Rivers of Orion by Dana Kelly (a court of thorns and roses ebook free .TXT) 📕

“I can,” said Orin. A vision of his own name filled his mind, a portrait of his very essence. “How are you doing that?”

[There’s so much for you to learn.] Lavender morning glories grew from her limbs as she offered Orin her grip. Like velvet, they cradled his forearm as he took her hand. [You’ve walked my dreams for so long.]

“I don’t understand,” he said, and he retreated.

“Aye lad, ‘at’s her way,” said Zella.

Reggie leaned into view. “Do you mind if we come in? People are starting to notice.”

“Only if you’re okay with it, of course,” said Lomomu. “I get nervous around crowds, is all.”

“Yeah, sure,” said Orin. He ushered them inside and closed the door.

[Thank you for extending us this trust, Orinoco,] said Ellylle. Thick tendrils swarmed from her foot.  [I sense your doubt, about who you are and what you’re capable of doing. You’ve always wondered if you were special, haven’t you? But you chose to bury those feelings rather than face them.]

“Actually, I’m pretty comfortable with my powers,” said Orin. “I had a pretty big awakening back on Rocksaugh, so maybe we can skip to the part where you ask me to join you and I say no. Sound good?”

Ellylle swayed and rustled as she laughed. [You’ve already sensed my intent!] A tendril coiled up around his sock and touched his shin. [I’m sorry to force this on you, but we don’t have much time, and I need you to remember.]

Memories flooded his mind’s eye: waking up many summers ago floating a hand’s breadth over his bed; pulling Eridani to safety with merely a thought. Every person connected to him stampeded through his mind. Staggering backward, he gripped the sides of his head and tripped backward onto his bed. “I remember,” said Orin. “Okay? I remember! What was the point of that?” Blue fire flared from his fingertips as he sprang to his feet, prompting Zella, Lomomu, and Reggie to step back.

[Let it fill you.] Ellylle swayed slowly. [You command such power, but you’re untrained, unfocused, and imprisoned by a labyrinth of self-doubt. You must learn to cast off personal attachments, or you’ll never realize your potential!]

“Personal attachments? You mean my friends? My family?” Orin stared into her. “April? Sorry, but I’m not about to cast off any of them. Maybe I won’t ever realize my potential.” In the depths of his pupils, stars drifted by. Nebulae swirled, and planets turned. [But maybe I will.]

[Impressive.] Ellylle straightened. [You’re in terrible danger. You can’t win against what’s coming, but you can come with me and learn to master your powers. We’re kindred beings, you and I! Cosmic, endless, and as powerful as the stars! Stand by my side as I fulfill the promises I made to the galaxy as Eternal Vanam.]

Orin crossed his arms. “I’ll never abandon my friends.”

[It’s the only way,] said Ellylle.

“With all due respect, I hardly know you,” said Orin. “It sounds like you’re out to do some good, and I respect the deep connection we seem to share, but I meant what I said. Maybe you guys could team up with us instead? We’re trying to stop an alien invasion. How about it? We could get to know each other, and if I like what you’re selling, we can always revisit this conversation.”

Ellylle cracked quietly and bristled. [Don’t insult me.Schurke wants you, not your friends. If you come with me, he’ll chase after us and leave them alone, allowing us to deal with Schurke at our leisure. They’ll have to live without you, but they’ll live!]

“Who, Admiral Schurke?” asked Orin. “The hero of the Pegasi War?”

Ellylle creaked quietly. [They haven’t told you, yet.]

“I’m losing my patience,” said Orin. “Who hasn’t told me what?”

[I should not be the one to tell you,] said Ellylle. [Unfortunately, I’m nearly out of time, and you’d never believe the news coming from me. Truly, I hope when you look back on this moment, it won’t be with the sorrow of wishing you had joined me.]

“What are you getting at?” asked Orin. “Spit it out or get out of my room!”

[Sadly,it appears it is not yet ourtime. Nonetheless, I will wait for you.] Ellylle curved forward, her blooms taking on a shade of faded blue. [Please, Orinoco, take this with you.] She plucked a morning glory from her vines and placed it above his ear. [Give this to Nathaniel Knox, so he may speak true. Chaos surrounds him, and in the battle to come, chaos may yet be your ally.]

Orin grabbed the bloom. “What is this?”

Ellylle smiled kindly. [It is a gift of freedom forNathaniel. He may not be receptive to the gesture, but perhaps he will be.]

A tendril extended from its stem, coiling around Orin’s finger. “What is it doing?”

[Don’t worry, you’re perfectly safe. She likes you.] Ellylle’s datapad buzzed softly. She glanced briefly at the screen, and her branches sagged. [I’d love to stay and chat, but I’m out of time.] She switched on her vocoder. Leaning forward, she rested her forehead against Orin’s.

Cries of alarm filled the halls. People ran for the doors, while others threw open their windows. In the distance, vehicles screeched, and horns blared.

“The Caretakers are here,” whispered Ellylle. “I must not keep them waiting. I’ll see you again, my champion. I’ll be your shoulder to cry on when that time comes.”

“Who are the Caretakers?” asked Orin.

“You encountered them on Arsenal Bay,” said Ellylle. “I can sense you long to rescue those they’ve collected, and while I’m pretty sure you can, I can’t allow you to interfere.” She sprayed him with spores produced from a fungus growing deep within her wrist, and Orin collapsed, unconscious.

“Shyte!” yelped Zella.

“You’re not plannin’ on hurtin’ him, are you?” asked Lomomu.

Ellylle’s expression soured briefly. “I would no sooner harm him than allow you to harm me!” She knelt beside Orin and gently traced his hairline. “Besides,