Awoken (The Lucidites Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

“Shame too, ’cause you’d fit so nicely in a shoe box or whatever you bury inconsequential pests in these days.”
    I bunch up my nose as though the air smells rancid.
    “By the way.” He yawns loudly and points his head to the door beside him. “You’re in there.” His hand hovers over a button to the right of the door. “Oh, and one quick, tiny thing Shuman forgot to mention.”
    I stop and stare into his cold eyes with sudden dread.
    “You aren’t exactly the challenger .” He puts air quotes on the last two words. “You’re more or less on the list of potential challengers. For some strange reason she omitted this part. Silly girl.”
    “What?!” Horror rips through me. “How many other people are on this list?”
    Ren taps the button, shoving me into a crowded auditorium. “Only one way to find out, luv.” He steps back and the door shuts.
    I stand frozen. Row upon row of faces gape at me. The auditorium is silent except for a few drops of water that drip from my jeans. They sound like drum beats. I push a few pieces of wet hair that have clung to my face back behind my ear and feign a smile. My vision tunnels for several seconds as at least a hundred eyes gape at me with interest. Suddenly I’m burning hot. I let the blanket drape off my shoulders.
    “Welcome, Ms. Stark,” a deep voice says behind me. I jerk and find Trey standing on a stage, staring at me curiously. “I’m pleased that Ren has safely delivered you to us.” He offers me a small smile. The rush of familiarity washes over me, just like the first time I met him. “We were just getting started. Maybe you can find a seat at the back,” Trey says before turning his attention back to the crowd.
    I hug the wall and carefully move up the steps. Finding an empty row, I slip into the first seat. People around me whisper, turning back to gawk. Great, this is just like high school.
    Trey clears his throat. “Where was I?” He thinks for a second and then continues, “Right, welcome. I’m Trey Underwood, the Associate Head Official for the Lucidite Institute. Flynn, the Head of the Institute, regrets that he’s unable to be here, but he has other matters to attend to.”
    Who’s Flynn?
    “I know it’s difficult to enter the Institute, but please know that now you’re in a secure place.” Trey’s eyes flicker in my direction.
    “Now, as you all know, you’re here because you were forecast as the potential challenger to face Zhuang.”
    No, some of us didn’t know that.
    “Each of your names was recorded by a news reporter over two decades ago because one of you has a fate tied to Zhuang’s. That person is the one we choose as our challenger. You see, time isn’t linear, especially if you’re a Dream Traveler, which I realize is a new idea to some of you.” He stops, gauging the crowd. “Our next step is to determine which one of you will be the challenger. Additionally, six alternates will be chosen to assist or replace if necessary, should something occur.”
    The crowd rustles uncomfortably. I take this opportunity to look around and notice how analogous this group is. Everyone’s between the ages of fourteen and eighteen. Most wear the same navy blue T-shirt. My partially wet white shirt and mane of knotted, blonde hair stand out in this room, pulling curious eyes to me repeatedly.
    Trey continues, “We’ve set up a series of tasks which you’ll all complete tomorrow. Your performance will be scored. The person with the highest score will be our challenger. The next six highest scores will be alternates. It’s pretty simple. Those who aren’t chosen can return home. The challenger and alternates will begin training immediately.”
    Trey picks up a remote and clicks it once. A row of words materializes in the air beside him. “First, find your name on this list under one of the different headings. They will indicate the room in which you’ll be staying. In this room you’ll find your group’s schedule for