Awakened

Alaya Eveland's strong legs pounded against the red track to accept her gold medal. She was almost there unknowing the shine that would once again dazzle around her neck would inadvertently kill her and her mother. Her heart faltered until she halted and her face connected with the track.

Alaya somehow recovers from life support just before her father lamentingly pulled the plug. Her mother however, was not so fortunate. Filled with guilt and grief, Alaya has a hard time dealing despite her best friends efforts. With her arrival back at school comes strange occurrences. Alaya has been drawn to Octavius for awhile beyond words that have never been spoken but etched in long stares of understanding. However, after her recovery she is more drawn to him than ever despite already having a crush on her teammate.

Meanwhile, Alaya's friend and track opponent has gone missing, Alaya can't stay awake in class, her running speed has increased, she has extreme hunger pangs and black-outs, people are murdered, and her father has to kill her for existing. Equinox, Florida is no longer the wholesome place she grew up in. Everything and everyone is changing around her even Alaya. Maybe Alaya was better left dead.