Skyla: The Witches of Inner Peace

By Yvonne Lynn

Abandoned in the woods, foster sisters Kyra and Rylee are drawn to the hidden sanctuary of Inner Peace. As they enter the magical library, the book of Skyla jumps off the shelf and lands on the floor in front of the girls. Kyra and Rylee begin to discover where they came from and who they really are while they delve into the mystical world of Skyla, as her and her twin sister realm hop in search of the orb of harmony. Entranced by Skyla’s enchanting tale of magic and mystery, Kyra and Rylee find it hard to discern who uses their powers for good and who has given in to the dark side.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: Jan 12, 2016
• ISBN: 9781483443287

Book preview

Skyla

The Witches of Inner Peace

YVONNE LYNN

Copyright © 2016 Yvonne Lynn.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic—without written permission of both publisher and author, except in the case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

ISBN: 978-1-4834-4327-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4834-4329-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4834-4328-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015920832

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Lulu Publishing Services rev. date: 12/30/2015

CONTENTS

Chapter 1   Kyra and Rylee

Chapter 2   Skyla

Chapter 3   Morgana

Chapter 4   Skyla

Chapter 5   Morgana

Chapter 6   Skyla

Chapter 7   Lilith

Chapter 8   Skyla

Chapter 9   Kyra and Rylee

Chapter 10   Chester

Chapter 11   Skyla

Chapter 12   Skyla

Chapter 13   Kyra and Rylee

Chapter 14   Skyla

Chapter 15   Kyra and Rylee

Epilogue

About the Author

In loving memory of Randy—

Hey, Randy, we finally finished the book!

CHAPTER 1

Kyra and Rylee

Rylee tossed the last bag into the back of the old olive-green station wagon before Kyra closed the door. They looked out into the yard and watched the other three foster kids playing on the tire swing that hung from the giant oak tree. The little ones still had several years left before they had to leave for good. Little Bella’s shoulder-length red hair was pulled back in a stringy ponytail, and her tattered, pale-green dress was covered in dirt. The twin boys, Jacob and Joshua, were wearing matching blue polo shirts, and their stained khaki pants had holes in the knees.

Are you ready to go camping? Barbara asked the foster children.

I guess so, Rylee and Kyra stated as the little ones came running toward the car with their youthful excitement.

Rylee had overheard her foster parents, Barbara and Steve, talking about her and Kyra. They had mentioned that they were going to tell the two oldest girls that they had to move out on Monday because their state checks had stopped coming. She cringed when Steve had made the passing remark that he wished Kyra and Rylee would just run away on this camping trip so they would not have to deal with them anymore. Although the two oldest girls had never felt like they fit in, they tried their hardest to make Barb and Steve love them.

Kyra and Rylee wanted nothing more in this world than to be accepted. They couldn’t remember a time in their lives when a mother or father figure ever held them and made them feel loved. Their hearts sank when they realized they meant nothing at all to the monsters who had been raising them since they were two years old.

Although Kyra and Rylee shared a birthday, they seemed to be in no way whatsoever related. Maybe it was planned that they were placed in the same foster home, or maybe it was their destiny. Either way, they needed each other. Rylee had long, blonde locks that spiraled down her back like a river of gold. Her steel-blue eyes, although soft and kind, could peer into one’s soul. She had flawless, pale skin and soft pink lips, almost like she was made of porcelain. Kyra had long, dark hair with natural auburn highlights that draped over her shoulders like a velvet cloak. Her eyes were so dark they appeared black. When she stared at people, they felt as though she was reading their minds. She had a light olive complexion, and her lips were an almost unnatural shade of red.

The two girls, so different in appearance, were actually so much alike that it almost frightened the people around them.

Let’s get going, then, Steve instructed as the twin seven-year-old boys and the petite five-year-old girl climbed over the backseat.

The three small children chattered away about the new adventure they were about to experience. This was the first birthday that Kyra and Rylee were allowed any sort of celebration, so they chose to go camping. Barb and Steve were not too happy with it at first, but this morning they seemed overjoyed to be financing the family’s first outing together—Kyra and Rylee’s last. The girls gave each other suspicious glances as they hesitantly inched closer to the open rear door.

Rylee slid into the middle row of the station wagon, which was equipped with a third row of seating in the back. Kyra sat down next to her and closed the door. As they fastened their seat belts, Steve started the car and backed out of the driveway. Even though the little kids in the back were making a lot of noise, the two teenage girls in the middle acted as though they could not hear a thing. Rylee reached over and placed her hand on Kyra’s arm.

I think this is exactly what we need, Rylee began. I just feel so drawn to this camping spot.

The fact that Rylee’s lips did not move and only Kyra could hear her thoughts was a secret that the girls had kept for as long as they could remember. It was their covert way of talking to each other with no fear of being heard by anyone around them.

I think you’re right. This camping trip is just what we need, Kyra silently responded.

The two-and-a-half-hour trip to the Shawnee National Forest flew by quickly. As the old, dented station wagon turned off the main highway and onto a narrow dirt road, Kyra and Rylee began to feel strange.

What’s that sound? Kyra asked Barb and Steve.

I don’t hear anything, Steve grumbled at her.

I hear it too! Rylee added.

You two are always lying. I’ll be glad when you’re gone, Barb mumbled under her breath.

What did you say? Kyra and Rylee asked in unison.

Nothing! Barb snapped at the girls. We’re almost there.

Rylee and Kyra sat back in their seats and glanced at each other with pained looks.

I don’t get it. We try so hard for them to accept us, and they always treat us like this, Rylee secretly said to her foster sister.

I know. Maybe it’s for the best that they’re making us leave after the weekend, Kyra quietly reassured her.

The car came to a stop, and Steve put it in park. All right, kids, let’s set up camp! he exclaimed as he shut off the car.

All five children scurried over the seat to inhale the amazing scents of the forest. Rylee and Kyra walked to the back of the car and opened the rear door.

What are you doing? Barb asked the teenagers.

We were going to get the tents out and set them up, Rylee quietly responded without looking at her.

It’s okay, girls, Steve replied as he hurried to the back of the car. I’ll get this. Why don’t you two go get some firewood while the rest of us set up camp?

Kyra stared at Steve for a moment, trying to figure out where this uncharacteristic behavior was coming from. Steve had never been kind or accepting toward Kyra and Rylee. Kyra’s thoughts were broken as Rylee grabbed her arm and began dragging her into the woods. Kyra walked backward, refusing to take her eyes off of her foster parents. She was not sure what they were up to, but she knew she did not trust them. Steve just stood at the back of the car and ran his left hand over the top of his bald head as he talked to Barb. His short-sleeved, red-and-blue-checkered shirt held four pens in the left front pocket. His dark green polyester pants were a few inches too short, exposing the bright white socks that were stuffed into his scuffed brown dress shoes.

He adjusted his thick, black-framed glasses while his wife stomped her fat, flip-flop-adorned foot on the ground. Kyra hated that Barb always wore spandex stretch pants and long flannel shirts and that her short, gray hair made her look like a chubby little Chihuahua with her new perm. Once the entire campsite was out of Kyra’s field of vision, she turned toward Rylee.

I think they’re up to something, she protested.

They’re always up to something, Rylee reminded her. It’s going to be fine. Let’s just get some wood and get back to camp to watch the little ones.

The two girls each gathered an armful of twigs before they retreated back toward their foster family. Kyra was lost in thought as she followed Rylee when suddenly she heard a loud gasp and the sound of Rylee dropping her load of tinder.

What’s wrong? Kyra asked before she looked up.

Rylee did not respond, so Kyra looked at her. She then looked in the same direction that Rylee was staring and covered her mouth as a loud laugh escaped her lips.

It’s not funny! Rylee responded with shock and disbelief.

I know it’s not, Kyra said. But I did tell you they were up to something.

The girls walked over to where the car had been only to find their backpacks and a ratty-looking orange pup tent.

I can’t believe they really left us, Rylee said as she reached down for her bag.

At least they set the tent up for us, Kyra responded.

Rylee pulled back the flap to put her bag inside and let out a loud groan.

What’s wrong? Kyra asked.

There isn’t even a floor to this tent. We have to sleep on the dirt, Rylee answered in defeat as she tossed her bag inside.

Kyra dropped her pile of twigs on the ground, sat down in the dirt, and crossed her legs. Rylee plopped down beside her, and they just stared at the bright orange tarp that mocked them by pretending to be a tent.

I still hear that humming noise, Rylee said.

I hear it too. Kyra answered.

Do you want to go see if we can find out where that noise is coming from? Rylee asked.

Okay, Kyra said. It’s not like we have anything else to do right now. She chuckled as they stood and wiped the dirt off their butts.

I think we should go this way, Rylee said as she began walking north.

Okay then, Kyra responded as she jogged to catch up.

After a couple of minutes, Kyra tried to speak to Rylee. How do you—

Rylee held up her hand. Shhhh. I’m listening for the humming sound.

Kyra and Rylee quietly trekked through the towering trees of the Shawnee National Forest. They walked as if in a trance induced by the intoxicating humming noise that was driving them forward. They had quickly forgotten about being abandoned by their foster parents as they maneuvered through the strange, dense woods with such ease that it seemed as though the girls had lived there since their birth.

They glided down paths that only they could see, pushing through thick brush and climbing over fallen moss-covered trees with ease and agility, almost as if they had been transformed into young deer. The humming sound was calling them like an enchanting song. As Kyra and Rylee approached the source, they could feel the vibration in their bodies as if the strange seductress had injected its magic into their blood. They could not explain the force that was propelling them toward its center. They just knew they had to follow. Rylee was a few steps ahead of Kyra when she let out a surprised shriek and stopped abruptly.

What’s wrong? Kyra asked Rylee.

Without speaking, Rylee grabbed Kyra’s wrist and thrust her hand forward. Kyra quickly pulled her hand back to examine it, trying to figure out just what had sent the tingling sensation from her fingertips to her elbow.

What was that? Kyra asked with inquisitive concern.

I’m not sure. Rylee began. It’s almost like a force field or something.

Kyra slowly raised her hand again and placed it on the strange phenomenon before them. She could feel her fingers begin to tingle again as if the energy of the foreign barrier was calling to her. As Kyra stared at her hand, she realized that it was pushing through the invisible wall, but it was almost as if it were pulling her in. The vibrational humming now seemed to be part of her being. The tingling sensation traveled up her arm toward her shoulder. As her face began to enter into the thick, jellylike barrier, she grabbed Rylee’s arm and dragged her through the unknown force with her. As Kyra’s face pushed through to the other side, she noticed that the loud humming noise and the vibration were gone.

The girls scanned their surroundings. At first they noticed a large, flat stone that was balancing on an upright smaller one. It appeared to be a large stone table or maybe an altar. On the other side of the large rock was a path that continued to wind through the towering trees.

I wonder what that’s for. Rylee stated while she walked over to the massive limestone slab.

As she got closer, she noticed intricate scroll work carved around the entire edge. On the flat surface of the table, there was a deep groove around the entire perimeter and a notch carved out for liquid to drain. Under the notch at what appeared to be the foot of the stone altar was another flat gray stone where she imagined a collection vessel would be placed. As Rylee placed her hand near the top of the slab, a jolt of electricity ran through her body. Everything around her went black. There was a single light shining down on the altar where a woman was lying. The stranger on the table was wearing a long white gown. She had dark, curly hair that rested on her shoulders. Her hazel eyes were wide with fright. Rylee could see her lips moving as if the strange woman was talking to someone, but Rylee was unable to hear what was being said. The woman then closed her eyes and took her last breath.

Rylee watched the woman’s hand open, and a small clear vial rolled off her fingertips and onto the ground. She then pulled her hand off of the altar and gasped. Confused about what she had just seen, she hesitantly reached out and touched the slab again. This time nothing happened. After she touched the limestone altar a few more times, she was startled back to reality.

What are you doing? Kyra asked. Let’s go see what else we can find.

The strangest thing just happened, Rylee stated quietly, still unsure of what she had just seen.

Oh, Kyra said dismissively as she walked away.

Rylee turned to follow her friend after she gave the giant rock table one more bewildered glance. Kyra was several yards ahead of Rylee. As she jogged to catch up, she caught herself thinking how strange it was that she was running past a random tree full of oranges. When she caught up with Kyra, they were standing in front of a small weeping willow tree that also seemed awkwardly out of place.

Kyra was strangely mesmerized by the branches as the gentle breeze flowed through them, making them quietly brush the ground. Rylee grabbed Kyra’s wrist and began to drag her farther down the path.

This place is so strange. Kyra forced herself to change the direction of her gaze.

I know what you mean, Rylee responded.

Up ahead the girls noticed a crossroad. As they approached it, they realized that they now had to decide whether to continue forward, turn to the left, or turn to the right. After they stood in the middle of the intersection for several minutes, Rylee turned to Kyra. I think we should go this way. She pointed to the road on the right.

Sure. Kyra agreed with a shrug, and the girls continued on their way. So tell me what was so strange back there at the rock.

I’m not sure what happened, but when I touched the rock, I saw something, Rylee told her.

Well, what did you see? Kyra asked with interest this time.

I really don’t know. When I put my hand on the altar, everything went black, and then there was a woman lying there.

So someone killed her? Kyra asked with concern.

I don’t know. She was alive. Then she was talking to someone, and then she was dead. She did have a bottle in her hand that fell to the ground as she took her last breath though. Then I took my hand off of the slab, and when I tried to see what happened next, I couldn’t see anything. It’s like I hadn’t even seen anything at all, Rylee explained.

That is weird. Kyra quietly pondered what her friend had just told her.

I think I see a clearing up ahead, Kyra announced.

I think you’re right.

It’s so calming here, Kyra said as they emerged from the woods and into the open field.

Rylee turned up to the sky and closed her eyes. She smiled and took in several deep breaths as the sunlight warmed her skin. I can’t believe how peaceful these woods are. I actually feel like I belong here, Rylee finally responded.

Kyra sat down just inside the edge of the clearing and ran her fingers through the thick, dark green grass. She reached over and gently plucked a purple daisy from the ground. While she was spinning it between her thumb and forefinger, Rylee sat down beside her.

I know what you mean. I feel it too. Kyra stated. "For the first time ever, I