Orenda Read Online Free PDF

accompanied by an odd wobbling sound. He stepped toward the sound and reached out his hand, feeling heat radiate off a strange, crystal clear shimmer. It rested at the edge of the tire tracks in the middle of the path. “Lil?” His voice held a tinge of panic. He had no idea what this was. It pulled at him and dragged his feet forward like a black hole sucking him up. Even if he wanted to stop, he couldn't. He was paralyzed by the force before him. The moment his skin touched the shimmer; it burned cold. Bray opened his mouth to scream, but the sound died on his lips. He gasped for air, unable to breathe. He quivered, then convulsed, collapsing onto the ground, out cold.
    Minutes passed before Bray’s eyes fluttered open. Breathing hard, he ran his fingers through dry dirt. Realizing he was lying on the ground, he grumbled and moved to sit up. The dark forest surrounded him, and a hint of pink flickered from the distance. “Lil?” he shouted, standing up, swaying from dizziness. He groaned and fell forward onto his knees, throwing up the last of his lunch.
    The wind rushed through his hair and grazed his body. “Braylon.” He heard her voice and wiped his mouth with the back of his arm.
    “Lil?” His voice was less certain as he pushed away from where he had knelt. He tried again to stand, this time leaning on a tree for support. “Where are you?” he asked, seeing a figure in the distance. It was a girl with brown hair that hung down her back.
    “Over here.”
    “Is that you?” He stumbled into the forest, using the trees for support as he headed toward the mesmerizing voice. He was certain it was Lil. It had to be her.
    His eyes squinted with suspicion, and he ducked as a black crow swooped low overhead. Bray shielded himself from the bird as it dove straight at him.
     
    “You're in Orenda. It’s a land of magical power. It’s the reason your nails, hair, and eyes are different in our world.” Rawlie gestured toward the distinct changes that existed on Lil. “Our water and our atmosphere are unique. There are elements in our world that harness the abilities our people are capable of. The Willow who grew up here always had traces of magic in her blood, which is rare, but it was the Mystics who unveiled her destiny after the Scourge. I'm hoping you harbor the same abilities. By the looks of it, I'd say it's quite possible.”
    “Mystics? Abilities? Scourge?” Now she had more questions than answers.
    Rawlie grimaced. “You're a Porter.” He ran a hand through his hair. “A Porter in both name and ability. Just like Willow. She protects both worlds, a gatekeeper. She's supposed to keep the door closed and protect your world from the evil unleashed here by Eilith, brought on by the Scourge eight years ago. Both worlds have areas that are degrading, falling apart. You've heard of the Bermuda Triangle in your world?”
    “Of course, there's always a lot of weird stuff happening there. People disappearing. Ships and planes vanishing. You mean they get sent here?”
    “It's Willow's job to keep them from coming over to this side and from allowing anyone or anything to your side. Places like the Bermuda Triangle are degrading areas we call soft spots. They intensified with the Scourge. One of these spots happens to be where your house is, in both worlds.”
    “Why's that?” Lil asked.
    “I don't know. Willow couldn't figure out if it was natural or man-made, but she's the one destined to protect it.”
    “What’s the Scourge?”
    “A curse brought on by greed. Eilith, once a sorceress now cursed as part demon, is responsible for our world’s devastation. She’s wiped out the majority of the population of Orenda. Her strength is gained from feeding on human flesh and blood. She consumed souls by the thousands in the beginning. Willow and I suspect she’s grown weaker over the years, with less living entities to feed on. We’ve found no way to stop her, only to slow the progression of destruction. I