The Complete Pendomus Chronicles Trilogy: Books 1-3 of the Pendomus Chronicles Dystopian Scifi Boxed Set Series

by Carissa Andrews

  It’s like a strange haze takes hold of me and as much as I try, I’m unable to hold onto the threads of this place. At first, I figured it was just a dream. But I know better now.

  With everything that’s happening to me—with what’s happened to Kani—I know time is of the essence. My one problem is staying clear enough when I’m back in my body to either warn Runa, or find a cure for myself. So far, every attempt has been completely unsuccessful. It’s excruciating.

  One of these times, though, I know I’ll be able to break through the barrier. I’ll be able to uncover more—or get the help I need. Perhaps even now, Runa’s looking for a cure. She’s not stupid. She has to know something isn’t right with me.

  I take a breath, trying to uncover conversations elsewhere in the real world. Where my body is. Am I still with her? She wouldn’t leave me, right?

  Sucks that this joker is with Runa and I’m stuck in here. Sick joke, actually. It’s been so long and all I want in this sick, sad, stupid world is to touch her. To hear her voice and stare into those amazing eyes.

  But it’s no use. I try for ages, but can’t connect to the audio of my own life. My intruder has too strong of a hold right now. However, I catch glimpses of his actions. Digging for something. Why the hell is he digging in the Archives?

  Then it happens—I slip into my body, right beside the intruder. It’s a strange sensation. I can see and hear everything as myself, but I have no control whatsoever. I’m a casual observer of my body and its surroundings.

  Runa is there—taking my hand and bringing me to a place alone.

  “Runa—Runa, you have to hear me. I’m trapped—” I scream inside my prison, trying to do my best to break the bubble holding me captive.

  My body lies down with her and I can feel the sick pleasure of my intruder radiate through my body.

  He’s happy to be with her like this. Happy to be beside her and have her warmth radiate through him.

  It’s sickening and the intense desire to rip him limb to limb emerges. I swear it—if he hurts her, I will come for him. Even if it means ending myself to do it.

  She places her hand on my head, stroking my hair and the lines between the intruder and myself begin to blur. Warmth circulates from where she touches, and for the first time in forever, I feel something real. I have no description for it beyond magical. The bonds keeping me captive begin to break down, little by little, and I sense him struggling to hold on to my body. For whatever reason, her touch—or his happiness—maybe both, is causing him to lose his connection with me.

  I take every advantage I can to push him out with my mind—trying to consume as much space again as possible.

  Suddenly, the irritating disturbance in my mind I’ve caught glimpses of—almost like the eLink connecting, clicks into place.

  ~It’s no use Traeton. It’s taken me a while in this incarnation to find you. But I know what you are to the Daughter of Five. I know everything. You’re going to be the reason Runa fails. You’ll be her downfall and she’ll never see it coming. Stop fighting it. There’s no way you can break these chains, they’ve been prepared especially for you.

  I awaken to the faint hum of the lighting system inside the place they call the Archives. I have never realized how loud electricity can be until now. How do they not hear it?

  My host’s mind is fuzzy again, and trying to gain clarity is difficult. I have never been here for this process with a human. Rest comes much differently for me when I am in my own body.

  Rolling over, I find the bed empty—

  The Daughter of Five has left the man she is endeared to. This is unexpected.

  And not good. My master will not be pleased.

  Swinging this body to a seated position, I blink away the disorientation. Everything in this human body is groggy, still tired. How do humans handle this? No wonder my master chose to eliminate sleep. It is cumbersome and odd.

  My mouth—his mouth—why do I do that? I am not him. And this body is not mine.

  His mouth is dry, like all the moisture has been sucked from inside. I must find some water. Then, I must find the others.

  ~Where did you go, dear friend? I’ve been trying to reach you.

  Is this what awoke me? My master, calling?

  ~I was told I needed sleep. I complied as to not draw attention to myself.

  My response sounds reasonable to me, but I know better of my master. He will want me to return.

  ~We have the girl. Your job has ended. It’s time for you to return. I need you here.

  ~As you wish.

  As my master leaves our connection, there is an emptiness left behind in my host’s mind. Perhaps it is beginning to lose its integrity after all of the meddling we have done.

  I almost feel sorry for him. This was not his fight, nor his struggle. It was not for any of us, I suppose. But this degradation—he is simply an unfortunate casualty.

  I know my master will want me to return instantly, but my heart is inexplicably heavy about this news. As much as I know of my master’s plan, there is a small part of me that wants to cheer for the Daughter of Five. If she is truly the girl of the prophecy, we could all be freed. No more cages, captures, mind games, or control. Free to live our lives as we had for eons before humans. Before my master.

  I do so miss the grass, the trees in full bloom. The sweet smell of the Everblossoms.

  Walking out into the main part of the Archives where the humans have spent the majority of their time, I take a final look around. I cannot place why—but this location has a familiarity to it, though I do not believe I have ever been here before. Perhaps it is simply residual feelings in here from my host’s memories. It is hard to say.

  A feeling of sadness arises in me—perhaps in us both. The man’s mind has bled through a couple of times as I tried to restrain him. If he is able to understand the situation, I am sure he will not be happy. I rest my eyes on the long hallway and the ornate arches in the ceiling.

  So very familiar—

  Then it becomes all too obvious.

  Instantly, I regret having stayed because what I see could get us all killed.

  It has been so long since I have pushed my mind to the time before humans. I should never have pushed my thoughts back that far.

  This place—the Archives—I thought it was simply an underground hideaway the humans had built to house these histories. But it is not. It is far older, with a very special purpose.

  Deep conflict arises within my being—not my host’s—mine. Clenching hold of my better senses, I struggle with what to do next. I wish I had the others to discuss this with, but to do that would put everyone at risk. It would be treason.

  Perhaps the prophecy was right—perhaps the girl really is the Chosen. If this should be true, I cannot allow my master to learn of this place.

  What I am saying is anarchy and I will likely pay with my life.

  Turning to the only one I can, I open the floodgates on the man named Traeton. We will need to devise a plan together.

  The wall between us drops like a curtain and anger rushes at me like a desperate wind. My consciousness is pushed to the back as the man regains control.

  He drops to his knees, groping at his head.

  “Stay out,” he cries.

  I try to hold on, try to keep control of some pieces of this information so I can relay what is so necessary, but he’s much stronger this way. Stronger than I anticipated.

  I’ve never had my brain split apart in fragments, but I’m pretty damn sure it would be like this. The headaches I’ve had before are nothing compared to this.

  The lights—they’re so bright and so loud. How can the lights be so damn loud?

  I shield my eyes, dropping to my knees to keep from being sick. Everything is overwhelming and disorienting. I’m not sure why. It’s like I’m seeing things with two different sets of eyes and neither one are in focus.

  I didn’t think I’d ever be back where I belong. Back in my own mind, my own
body. It’s been so long since it was just me in here.

  What caused my intruder to release me?

  Like a tickle in my brain, I realize he hasn’t. Not fully—he’s still here with me.

  Dammit.

  “Phug you. You hear me. You’re not going to spy on Runa and the others through me. You’re not using me anymore. I’m done with being your damn slave—” I spit, looking for something—anything I can use to put an end to this.

  I have control now, and only one choice. If he’s still here, there’s only one reason for it. Which is nothing good.

  I hunt for Jayne—my sonic resonator—or any other way to end my own life. If I have control now, I need to act. I need to remove any more harm that can come to Runa through me.

  Suddenly, my feet are solid weights, making it impossible to move forward. Slowly, the thoughts from my captor creep in, but they’re nowhere near as strong as they were. I understand only pieces of what the intruder is trying to relay.

  Protect. Daughter of Five.

  I don’t know why, but he feels scared shitless.

  What in the hell would cause Videus’ crony to be afraid? Doesn’t that run in opposition to the rules they’re used to enforcing?

  My anger and bloodlust dissipate as curiosity takes its place.

  On same side. Please.

  The thought is clear, but does nothing to quell the skepticism coursing through every vein in my body.

  “Same side? Oh, now we’re on the same damn side? Give me a break. It’s been months—months, dammit. You’ve wiggled your way into control, spying on Runa, gathering intel and sending it back to Videus. Why in the hell would I believe you now?” I spit. “Just because you’re now the one who’s scared? What did you do? Forget to call in?”

  Silence.

  “Come on, what happened chatty? Where are you now? What are you really up to? Talk to me—” I yell.

  Suddenly, I look around the Archives and chuckle.

  I really have lost my ever-loving mind.

  Still, nothing. It’s like whatever power he had over me has completely diminished, but he’s still here for fun.

  “Screw you,” I sputter.

  Until I can find a way to get this thing out of my head completely, I need to at least warn Runa and the rest of the team. I know she’s planning to hit the Vassalage, and she needs to be aware I’m compromised.

  “Runa—” I call out, “Where are you?”

  Only silence greets me.

  It’s everywhere.

  I walk over to the table flooded with maps. Beside a stack of books is a note.

  Traeton,

  Ammon and I have gone to take care of Videus. I’m sorry we left you behind, but it’s best if you stay here. I don’t know what’s going on with you, but I feel as though you need to rest.

  Trae, if the worst happens—if I get captured, and you are able—warn the others. We need to move on to phase II of the plan. We can’t let Videus win.

  We cannot let desperation and despair sweep us up and swallow us whole. We need to stand together and fight this until our dying breath. I know I will.

  I wish we had more time. We never got the moments I’d hope to have with you, or the future I could envision. But I want you to know this—it’s only you. You’re the one I wanted to see forever with.

  Stay safe,

  Runa

  Dammit.

  Anxiety rips at my insides. She already knew I wasn’t myself.

  Her note is cryptic, but I have no doubt she’d never go unless she felt it was absolutely necessary to leave me behind.

  One thing bothers me, though…it reads like a suicide letter. Like she doesn’t think she’s gonna be coming back, but I’ll be dammed if I’m gonna let that happen. I throw the note down, slamming my hand into the stack of books. They clatter to the floor, spilling out their pages. Kicking them for good measure, I stop.

  One of the books doesn’t look familiar. It’s locked front face is beautiful. Bound in some form of leather, with a large tree burned to the front of it. Etched within the side of the trunk is a large door, reminding me of the Tree of Burden Runa had gone into.

  Interesting

  I pick the books up and place them back on the table.

  What’s my next plan of action? What can I do with the least amount of casualties?

  Then it comes to me. I know exactly what I need to do.

  3

  Runa

  EVEN THOUGH WE’VE ONLY just met a few weeks ago, I feel as though I’ve known Ammon my whole life. His blood runs through my veins, and mine through his. We’re connected in a way no one else can truly claim. At this point, not even my brother Baxten—and definitely not my mother. Perhaps it’s the similarities in our abilities. Or because we’re twins. Maybe both. Whatever it is, I’m thankful I have him by my side.

  Especially with Trae being compromised.

  We’ve been apart for so long, and now, even though we’re near each other—we’re still in separate worlds. How did everything get so messed up?

  “Are we going to get that EMP thing from Landry?” Ammon asks, ripping me from my internal anguish.

  “No, there isn’t time. If we’re going to act, we need to act fast,” I say, adjusting my pack.

  “Alright, I hope you know what you’re doing,” he says, grabbing his supplies and following after me.

  When we reach the end of the tunnel and ascend the ladder leading outside, Tethys is ready and waiting. Ammon still hasn’t gotten used to her without the ability to see her, but there’s no other creature on the planet I trust more. Having both of them by my side fuels me with the energy I need to accomplish this dangerous mission.

  Best case scenario, I’m able to gather information on the Vassalage and find a way to destroy it. Worst case…well, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.

  Grasping onto Tethys’ fur, I pull myself to her back and reach for Ammon. He takes my hand and before I know it, the trees are a blur as we make our way to the Helix. My insides twist like serpents of excitement. It’s all so irrational—heading there this way. No backup. No real plan. Yet, irrationally, I know it’s how it needs to be.

  “So, erm. What’s your plan for getting in this thing?” Ammon asks, reading my mind.

  I shake my head, “I’m not sure. I’m kinda hoping the pathway will reveal itself as we get closer.”

  Tethys snorts, clearly not as certain about my plan as I am.

  I look over my shoulder as the trees become a blurred memory in the distance. The Helix rises before us, a monstrous structure full of ominous double meanings. When I lived inside, I had no idea how much I’d truly come to despise this place.

  “Whoa,” Ammon mutters. “I’ve never been this close. I—I’ve heard other kids talk about it, but…being here is kinda—whoa.”

  I nod, sympathizing with his shift in perspective as he sees the Helix for the first time. I’m sure, in a reverse kind of way, it was the same for me when I’d seen the Lateral for the first time. It’s a whole different world hidden inside the one you’re used to.

  Tethys brings us as close as she dares, instinctively veering toward the doorway she’d been waiting at when Trae and I had gone in before.

  “How will we know which hallway we’re in and where to go? Do you remember the layout of this place?” Ammon asks, his nerves suddenly getting the better of him.

  “I remember this place like the back of my hand. I also have something Videus will wish I didn’t—the visual schematics for how to get to the Crematorium, the passcode, and who’s in charge,” I say, finally putting to words what I had been holding onto.

  “What?” Ammon says, his mouth dropping open. “How do you know all that? I thought the mainframe was destroyed? And why are you waiting to tell me this now?”

  I bite my lip, unsure how much I should burden Ammon with.

  “I kept it to myself because of what’s happening with Trae. Future Trae warned us—”

  “Warned you,
ya mean,” Ammon corrects.

  “Warned me, then. I have to heed that warning,” I say.

  “So, how did you acquire all the information?” Ammon says, scratching his head.

  Tethys comes to a halt, and I drop off her back. Ammon follows suit and his feet hit the floor. We remain safe and unseen inside her shield, and I walk around to face him.

  “When I was still a part of the Helix, they offered me a professional appointment as a Cremator,” I say, aware of the irony in it all.

  “Wow. So, what—what the heck does that mean? They wanted you to what? Work there?”

  I shake my head, “No—they were trying to dispose of me. But because they had to make me believe this was where I was meant to be, they had to follow protocol. I was automatically given all of the details when I was appointed.”

  “So, you’ve had all these details? Why the heck were we looking at the maps for hours?”

  “Because I wanted to be sure. I can’t trust everything I’ve gotten from the Helix. What if it was wrong? I needed to verify their authenticity. Well, if I could.”

  “So, they just handed you everything? Huh. Kinda dumb on their part,” Ammon says. “What happened after you were told to be a Cremator, then? Wasn’t that supposed to be, like a good thing? I remember a friend saying professional appointments are a big deal in here.”

  “They are,” I shrug. “But I never went in. I couldn’t believe Cremator was the role they’d assessed for me. I just—I wasn’t about to do that for the rest of my life. So I left the Helix.”

  “Wow,” he says, his mouth popping open. “I can’t even stand up to my best friend, let alone walk away from something like that.”

  “It’s not as dramatic as you make it sound. I just knew I wasn’t meant to be there. Well, until now. We just need to hope things haven’t changed. Otherwise, that’s where my plan will fail us,” I say, trying to smile as reassurance, knowing it’s failing miserably.