Read Online ARC: Essence by Lisa Ann O'Kane - Free Book Online

is be awesome,” Ryder said. “Participate in my old man’s experiments, do your chores, get involved in community events. The Founders will notice.”
    “The Founders,” Cody explained, “are the two ruling leaders of the Community: Ryder’s dad Rex and Daniel Lynch, another former meditation master.”
    “You’ll meet them tonight,” Jett said, approaching the hotel’s large glass and stone doors. “We have a little something special prepared for your arrival.”
     
    Jett escorted us through a wide stone lobby. The hotel’s original artwork and furnishings had mostly been stripped, but southwestern rugs and leather couches still dotted the foyer. Candles lined the windowsills in neat rows, and the air smelled warm, like leather and smoke. There wasn’t a trace of dust or disrepair anywhere.
    “Stay right here,” she instructed, following Ryder and Cody toward the back exit. “We’ll be back in a flash.”
    Javi and I stopped as our new companions disappeared from view. Their footsteps echoed through the empty lobby for a moment, and then there was nothing but silence and the crackling of some unseen fireplace.
    It felt strange to be alone after so many hours of camaraderie, and our new friends’ absence manifested itself as a whooshing blow of sadness and uncertainty so intense, it left me breathless. Brady would have loved it here.
    Another thought: I abandoned him to come here.
    I knew the thought was ridiculous. I knew Brady’s soul was no more wrapped in that urn than mine had been in the clump of hair my mother cut. And I was here for Brady. I wasn’t here for Ryder or my mother or anyone else. I was here because I wanted to prove the Essence theory wrong, and I believed Ryder’s father held the key.
    Didn’t I?
    “How are you holding up, Autumn?”
    Javi’s voice startled me, and I turned, half surprised to see him still standing there. We had been traveling in affable silence for so long that I had almost forgotten we were capable of independent conversation.
    He seemed to share my hesitation, and his dark eyes seemed timid as he adjusted the folds of his wrinkled suit. “Do you still think you made the right choice coming here?”
    “I do.” My answer was automatic. Realizing I didn’t need to convince him, I backpedaled slightly. “I mean… it’s exciting. And this place is gorgeous. It’s just kinda… scary. You know?”
    “I know. A bit overwhelming, isn’t it?” He steadied himself by placing one wide hand on a leather chair. “And, you know… I believe in this. I really think I believe in this, but I don’t want them to force us to become Essence test subjects. We didn’t sign up for that.”
    “I know.” His words made me realize how much Ryder had worried me, too.
    “OK, we’re ready for you in the Meadow now.” It was Jett’s voice, and she appeared from the back exit with a little leap and a bow. Her grin was wide as she motioned to the door. “Are you guys ready?”
     
    The Meadow was a wide clearing circled by pines and dotted with maples and dogwoods. The lower trees were strung with a flickering assortment of paper lanterns, and these glimmered like stars as the afternoon faded into twilight.
    White canvas tents and wooden cabins were scattered in concentric half-circles under the trees to my left, and countless circular dining tables sprawled to my right. Made of raw wood and dotted with wildflower vases, the tables were set with gleaming white plates and silverware.
    I made eye contact with Javi as Ryder strode forward. “Welcome to the Meadow, guys. Are you ready to meet your new family?”
    He reached sideways and pulled a gilded rope near the back door. This prompted a bell mounted in one of the stone turrets to begin ringing. It was a vibrant sound, clanging and melodic, and it echoed from the building’s stone eaves and overhangs.
    On cue, the Meadow began to fill.
    Lanterns flickered in the trees as teenagers and young adults began appearing