Starborn (The Order of Orion Book 1) by Samantha Jane

Author:Samantha Jane [Jane, Samantha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-11-30T23:00:00+00:00

21

Willow

On the thirteenth day of their induction, Willow and the others were given a choice. The first real choice they’d been given since their arrival.

They were seated in the library and Serena spoke of the Starborn initiation ritual. “For over five hundred years, initiation into The Order of Orion was completed the same way. However, recently some Elders have campaigned for a softer, kinder rite of passage.”

Willow didn’t need to breach Serena’s shield to know she didn’t favor the new way. Serena’s face showed pure contempt as she walked around the neophyte group. “As a neophyte, you’re in the infancy of your ability. Despite your training over the past two weeks, you remain weak and inconsistent. This is as it should be. The stars have given us a gift but it’s one that must be nurtured, cultivated. Every seven years, energy bursts occur from the direction of the Orion Nebula. If a fetus in that area also experiences trauma at the same time, this causes the predisposition of metaphysical ability. Trauma also triggered the onset of your Starborn ability.” Serena paused at the head of the table and spoke in a low, serious voice. “And trauma will make it stronger. The initiation rite can bring you more power than you can imagine.”

“Trauma will make us stronger?” Gabriel stared at Serena in disbelief. “You’re going to torture us?”

“What the fuck?” Isobel’s hands curled into fists. “What are you going to do to us?”

Serena held up her hands. “Hear me out.”

Willow tried to catch Lucas’ attention. He stood a little separated from the other mentors at the back of the room and stared straight ahead, not catching her glance, or perhaps refusing it. Granger, on the other hand, smiled and gave her a wink when their eyes met.

“We won’t torture you,” said Serena. “But the initiation rite will be traumatic to your bodies and your minds. It will push you to ascend to your highest ability. It is what all of us here in the Sanctuary have done.”

“Just tell us what’s involved,” Willow said, frustrated with the buildup Serena was providing.

Serena’s eyes narrowed. “Each of you will be placed in a room we call the cube. Your cube will be sized according to your height, high enough only for you to stand. You’ll not be given food or water. Your body will eventually go into a state of shock, which will allow you to access your true metaphysical self.”

The room fell dead quiet.

After a few moments, Gabriel leaned forward. “How long? How long do we have to go without food and water?”

“It will be your choice. The ancient way is three days of fasting.” Serena glanced at the mentors. “The new way is two.”

“Two days without water or food is supposed to be the easy way?” asked Isobel.

Serena snarled. “Yes! But since its introduction a few years ago, it has rarely brought the power three days can bring to a Starborn.”

Willow thought of the books and articles she had read about spiritual fasting as a way for shamans to reach a transcendent self.

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