Rules: The Mir Chronicles, #1

By Leisa Wallace

Fans of Divergent, Configured, and Hunger Games will rage over the secrets of the Mir Chronicles.

Praise for Rules: "Love, danger, betrayal, it has it all." "Gripping and compelling!" "Surprising twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat"

 

In order to survive… you must remember who rules.

 

Evangeline fought against the tyranny of the Priestess and lost. Now, she hides as a servant within the very walls of the enemy that hunts her. When a fight with a recruit forces her into training as an enemy soldier, Evangeline is forced to confront the friend that betrayed her in order to survive.

Guaranteed to be your next YA binge read. Buy today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leisa Wallace
• Release date: Nov 23, 2018
• ISBN: 9798201234010

Book preview

Chapter One

Evangeline sharpened her senses toward her captor, mentally kicking herself for letting him take her unaware. His arms were warm reaching around her from behind. Calloused fingers scratched her face as he covered her eyes in a maddening game of Guess Who. She held her breath and strained to hear something beyond the snickers of the unhelpful voices around them.

Squeezing her eyes shut, she forced herself to concentrate. Her breath slowed and the feel of his heartbeat grew heavy. The morning sun shone warmly on her skin, helping her orient herself.

Spinning out of the blinding grasp, her elbow plunged deep into her captor’s ribs. Gasping, he stepped backwards, releasing his hold. Ducking and side stepping, she locked eyes with her attacker. His familiar brown eyes radiated a fierce challenge as he positioned himself for the fight.

The encircling crowd began cheering in anticipation of the unplanned tournament. They also blocked any easy escape route. Raising her eyebrows toward her opponent, her lips turned up at the edges and she lunged at him.

They moved as if in a dance, focused only on each other: spinning, kicking, blocking, and ducking. Both moved with exceptional speed and competence, as if they had done this since birth.

Evangeline’s breathing grew heavy and her arms started to burn as they moved over the stone ground, each reacting to the other’s moves before thinking, neither getting the upper hand.

A reflection of the sun off the mountains blinded her, and she felt a sharp jab to her chest. Stumbling backward, she crouched like a cat ready to pounce, hungrily gasping for air. Staring down at her, he looked as tired as she felt, his hands resting on his knees as he wiped his sweaty forehead on his shoulder.

Studying her surroundings, she identified what she needed to do to win. The mere thought gave her the jolt of energy she needed. Jumping toward him, she attacked with renewed force. She placed punches and kicks so quickly and precisely, that he struggled to react. His eyes grew worried and his confidence floundered as she lunged toward him.

He stood three steps away from her intended goal with his back towards her destination. Step one: A punch toward his jaw. Step Two: Then toward the chest. He blocked it with relative ease widening his stance. Step three: Spinning she kicked her leg toward his chest. 

The impact causing him to trip over the fountain’s edge. He landed with a splash. Raising himself up, he shook his head free of the blinding water, and started laughing.

Well done! He chuckled as the crowd exploded in merriment.

Putting her hands on her small hips she smiled. Nice to see you again, she beamed, eyes twinkling in amusement.

It would be even nicer if you would help me out of this fountain.

Not on your life. I know you too well, Gideon Merak. I’m not going to be an accomplice to my own drowning.

Raising her hand toward her forehead, she wiped the trickling sweat away and studied her friend—one year older than her own 14 years. His chest rose and fell as he laughed.

Dragging himself from the water, he stood up tall, water dripping from his shaggy hair. His deep brown eyes stared down at his soaking wet clothes.

Without another thought Evangeline bounded toward him wrapping her arms around him in a huge hug. Gideon, I’m so glad you made it.

Smirking he stepped back and playfully pulled on a piece of her shoulder length hair.  Next time, Evangeline Adhara, I’m not letting you win so easy.

Smiling, she shrugged her shoulders. Yeah, it would be nice to have an actual opponent once in a while.

Falling in step next to each other, they turned toward her majestic home that covered one whole side of the of the city square. Glistening in the rays of the morning sun, the misty white crystals of her home stood out against Everleigh’s glowing white mountains. Three stories high, it gave the illusion of having grown straight from the heart of their quartz-rich planet. Its prismatic towers reached towards the heavens and glowed with the colors of the rainbow as the sun shone through them.

Beautifully polished quarts walkways led to and from the square where wood and crystal carved buildings lined the other three sides and shimmered in the sun’s rays. 

Welcome home Gideon, several people called as they passed. Evangeline smirked as she watched Gideon, imperceptibly to most, shift uncomfortably under the attention of so many. Still, he nodded back and greeted all he knew by name.

Her breathing felt free for the first time in months, for the first time since Gideon had left with his father for the battlefields of the resistance. She hated him being away so much. Hated that his father dragged him to areas of the resistance where the possibility of injury or even death was real. The last time he had left, she had begged him not to leave. He promised he’d always come back to her, but even that promise didn’t soothe the anxiety she had felt in his absence.

Gideon turned toward her, his wet hair slicked away from his forehead, his soaked sleeves dripping onto his hands. She laughed at the sight.

Everything okay? he asked, eyebrows raised in amusement.

I’m just glad you’re home, she answered. Wrapping an arm around his waist, she walked him up the stairs to her glowing home.

***

The sun gleamed through the breakfast room window as her eyes drifted from her food toward Gideon. He had changed from his wet clothes to a simple brown shirt and pants that brought out the color of his eyes.

So, Evangeline spoke, mouth full of fruit, towards Gideon, what are we going to do today?

What makes you assume I want to spend the day with you? His eyes turned to hers playfully as he grabbed a breakfast roll.

Oh, I thought I was doing you a favor, knowing you don’t have any other friends who put up with your long absences and lack of communication like I do, Evangeline bantered back.

Smiling eyes caught hers. That, Eves, is very true. Due to my lack of other options, I, dear friend, will spend the day with the only person who truly cares.

Evangeline’s lips turned up in a happy smile. She treasured her time with Gideon. As children, their friendship had oscillated between pure fun and tormenting each other. As they grew,  Gideon spent more and more time on the battlefront with his father, and his absence left a hole in Evangeline that only he could fill. 

So, my one and only friend, he said while brushing the hair away from his eyes, what are we going to do today?

Take over the world? she laughed.

Take over the world it is, he said, beaming.

Gideon, Evangeline, Captain Merak said as he entered the kitchen. His voice sounded dark, and his eyes lingered with an unspoken threat on Gideon.

His brisk behavior caught Evangeline off guard as she stood to greet him. Captain Merak, it’s so good to see you. Looking toward him, Evangeline found it hard to pull her gaze away. The Captain looked different from his usual self. He stood stiffly, his shoulders a little too high and his back a little too straight. But, it was the look in his eyes that caused Lena to shiver. His eyes looked dark—not a tired dark but a darkness that radiated from his core.

Alarmed at the Captain’s strange behavior, she turned to Gideon. His shoulders sloped, and he kept his gaze straight at the table, avoiding his dad and the condescending stare his father gave both them. Confusion welled inside her. This was not the happy duo she was so used to seeing. Looking back and forth between the two, she caught Gideon’s eye. What’s up with you guys? she mouthed.

Gideon shook his head almost imperceptibly. Turning to the table he grabbed another breakfast roll and started picking at its crust.

Gideon, I’m so glad you made it home safely, Evangeline’s mother called. Walking into the room she placed a big kiss on top Gideon’s head. Her light brown hair fell smoothly down her back and Evangeline wished her own fuzzy hair fell the same way.

Yes, welcome home Gideon, Evangeline’s father’s deep voice boomed, as he followed his wife into the room. Did you come across any trouble getting here?

Not more than usual, General, Gideon replied, swallowing the piece of crust he’d just placed in his mouth. Monmark is heavily patrolled, more than usual, so we came in the long way through the mountains.

Really, Marcus, her mother cut in, the two just arrived. Give them time to unwind before the grilling begins.

LillyAnne, my dear, I was merely inquiring about our friends’ journey, Marcus replied, winking at his wife.

Gideon, we have work to do before tonight’s events, Captain Merak’s voice cut in. I would suggest you don’t linger with Evangeline for too long. The two of you are far too grown up now to be causing the kind of ruckus you did on the courtyard today. You of all people should know that, Gideon.

Evangeline saw Gideon’s face blaze with resentment. Oh, Captain Merak, Evangeline said,  I’m so sorry, that was my fault. Gideon only meant to surprise me and I turned it into a game. Truly the blame belongs to me.

Ruckus? Marcus raised his eyebrows at Evangeline. Truly, I would never know what was going on around here if it wasn’t for you, Zeke. Evangeline looked at her mom and rolled her eyes. General Marcus Adhara knew more about Mir and the things that happened there than anyone else in their galaxy.

I won, Evangeline replied sheepishly, Although Gideon got some good hits in.

Zeke Merak grunted and started eating. Looking at him out the corner of her eye, Evangeline thought about how Captain Merak and her father had become friends. She knew they had attended school together off planet and when they returned to Mir, Zeke had brought Gideon’s mom, Selene, with them. She had left around ten years ago.  Evangeline once overheard her father say that her leaving nearly destroyed Zeke but it also made him fall deeper into his military career, making him indispensible. Evangeline’s mom responded with something about Gideon suffering, but she no longer remembered the rest of the conversation. She did, however, remember Selene and how Gideon had cried for days after she left. Evangeline had rarely left Gideon’s side during those days. She didn’t want him to feel so alone and had taken it upon herself to safeguard him in whatever way she could.

Looking toward Gideon, her slight concern for him suddenly skyrocketed to full blown alarm. His naturally calm demeanor was gone. He ran his hand across the deep furrows in his brow and down to his eyes as if trying to wipe away a bad memory. His roll was crushed in his hands.

Truly, Zeke, LillyAnne cut in. Let the kids spend some time together. Her voice radiated calmness. With as much as the two of you come around these days, you never know when they will see each other again.

Yes, Zeke, you must allow them time together, her father said.

As you command General, Zeke responded, looking irritated.

Evangeline, will you go to the refugee camps and make sure they know they’re welcome at tonight’s party? LillyAnne requested.

Lilly, dear. I’m sure everyone has heard about the party, Marcus said, placing a hand on top of his wife’s.

You may be right, but I would hate for anyone to feel left out, LillyAnne responded.

It’s okay, Evangeline said. I can go. Grabbing Gideon’s hand, she jetted out the kitchen’s back door into the pouring sunshine.

She heard her mother yelling after her. And see what needs they have. I would hate for them to go without something because they are afraid to ask.

Okay, she yelled back. Turning towards Gideon, her heart fell. His sad eyes looked into the distance, their sorrow leaking straight into her soul.

You want to tell me what’s going on with you and your dad? she asked as they crossed the courtyard, dodging people scurrying to put together their last minute details for the festivities.

Actually, no. All I want to do is have some fun. He shook his head and turned to her with a forced smile. Eves, I declare the rest of today the best day of our lives, his said, his voice doing a pretty good job of hiding his former torment. "So,, Evangeline, daughter of the great General of Everleigh, epic leader of the resistance, what do you say? Should we have the best day ever?

Yes Gid. That’s exactly what we should do.

Chapter Two

Airships filled the sky, their flat oval shape blocking the sun, leaving shadows dotting the ground. Evangeline and Gideon walked towards the upper edge of the citadel, where the refugees were housed. Watching Gideon, Evangeline noticed his eyes, wide with worry, looking up into the Fortress Mountains that bordered the backside of Everleigh’s citadel. Then he looked to the vast lake that wrapped around the other sides of Everleigh. Miles across in width, the naked eye couldn’t see the flat land that lay on the other side. As they stopped to talk to the people, Gideon’s worried look vanished as quickly as it came.

Music echoed all around as the two strolled through the streets. They walked against the current of people headed to the square. As the streets became more and more crowded, Gideon’s eyes never stopped moving over the crowd.

Looking for something? Evangeline asked.

Always, came his curt reply. Then, softening his tone, habit, I guess. All the time I spend with soldiers seems to be wearing off. He brushed his hair back as they continued through the crowds.

I haven’t seen many soldiers with hair like yours, she teased.

He smirked as he ran his hand through his shaggy hair. Technically speaking, I’m too young to be a real soldier.

Well you should be a soldier. You’re smart and strong and...

Don’t forget my killer right punch, he laughed and gave her a mock hit across the jaw. Do you see those kids over there? He pointed to a group of children playing a game of tag. All laughed and squealed as they ran after each other, swerving in and out of the adults as they headed towards the square.

Things outside the Everleighan Citadel aren’t like that, he continued. You don’t see kids running. Or playing for that matter.

What do you see? she asked softly.

Neglect, hunger, hostility. Lots and lots of hostility, he answered with an undertone. The people of Mir have forgotten what’s important. They’ve fallen right into the Priestess’s hands. The idea of power, riches, fame or any pleasure you can imagine trump everything else. That is where the Priestess has found her power. She offers these things to Mir’s leaders and they let their greed direct them. And in turn, they direct the people. The resistance’s whole purpose is trying to rally troops to defend their families and freedoms. But the people no longer want to fight. They want the money. They want the power. They want the promises that she gives.

Evangeline had heard her father speak the same thing many times. Hearing it from Gideon left a gloom inside her. Not all Gid, Everleigh still stands strong.

Of the planet’s seven regions, Everleigh is the last city in any of the regions still fighting the Priestess’s control. Every other city and region in Mir has given power to the Priestess. Gideon responded, his eyes sweeping the busy streets.  And how many people seeking refuge have come to Everleigh lately? Gideon questioned.

Evangeline stopped walking. The crowd they’d been walking against parted around them. Actually, now you mention it, there have hardly been any recently, Evangeline replied. Why is that?

Because sides have been chosen. The battle for Everleigh is at our doorstep.

Gideon, Evangeline. Evangeline held Gideon’s gaze for a moment longer before turning her attention to the calling voice.

Suki, Evangeline called walking toward her schoolmate. Suki walked alongside her food cart. The smell of freshly grilled meat made Evangeline’s mouth water. Suki and her father had come to Everleigh years ago, as one of the first sets of refugees, and had since made Everleigh their permanent home. Evangeline and Suki attended the same classes at school. Suki’s easy manner of speaking and happy attitude drew in anyone who knew her. While most people cooked with food replicators, Suki and her father took pride in their hand-grilled meats and sold them every year on the square.

Gideon, Suki beamed, her almond eyes blinking longingly in his direction as she pushed a button to stop the cart. Good to see you’re back. Tipping her head, her lips curved into a flirty smile and her glossy black hair fell around her shoulders, to her waist. What are you two doing in this part of the citadel?

Gideon smiled at Suki politely. LillyAnne was afraid not everyone knew about the celebration, Gideon said.

LillyAnne is the sweetest, most attentive person I know, Suki replied. Assure her that she’s done an excellent job of letting us all know about the festivities. Plus, most of us have been here long enough, it’s become our tradition. Walk with me to the square? Suki asked, as her cart started moving again.

I haven’t seen any new refugees lately, Evangeline said, falling in step next to Suki. Do you know of any that we’ve missed? My father wants to make sure we haven’t overlooked anyone.

Your father has been so generous to everyone here, Suki replied, but we’ve had absolutely none this week, she said as they walked by an overflowing bed of flowers. We had a steady stream for so long. It’s a bit unnerving that it’s died away so quickly. Don’t you think?

Yes, I do.  Gideon replied.

Nodding toward the roasting meats on Suki’s cart, Gideon signaled for two. As Suki parked her cart, he asked, How much do I owe you?

For you, Gideon, it’s on the house. If it wasn’t for you and your father’s bravery among the resistance...

Suki’s words faded into the background.  Evangeline watched Gideon turn pale white. He looked toward the crowd.  Evangeline tried to pick out where he looked, but couldn’t figure it out. 

***

They sat on the grass by the lake. They always came to this spot, hidden among a grove of trees on the east side of Everleigh.  She studied Gideon. His shoulders slumped over his crossed legs as he picked at the grilled meat Suki had given them. Raising his face to look at her, his chocolate eyes shone wild with apprehension, speaking volumes about whatever he struggled to piece together.

So you’re saying you saw someone, but you don’t know who he is, but you recognize him from—where again? 

Celaneo. He traveled with us for a few nights. I don’t know who he is, but my father started acting different after he left us. His mouth opened to say more then closed just as swiftly. Shaking his head, he grabbed a nearby stone and with a scowl, threw it into the metallic lake. He lowered his head to his chest and took a deep breath.

Eves. His voice was hesitant.  I have a bad feeling. Too many things aren’t making sense to me. He let out a deep breath and pulled at the grass surrounding them.

Evangeline looked toward the sky and saw the shimmering of the force field that enclosed Everleigh. Its arcing dome glimmered like a rainbow where the sun reflected off its surface. If the Priestess comes, we can fight her. We’ve fought for this long. We’ll keep fighting.

No, Gideon snapped. You haven’t fought. I’ve fought. While you’ve sat here in your pretty, protected city. Cutting her off, his words sliced deep into her soul. She slunk back at their severity and took a few breaths before speaking again. 

What does your father say? All hope can’t be lost.

You saw him this morning. My father isn’t acting right. Gideon answered, lowering his head to his chest. Eves, if something happens and Everleigh is no longer safe, do you remember what to do?

Evangeline nodded and turned toward mountains. Of course. I’ve been drilled on what to do since I was a kid. She scanned the base of the mountains until she found the vines that covered the entrance to the hidden cave. Her father had stocked it with weeks of survival gear. He’d made Evangeline practice escape drills at least twice a year. Evangeline exhaled. Gideon, your dad has a lot on his plate, but I don’t believe he’d do anything to compromise the resistance he’s fought so hard for.

That’s the thing about you, Eves. You find the best in everyone. To the point you don’t see the danger right in front of you. He stood, bringing Evangeline up with him. Grabbing her small hand he started walking toward the back of the unseen quartz citadel, ducking under the full trees that hid their tiny inlet from unwanted attention and prying eyes.

She turned to face him straight on. "Gid, whatever is happening, you are smart and strong and the best person I