Chaos Theory: Grims' Truth, #3

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CHAOS THEORY

Grims’ Truth – Book 3

Copyright © 2017 Isu Yin & Fae Yang

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ISBN (EPUB Version): 1622538684

ISBN-13 (EPUB Version): 978-1-62253-868-3

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Editor: Lane Diamond

Cover Artist: Cindy Fan

Interior Designer: Lane Diamond, with Image Masters by Briana Hertzog

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE:

At the end of this novel of approximately 76,282 words, you will find two Special Sneak Previews: 1) PRINCE OF SHADOWS by Isu Yin & Fae Yang, the next novel (Book 4) in this Grims’ Truth series of epic fantasy, metaphysical/visionary adventures, and; 2) KINGDOM IN CHAINS by J.W. Zulauf, a critically-acclaimed epic fantasy adventure. We think you’ll enjoy these books, too, and provide these previews as a FREE extra service, which you should in no way consider a part of the price you paid for this book. We hope you will both appreciate and enjoy the opportunity. Thank you.

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eBook License Notes:

You may not use, reproduce or transmit in any manner, any part of this book without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations used in critical articles and reviews, or in accordance with federal Fair Use laws. All rights are reserved.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only; it may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please return to your eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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Disclaimer:

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or the author has used them fictitiously.

GRIMS’ TRUTH

Book 1: The Spinner’s Web

Book 2: Conundrum

Book 3: Chaos Theory

Book 4: Prince of Shadows

Book 5: Wiser

Book 6: Soul of a Doll

...and stay tuned for more, as the series plan currently stands at an incredible 60 books!

www.GrimsTruth.com

[Original] ROTA FORTUNAE:

From the moment I picked up this book, I could tell it was different, even the texture of the cover... like a glove that fit perfectly. I was drawn in, like an unsuspecting prey in a spider’s web. Feeling confident that I would navigate thru easily. Only to discover to my delight that this book is clearly just the beginning. Wonderful foundation of fascinating characters, maps/worlds, language, clans, groups and so much more, with easy referencing at the back of book to flip to. I love being able to go to the author’s website to see what the characters actually look like! ~ Sheila D.

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"I was not expecting to become so hooked on this series so quickly. I read a lot—like hundreds of books—and I’ve never come across a series so addicting as Grims’ Truth. I thought I knew epic fantasies from growing up with Harry Potter and reading Lord of the Rings. This brings it to a whole different level." ~ Sunflower

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When I first started the book, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It started off slow, the mystery building with each informational chapter while making you question what is actually going on. You can tell it’s going to be a big story with a lot of information. The characters are enjoyable, each with their own unique (non-stereotypical) personalities, which brings you into the mood and tone of the story. It’s easy to get immersed in their world and enjoy things for what they are. Highly recommend this book. It is written in an interesting way that makes you think and become highly involved with the characters. Haven’t read anything this thought provoking in a long time. ~ Persephone

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This book immerses the reader in the power of language, the molding of interspecies attitudes, and the daunting task of taking charge of one’s future. It will make you think deeply about culture in general! ~ Corine Ann Barnes

CONUNDRUM:

Greeeeaaatttt... book two of a series I already know I’m going to sink hours into as I read every release! More entertaining than Tolkien, Margaret Weiss & George R.R. Martin combined. ~ Mark Louis McCrea

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"Holy smokes! After reading the first book, Rota Fortunae, I will admit I had some high expectations for the next installment. THESE AUTHORS KNOW HOW TO DELIVER! By telling each story through another character’s eyes, they will really have you feeling some type of way about someone, only to have you questioning everything you thought you knew in the next book. Is the bad guy really the good guy? Who gets to decide? Each book gives us a glimpse into another character’s soul, as you get to learn their truths, their story, and their interpretation of the whirlwind of events happening around them. I cannot express how unique this series is—it is, literally, other-worldly. It doesn’t make you wait too long to see resolutions to the things you want solved, and give you answers to the questions you have, but be warned: you must be skeptical. As in real life, what one character knows to be true may only be true to them, and their knowledge may change with your own as you progress through this exciting series." ~ Adrianna

CHAOS THEORY:

My suspicions are confirmed. This is not your run of the mill thunderstorm, it is indeed a Tsunami! ~ Sheila D.

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Really captivating series! I’ve been following these authors since they released their first book and man! Do they know how write! Each book pushes you more into the story and right when you think you figured it out, you turn the page and BAM. Something clicks and you’re back to the drawing board. But in a good way. ~ Sunflower

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Ten Stars for this amazing story continuation! Hero and Fate are back and delving into Hero’s memories. So much takes place in the story and I don’t want to give anything away so just get on with it and start reading! ~ Stephanie F.

PRINCE OF SHADOWS:

"Prince of Shadows is a powerhouse loaded with psychological & intellectual relevance, providing a roller coaster of a ride while offering a multitude of choices & satisfying reveals." ~ Sheila D.

We’re pleased to offer you not one, but two Special Sneak Previews at the end of this book.

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In the first preview, you’ll enjoy the First 2 Chapters of Isu Yin & Fae Yang’s PRINCE OF SHADOWS, the next installment (Book 4) in the award-winning, critically-acclaimed Grims’ Truth series.

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OR GRAB THE FULL EBOOK TODAY!

FIND LINKS TO YOUR FAVORITE RETAILER HERE:

GRIMS’ TRUTH Series at Evolved Publishing

In the second preview, you’ll enjoy the First 3 Chapters of J.W. Zulauf‘s critically-acclaimed KINGDOM IN CHAINS, the first book in the extraordinary Kingdom in Chains series.

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OR GRAB THE FULL EBOOK TODAY!

FIND LINKS TO YOUR FAVORITE RETAILER HERE:

KINGDOM IN CHAINS Series at Evolved Publishing

Table of Contents

Copyright

Books by Yin & Yang

What Others Are Saying

BONUS CONTENT

Table of Contents

Dedication

CHAOS THEORY

Chapter 1 – Loose Ends

Chapter 2 – Topsy Turvy

Chapter 3 – Six Doors

Chapter 4 – The Plague We Spread

Chapter 5 – The State of Existence

Chapter 6 – Father

Chapter 7 – Ode to You

Chapter 8 – The Dreamscape

Chapter 9 – A Wistful Melody

Chapter 10 – Our Tune

Chapter 11 – A Little Unorthodox

Chapter 12 – Amiss, Miss

Chapter 13 – Leihs ot Egas

Chapter 14 – What I Hold Dear

Chapter 15 – Solace

Chapter 16 – A White Lie

Chapter 17 – The Light of Time

Chapter 18 – A Resolved Riddle

Chapter 19 – The Eyes of the Universe

Chapter 20 – Out of Time

Chapter 21 – Only Time Will Tell

Chapter 22 – The Final Hour

REFERENCE GUIDE

Book Club Guide

Special Sneak Preview: PRINCE OF SHADOWS by Isu Yin & Fae Yang

Acknowledgements

About the Authors

What’s Next?

More from Yin & Yang

More from Evolved Publishing

Special Sneak Preview: KINGDOM IN CHAINS by J.W. Zulauf

For those lost in the battle for balance.

If life were a tangle of threads marking our beginnings and ends, I’d be a knot gathering in the middle. The more others try to untangle me, the harder it is to break loose. I’m Chaos—a means to an end that sweeps through, unaware of the innocents who have been caught in its wake. I can’t be untangled, only clipped from the very fabric of existence. Be wary of the tempests, for they are blind to life—just like me.

Hero stared out at the Ussan from the upstairs terrace in Inoue Palace. The large deck stretched out as though attempting to safely reach into the Ussan. The Royals often wished for things out of their grasp and, yet, the terrace seemed the closest to actual success.

He found peace gazing out over the crystal forest, listening to the chiming and whispers. It struck him as one of the only consistent things in Mu, as well of a reminder of past failures. Everything in the Universe came full circle, as stated by the teachings of Grim and of the Grandmaster.

While he viewed the shimmering branches, he muttered to himself. Everything that has happened, is happening, will happen again.

In the nadirs of his mind, a voice whispered to him, "You know what you must do."

The door behind him creaked open, so he turned and faced a smiling Kyou.

It’s time, Kyou said.

Hero followed Kyou into the palace, tossing back the white cape that clung to his legs.

Kyou strode off quickly through the darkness, towards the stairway. You know, they keep it dark to dissuade people from coming up here. He waited at the top, illuminated by the celebration from downstairs.

Hero delayed, glimpsing his reflection in a mirror on the wall. The darkness never frightened me much.

Kyou cracked a smile and gestured down the stairs. Me neither.

Finally, Hero left, keeping his eyes on the mirror until he’d stepped too far to view himself any longer. He hurried down first and snuck behind the crowd of Royals gathered before the viewing window.

Kyou joined him at the end of a red-carpeted aisle and waited for the High King and Queen to begin the ceremony.

In front of the window, a massive and intricate crystal bowl sat upon a small podium full of lotus flowers. This ceremony—the burning of a thousand lotuses—signified the flames of devotion, in which the strength and longevity of the fire reflected the bright future of the newlyweds, a ritual initiated during the rise of the Crystal Empire and one still practiced, as though to honor a tale of fated lovers.

Tori led Fate towards the aisle, the wedding gown glistening with silver and crystals as she stepped towards the High Queen. The silver and crystal headdress reflected the traditional flowers and swords of Thule. She embodied their hope for a united Mu.

Hero folded his hands front and watched her approach, reminiscing. Visions of a woman in a crystal crown danced before him. As Fate turned her head to smile at him through dangling crystals, he also saw this woman in her—Nuvem Fati.

He twisted his mouth at the memory of her.

Fate glowed blissfully in the Ussan’s light as she intertwined her arm with his.

At times, her striking beauty made him question if he held genuine affections for her, but he refused to let it sway him. He quickly reminded himself: All roses have thorns.

The High King and Queen waited on either side of the carpeted aisle, holding two candelabrums to symbolize their support of the new couple. They handed their successors the lotus candelabrums, then lit the candles in the crystal pedestal bowl.

Queen Heqet cupped her hands around the flame of Fate’s candle and beamed. May the flame of your devotion burn ever bright, Caeles Fate.

Khnum nodded slowly at Hero. I have high expectations for you. Ruling the Empire is a great responsibility... one that I shall someday leave in your hands. Do not let me down.

Fate and Hero bowed their heads politely and continued walking down the aisle towards the large crystal pedestal bowl. The guests clapped in unison three times, and then Hero and Fate lit the lotuses on fire. The flames soared and crackled with a blistering light.

The High King and Queen took the candelabrums as Hero and Fate faced each other for their final oath.

Hero gave his first. I leave my soul in your hands. I shall protect you with every fiber of my being.

Fate held his hands tenderly. It would be my honor and my privilege to use this darkness of mine to protect your light.

They resealed their pact with a kiss and faced their guests, hand in hand.

The ceremony turned out exactly the way Khnum had wanted... until Kyou shouted, Let the festivities begin!

Everyone cheered in agreement and reveled for the long night ahead of them.

Hero scanned the crowd, recognizing many faces—many of whom, in any other circumstance, remained at odds.

Navarriel of the Council stood beside the young Queen of Elysium, Bailee. Both grinned and applauded merrily. The union suggested a bright and peaceful future but he felt ill at ease.

Hero reflected again on the events of Undal and squeezed Fate’s hand. Once again, the Council held them in an iron grip, and now had say in everything they did.

She leaned towards him. What’s wrong?

He shook his head. "Minua."

‘Nothing.’

I know when you’re lying, she said, turning her gaze forward.

He frowned and regarded her carefully.

She understood me? You’ve been caught, Mistress.

Fate performed her duties perfectly and greeted each of the guests with a vibrant smile. The more she interacted with others, the more he felt certain that she hid a tremendous secret. Her aura radiated a certainty that it had previously lacked.

Hero said little despite the expectations placed upon him. By the end of the night, he just wanted to sleep in the dark to recuperate from all the festivities, for which he held little fancy.

They returned to the guest room after giving their final salutations.

Fate stepped out of her heels and placed them beside the armoire in her room. They intend to celebrate longer, but we’ll return home in the morning. Queen Heqet asked us to meet her in the conference room before we leave. She quickly dressed in a nightgown and removed the adornments from the wedding.

Hero tossed the cape onto a sitting chair next to the window. We’re leaving? Both pulled back the covers of the bed and lay down, side by side, to get some rest.

You seemed tired. I managed to convince the High King that it would do no good to pressure you after your trip. After all, how can you prove yourself as the future ruler if you’re tired? Fate flashed a coy smile as she turned over and pushed Hero’s hair into place. Get some rest. We’ll have plenty of time to speak tomorrow.

He said nothing in response. Social events brought too much fatigue. In truth, the level of frustration brought about by the constant disruption to his plans wore not only on his energy but his nerves.

The exhaustion settled in, and he fell asleep.

In the morning, Hero dragged his stiff body from the bed and sluggishly changed out of his wrinkled dress shirt into a fresh one. He opened and closed his hands and counted the new black rings of Taint he’d acquired on his tour of Mu.

Fate moved about the room humming a tune far too old for someone her age to know.

He watched her reveal herself in a multitude of ways, all the while keeping his comments to himself. Even if he wanted to say something, the voice inside reminded him that such information was best kept to one’s self.

He quietly followed her out of the room, down the stairs, through the long hall, and into the conference room to join Heqet. Although Fate treated him tenderly, his energy dwindled like the last flickers of a flame, until he could do no more than hold her hand.

A familiar feeling nestled into his bones, something he dreaded. If he guessed correctly, it would only get worse from here.

For all of the struggles they faced, at least the King had not rebuked them for deciding to leave. This simple fact most likely saved them a day’s delay.

Queen Heqet sat with her back to the large window at the far side of the room. Good morning.

Fate bowed her head, but Hero just took a seat across from Heqet and placed his hands on his lap. Everything in his body protested movement of any kind.

Chi, who stood brazen and focused beside Queen Heqet, glanced at him briefly as if to note his behavior. Are you unwell?

Fate maintained her poise while deflecting the question. We’re both just so drained from the festivities, though they were lovely.

Queen Heqet sat back on her chair. Before you leave, I wanted to clarify some things about your new positions as the King and Queen of Nitor. First, Hero has been contained within Nitor Palace for some time. If this arrangement is going to change in any way, the Council has requested that he receive an examination. They will likely renew his seals.

Hero turned his head and looked out the window. No matter where he resided in the world, ultimately, he’d be imprisoned. I can stay in the palace.

Queen Heqet and Fate stared on in dismay.

He continued. Fate is more than capable of participating in the King’s Committee. She has her own goals to achieve, and I believe we should give her the chance to move those goals forward. Mu deserves a just and intelligent ruler and Fate is exactly that. I, on the other hand, seem to instill concern in everyone—perhaps it’s the stain. Either way, I’ve always been in the palace, so there’s no point in forcing a change.

He knew the Council had intended all along for Fate to rule. Any unnecessary movements on Hero’s behalf could jeopardize the Rebellion’s plans and her goal of restoring balance to the Empire. Relinquishing his role as an active ruler gave him an advantage that no one had anticipated. It freed him from scrutiny, and allowed him to move freely about with the knowledge he’d acquired in the breaking of his seals.

Although Fate said nothing, she clenched her jaw. Clearly, his actions had even caught her off-guard.

Queen Heqet pressed a finger to her brow. Well, I certainly won’t argue if you’ve made up your mind, but I thought you wanted to be able to leave the palace.

"I can leave, Hero said. That’s all that matters."

If you say so, I’ll concede.

There seemed no need for further discussion. After Heqet excused Hero and Fate, they collected their belongings and boarded a carriage for the return home.

The carriage crept along the forest path and farther from the crystal trees of the Ussan towering in the distance. From the seat opposite, Fate scrutinized Hero with unrelenting skepticism.

He pretended not to notice and instead feigned interest in the greenery that passed by the windows. His actions earned him a most sour expression from his betrothed, and a menacing aura to match. He intentionally evaded her until the energy in the carriage swelled and the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end.

He pressed his hand on it and relented. "Ye, mail’ou."

‘Yes, my love.’

"Mail’ou sau dei," she groused.

‘Don’t my love me.’

She continued her admonition. I’ve told you before... I suspected they were deliberately trapping you inside the palace.

Yes, to keep others safe from my condition.

I thought you wanted to leave the palace, but now you’re humbling yourself and accepting their imprisonment. She tapped the seat with her fingernails and exhaled through her nose.

He analyzed her for another long moment, recognizing Fati’s temperament. It left him to question what had happened during his journey away from home.

She is awake... but to what degree?

She leaned towards him. Do you really want to stay in the palace?

He shrugged. Why not? I never wanted to become King in the first place. You’ll make a much better ruler. From the moment he’d met Fate, he had prepared himself for the changes she would bring. He knew to trust the Spinner’s prowess, and felt confident that the Rebellion saw the same in her.

He learned that standing out drew fatal attention and that blending in meant survival, so he did exactly that. His only obstacle stared through him with her wise and primeval eyes. He wished to tell her everything he knew and observed. Although the curiosity often grew, he kept it buried and wrangled her into the Rebellion. Dealings with the Spinner might lead to complete victory, but only if you survived the encounter.

How much does she know? Dare I ask?

Fate caught him observing and twisted her head to one side with a hard squint. What is it?

He smiled. You’ve really taken to the Language of Ages.

Well, I can’t stay in the dark. Only idiots choose to remain ignorant forever. I believe that all matters should be faced head on.

My, how feisty you are.

His comment put a small smile on her face.

He said nothing more for the rest of the trip, and continued dwelling on her behavior in the past. Her temperament and behavior mirrored that of Fati perfectly. They aligned so well with the current events that he hazarded a guess at what might come next. Every move he made proved to be a gamble, but he excelled in deviance and odds, so the thought greatly improved his mood.

As soon as they arrived in Nex, Hero stepped inside and dropped his luggage on the entrance hall floor. He stood, taking in the abnormal quiet. With their marriage made official, this also made them the official king and queen, the rightful rulers of all of Nitor, minute compared to the size of an empire but a daunting job nonetheless.

Fate leaned forward to look at his face and raised her brows. Are you okay?

He stretched his arms and breathed in. What should we do first?

You’re asking me? She faced the hall and viewed her surroundings. It feels a bit strange to suddenly oversee all this. We’ve both been away for so long that it no longer feels like home.

He hummed in agreement.

The palace looked abandoned without the servants. Floors and furniture sat with a fine layer of dust, the chandeliers remained unlit, and the loss of the usual hustle and bustle gave way to an eerie silence.

Hero had heard the rumors of people fleeing from the Taint while the pair visited Inoue, but he’d hoped, in some small way, that his efforts to befriend them had produced more than this.

Fate muttered, Where is everyone?

As if in response, Firmus stepped out from the upstairs hallway and greeted them with a smile. Welcome home. We didn’t hear you enter. He hastened down the steps and collected their luggage.

Fate finally closed the entrance doors, perhaps equally surprised to find that no one had closed them. We who? I didn’t realize you had left the Capital.

Firmus shrugged slightly. I’m not really one for festivities. I leave that to my siblings, thought it might be nice to come back to a clean palace given that everyone has..... He trailed mid-comment, seemingly aware of the misstep, and swiftly turned to take the luggage upstairs.

Fate glanced around and the disarray and chuckled. So, I’m guessing you worked on the upstairs.

Firmus bowed. It is a large space, and I am royalty, after all. You think Lady might spare some latitude.

Fate laughed aloud. I have missed you.

Hero caught sight of a shadow moving on the second floor, looked up, and watched for whatever had caught his attention, but saw nothing more.

Instead, the doors of the throne room flew open, which seemed much to Firmus’s relief.

Nigel perked up as he noticed everyone gathered in the entrance hall. Oh! Back so soon? It’s a good thing we got a head start. Sorry, we haven’t prepared the entryway but it should be tidy before nightfall. He moved out of the doorway, looking back into the room.

The others waited for whoever kept his attention.

A tanned woman stepped out, her head covered by a scarf laced by golden coins. The sheer and flowing material of her attire seemed unsuited for Nex. I always know when Hero has returned. It gets dreadfully cold.

Fate bent forward, her voice almost a whisper. Fortuna?

Fortuna shushed her pupil. For your own safety, do not utter my name. I shouldn’t be here. In fact, this will be the last I see you for—

Fate rushed to the madam and embraced her. I’m so glad you’re well. I was so worried that something had happened to you.

Despite the warnings, Fortuna returned the affections with tears and a brittle voice. I’m sorry. I failed you and your sisters. If only I....

Fate shook her head and burrowed deep into her madam’s bosom. No, it’s not your fault. I know you wouldn’t leave unless you had to. She withdrew and took Fortuna by the arms. What happened that day?

Fortuna explained to the best of her ability. There were rumors, the kind that could change all that we know and believe—the kind I had to see for myself.

Fate squeezed Fortuna’s hands. What are you talking about?

Fortuna looked at Hero.

He lifted his head, surprised that she acknowledged him, though he found it preferable to remain unseen.

Her sorrowful expression faded into one of terror. There’s another Ghoul in Mu.

Fate glanced between them. Another? Ghoul?

Hero clenched his jaw. Mention of Ghouls brought back unpleasant memories of his late friends Luna and Syo. You’re certain?

I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t.

He crossed his arms. A Gishian?

She appeared as any normal Rahma girl, but everything about her felt off. Her very being struck me as unusual—stale even. She lacked a life force of any kind. There were only remnants of the person she used to be. I cannot say what drives those creatures but it is nothing natural, for certain. The moment I realized what she was, I fled. I couldn’t risk the Rebellion’s success on a gamble.

Fate inhaled through her nose as she mulled over the information. Ghouls, like the legends, or more like a blood curse?

Hero eyed Fate, wondering how far her awareness actually reached, and said, One and the same. Legendary though they may be... we’ve been able to successfully track a few. This isn’t my first encounter with a Ghoul.

Fate’s focus trailed to some distant place. The Elysium Royals. The family with the blood curse, no? That’s what you were referring to when you mentioned the Gishian.

Hero squinted, taken aback by her forwardness on such a sensitive topic—another sign that he gazed upon Fati, and not the emotionally sensitive Fate. He wavered, taking in all the information he gathered through her actions. It just reminded him of how long they had been apart, and raised his curiosity about what had happened during their separation to cause such changes.

That’s correct, he said.

Nigel put his arm around Fortuna. "After the attack, we returned to Tir