okay. We sat down and talked. That’s it.

You probably gave him something! You and your fascination for disgusting creatures. Always experimenting and playing with them. You probably picked up a bug and gave it to Dad!

Elizabeth, that’s enough. Let’s go inside,