Sanctum (The After Light Saga)

  Sanctum

  The After Light Saga

  Book Two

  By

  CAMEO RENAE

  Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing, LLC.

  Algonquin, IL 60102 USA

  This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, duplicated, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior written consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

  Text Copyright 2014© Cameo Renae

  All rights reserved

  Cover by Regina Wamba for Mae I Design

  Edited by Crimson Tide Editorial

  Published by Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing, LLC.

  Other books by Cameo Renae:

  Young Adult, Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Romance

  ARV-3: After Light Saga (Book #1)

  Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance

  In My Dreams

  The Hidden Wings Series:

  Hidden Wings (Book #1)

  Descent (Novella #1.5)

  Broken Wings (Book #2)

  Tethered Wings (Book #3)

  Gilded Wings (Book #4) – Releasing winter 2014

  Acknowledgements:

  Without these amazing people, this book would not be published.

  My publisher: Sarah Davis

  My editor: Victoria Rae Schmitz.

  My cover designer: Regina Wamba

  My formatter: SK Whiteside

  My Beta Readers:

  Desiree DeOrto, Jamie Pedersen, Karla Bostic, and Kimberly Belden

  Last but not least:

  Timid Monster - who is filming the ARV-3 short-film.

  Thank you, Katie Baker for reading and believing in ARV-3.

  Thank you, Rachel Taylor for your awesome input.

  And thank you, Dan Baker for your priceless expertise and advice. It’s made me look closer, dig deeper, and really helped me grow as an author.

  Dedication:

  I’m dedicating this book to my beautiful daughter, Courtney.

  My snarky baby who also has the most generous, tender, loving soul.

  Without her awesome help, I would have no time to write.

  Contents

  Chapter 1:

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 1

  Standing in the middle of a desert, with nowhere to run or hide, Arvies surround me on all sides. Almost in the blink of an eye, a sea of dead bodies covered the ground. Everyone I had ever loved was among them, motionless, bereft of life. I was the last survivor.

  Why was I still alive?

  I didn’t want to be alive without them. Everything I had hoped for— my future, my family, and the love of my life…were all gone. Murdered.

  Stripped from me.

  I’d never felt a greater sadness in all my life, bottomless and immeasurable.

  I held Hellfire in my hand, one round left.

  Thousands of pale bodies litter the landscape, their milky white eyes narrowing on their final victim with boiling antipathy. Their growls and screams were deafening. I look around for an escape, and my eyes caught glimpse of one particular Arvy; its milky eyes seething with animosity. It slowly lifts its finger and traces it alongside its neck, in a cutting motion.

  My heart hammers, knowing it’s nearly over. With one shot remaining, I resolve myself to the inevitable.

  Raising Hellfire, I aim her at my final target, and then slowly pull the trigger.

  Hellfire discharges, sinking into the spiteful Arvy, bullet lodged right between its eyes. A trail of blood oozes down its pale face, before it drops backwards into the sea of bodies, lifeless.

  I knew my end was coming. Hellfire had done her job. I drop to my knees, clutching her to my chest. Before I close my eyes, I glance out to my loved ones knowing I’ll be joining them soon.

  Growls and screams reverberate through my core, then I feel excruciating pain, as long bony fingers and sharp teeth tear into me.

  Raised voices snapped me from my restless slumber. I was breathless, dripping with sweat, unsure of where I was for a moment. Above me was a dim fluorescent light against a white ceiling. There were four white brick walls surrounding me, a white sheet draped over my body, and a clear wire attached to my arm.

  Outside of the infirmary door, General Donnelly stood about two feet from Dr. Banks; his face was hard-set, his eyes narrowed, and his lips pursed as he spoke, pressing his extra-large finger into the doctors chest. From the side, I watched Dr. Banks’ chest slowly rise and fall, trying to calm himself. It was the same exercise he’d make us do if we were hurt and crying.

  My stomach twisted in knots knowing today was the third day. Today, the General would collect me, and throw me in a cell where he’d allegedly thrown his only daughter.

  Although I was feeling better, I still couldn’t believe he’d stooped so low. How could someone throw their own child in a cell? But one thing was painfully clear, he was dead set on punishing me—a teen with a concussion—just to prove his point to the rest of the citizens. The point being, every hive member would follow the rules or there would be direct consequences.

  This place was a constant horror. I’d woken the past few nights from my own screams, soaked in sweat. Every day I felt like the walls around me were closing in, tighter and tighter, slowly suffocating me. I could feel it getting worse, and I didn’t know how to stop it or what triggered it, but it was starting to terrify me even more than the nightmares.

  If I wasn’t battling the Arvies in my dreams, I was battling my human counterparts in this hive. My greatest threat? Their leader. I don’t know how I managed to put myself at the top of the punishment list. Probably because he believed I corrupted his daughter.

  Dr. Banks was doing whatever he could to keep me from being taken. I knew what Tina and I had done was wrong, but there were things happening under everyone’s noses they knew nothing about. I bet the residents wanted to know. Then again, I could be completely wrong. The citizens of this hive could very well want to remain blind to the inner workings of the government. The less they knew, the better their life would be. But they had to realize it was all just an illusion.

  We were all survivors. There should be no secrets kept. Everyone should be made aware of what was going on. My father never kept anyone in the dark. He had regular meetings, and every time he made contact with the outside, he shared the details and news with his members. Everyone respected him because he was open, and trusted him with their lives. There was a mutual respect between leader and citizens, and that’s why our hive was so successful. We had grown into a close family unit.

  It’s true, our hive had a fraction of the members, but respect should be earned, not forced.

  I hated being in the dark, and I didn’t want to be oblivious, or seemingly unconscious, to what was going on in the walled world around me. I didn’t know how everyone else could choose to play deaf and dumb. Were they afraid? Did they have a choice?

  When I heard the tortured screams from behind the biohazard door, I knew something was wrong. And the way the guards tried to cover it
up, sealed my suspicions. There was something happening the leaders didn’t want anyone to know about, and my stubborn, inquisitive self just had to find out.

  I hated this place. From the moment we stepped through the sterile door into the white city, I had a sinking feeling, deep in the pit of my gut, something was awry. I’d perceived a conflict between our hive and theirs. They were run by two completely opposite men.

  As the conversation between Dr. Banks and the General escalated, I could feel my head begin to throb. The last thing I wanted was for Dr. Banks to suffer by trying to help me.

  Since I felt well enough, I decided to face whatever punishment was given, and serve my time. The General wouldn’t relent until I was taken away and thrown into a cell.

  “Dr. Banks,” I called, interrupting them.

  They became silent as they both turned to me. The General’s eyes narrowed in annoyance as they met mine. He probably thought I was being rude, but I was actually doing him a favor.

  “Is everything alright, Abi?” Dr. Banks asked, stepping toward me.

  I swallowed hard. I didn’t want him to have to cover for me anymore.

  “Yes, I’m fine. Thank you, Dr. Banks, for caring about my well-being.” I hoped the General would notice the hint of sarcasm directed towards him. “But I’ll be alright to go with the General.”

  Dr. Bank’s eyes closed, “Abi,” he exhaled, shaking his head.

  “You see. She’s knows what’s best for her,” the General scowled. “I’ll give her thirty minutes to get ready. My guards will return and take her into custody.” He pivoted then left.

  “Abi?” Dr. Banks questioned.

  “It’s alright. I don’t want you to get involved. There are a lot of people who need you, and they can’t afford having you on a punishment list,” I answered.

  He rolled his eyes. “There are things I’d like to do and say to that man, but—”

  “You are a much better man than he is, Dr. Banks. And, believe me. I know.” I mimicked his eye roll and he laughed. “So, have you seen Finn this morning?”

  “Yes. As a matter of fact, I have.” He smiled. “He’s doing just fine; getting stronger every day. He’s been asking a lot about you. Actually, he just asked me this morning.”

  “Really?” The thought put a smile on my face. I missed seeing his handsome face.

  “Yes. I haven’t told him anything about them taking you away, and right now, I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

  “No, you’re right. Right now he needs to focus on getting stronger. If he knew, he’d be busting down doors to come and save me.” The thought warmed my insides.

  “I have no doubt,” Dr. Banks chuckled. “But he still has another few weeks before his wound completely heals. We’re lucky. The government bunkers have been supplied with good antibiotics, so there is no infection.” He walked over and sat on my bed, his brow furrowed. “I’m not sure how long they will keep you in a cell, but I will leave now and let your parents know what’s happening. Hopefully, I will be able to contact them, so they can come and see you before you leave.”

  “Thank you, Dr. Banks.” I leaned over and hugged him, and he rested his chin on my head as we embraced. It was great having him here. He was the only family I had with me at the moment. He’d forgiven me when I couldn’t save his wife, and he still cared for and protected me. He was an amazing human being.

  “Well, I don’t think you will be punished for too long. Word has been floating around that the Arvies have destroyed another vital fuel source this morning. Without fuel, we won’t be able to leave this place. It appears we will have to evacuate in the very near future, if we have any chance of transporting everyone to the larger bunker.”

  “If this is true, then why is he still taking me into custody? Am I really that important?”

  “I don’t understand either, Abi. It’s probably because he is still in power, and presumably trying to keep whatever power he has left, for as long as possible.”

  I shook my head and sighed. With everything going on, he still thought it was priority to throw me in a cell. The only rational explanation was that my father was also a hive leader, and it was an attempt to keep him, and the rest of our group, in place.

  Whatever it was, it was idiotic—at least to me. No matter what he did, my father would always be the bigger, better man.

  Before Dr. Banks left the room, I wanted to let him know what information Tina and I had gained while breaking the rules. If I was going to be thrown into a cell for the information, I should at least share it with someone.

  “Dr. Banks,” I said. “Can I tell you something? It’s about the Arvies.”

  “Shhhh,” he whispered, holding a finger up to his lips. Glancing down the hall, he came and sat on the side of my bed. “Don’t speak too loud in this place. There are eyes and ears everywhere.”

  “I’m sorry, I forgot.” I remembered my dad had warned me earlier.

  “It’s okay. What is it?” He looked like he was very interested.

  “When we were in the vent, we saw an Arvy, captured and tied up in a secret lab at the back of the bunker. Then they brought in a telepath. They wanted her to try and read its mind. And, I guess it worked. First, she found out the mutation of the ARV-3 vaccine did something to their DNA. The alteration caused them to endure tormenting, agonizing pain. And when the pain ended, they’d evolved, stripped from all morality, and rational thought. Dr. Banks,” I paused, leaning in a little closer. “They communicate with each other through telepathy”

  He sat there for a moment, soaking in the information.

  “I knew there had to be a way for them to communicate. They seemed much too systematic and organized,” he said. His eyes stared blankly through me, deep in thought. “Is there anything more?”

  “Yes. They hate us. I mean, truly despise us. We, who left them to suffer on the topside. Their hatred is like an inferno, with nothing to quench it. They want nothing more than revenge on all survivors, whether innocent or not.”

  He nodded. “I knew there was something more to them. They are monsters, for sure. But after watching the way they united, strategically taking down fuel stations, it was clear there had to be some kind of intelligence left inside. I just hope the General makes a decision soon, and it’s the right one. If he waits too long, this bunker will become our grave.”

  I sighed as his name was mentioned.

  “Let my parents know, if you can. And if they do start evacuations, please don’t forget me. I don’t want to be left in a cell to rot.”

  “I promise. You will not be left behind, I’ll make sure of it.” He smiled and nudged me. “Plus, Finn would go all Hulk up in here. He wouldn’t let it happen either.”

  “I guess you’re right,” I giggled.

  “Well, I better leave you to change and get washed up. I’ll try to get in touch with your parents. You have about twenty minutes now.”

  I leaned over and wrapped my arms around his neck once again. He hugged me back, then stood and exited the room.

  As I washed up, unanswered questions assaulted my mind. How long was I to remain a prisoner? Was I going to be in a cell alone, or would there be others with me?

  I hoped I would be close to Tina, if she was still there. For all I knew, I could be thrown in with some crazy person. The thought made my heart beat a little faster, and suddenly, I wished Hellfire was with me. I wondered where she was. The last I’d seen of her was on the rooftop, fighting the Arvies…just before everything went black.

  Even with all of that going on, my biggest concern was Finn. He was healing quickly, and I hoped he wouldn’t find out about me being put into a cell. A glimpse of him busting down the cell walls, coming to my rescue, put a temporary smile on my face. He was my knight in shining armor…but also in recovery, and I needed him to stay there.

  After washing up, changing into the official white garb, and pulling my hair back into a ponytail, I sat on the bed to wait for the enemy to come and cart
me off. Minutes felt like an eternity. My nervous hands twisted around each other and my restless knees bounced up and down. It sucked being alone. And this was only the beginning.

  A few minutes later, I heard footsteps heading down the hall. With each step, my heart beat faster and louder.

  Someone was coming.

  As the guard walked past my window, horror surged through my body, sending a shockwave from head to toe. It was the same soldier who threatened me the last night I was with Finn. A dark, purple bruise still marred his nose and left eye from our last encounter.

  Why the hell would they allow him to transport me?

  A wicked grin adorned his thin lips. His dark, evil eyes narrowed, focusing on me, making my skin crawl.

  This was so wrong, completely wrong. There had to be a mistake. Could the General really be this cruel? He had to know this guy would be out for revenge. As I looked at him, panic rose, and the air in the room felt like it had been sucked out, choking me.

  Not now, Abi. Keep it together.

  “I hope you’re ready,” his words dripped with malice.

  Yeah, ready for another chance to hurt this bastard, even if it meant getting extra time.

  He took a step toward me. “I’ve come to take you to hell.”

  “Don’t you mean cell?” I corrected.

  “Oh, eventually. But first, I have other plans for you.”

  I was just about to scream, when he held up a gun. It was cocked and ready.

  “Make a sound, or try to get away, and I’ll shoot that pretty little face of yours.”

  A cold chill shot down my spine. How the hell did this freaking ass-hat have any position of authority? Power was supposed to be earned, not handed to the first idiotic dimwit willing to abuse it. But then again, thinking about the leadership of the facility, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.

  “Get up,” he said coldly. His strong fingers wrapped tightly around my arm, squeezing with force. The pain was real, but I didn’t show any emotion, burying it deep within me. I would not give him any satisfaction. Right now, I’d rather face a group of Arvies than go with him.