Powerless
by Lauren Roberts
Contents
Chapter 34
Overview
Paedyn secretly returns to her old home and discovers that Lenny is part of the Resistance, which has been operating from a hidden chamber beneath her father’s house. There she learns that her father was one of the Resistance’s original leaders, that the movement includes both Ordinaries and sympathetic Elites, and that its next major action will take place during the final Trial in the Bowl.
The chapter shifts Paedyn from isolated survivor to active recruit: the Resistance asks her to exploit Prince Kitt’s trust and uncover a tunnel that could let them confront the king publicly. By accepting, Paedyn commits herself to a cause larger than her own survival and ties her future directly to the coming uprising.
Summary
After midnight, Paedyn slips out of the palace and returns alone to Loot, determined to find the Resistance. A note leads her back to her abandoned childhood home, where memories of her father’s murder unsettle her. Inside, she is confronted by Lenny, who reveals that he is involved with the Resistance and leads her through a hidden passage behind her father’s study.
Below the house, Paedyn discovers a secret meeting room occupied by several Resistance members: Finn, whom she previously robbed; Calum; Calum’s daughter, Mira; and Leena. Lenny explains that he is a Hyper who rose within the Imperials despite not having a more prestigious ability. Calum then tells Paedyn that her father, Adam, was one of the original leaders of the Resistance and that this house has long served as one of its headquarters. Paedyn learns that her father kept the Resistance from her to protect her until she was older, but he was killed before he could tell her.
Calum and the others explain that the Resistance has grown across Ilya through scattered cells made up of both Ordinaries and sympathetic Elites, including Fatals. They confirm that the Silencer Paedyn fought in the alley was a Resistance member named Micah, who attacked Kai out of personal vengeance. They also reveal that the attack at the ball was not meant to become a public confrontation; Resistance members were secretly searching the castle, but once discovered, they were forced into open chaos, and captured members killed themselves rather than expose the movement.
The group finally reveals its immediate goal: during the final Trial in the Bowl, the Resistance plans to emerge publicly, confront the king, and demand justice and freedom for Ordinaries and Fatals. To do that, they need access through a hidden tunnel leading beneath the royal box, and they believe Paedyn can get that information by using Prince Kitt’s trust in her. Paedyn realizes the cause matches everything she has wanted and agrees to help. Before she leaves with Lenny, Calum discloses that he is a Mind Reader, admits he tested her loyalty by reading her thoughts, and tells her that her father would be proud.
Who Appears
- PaedynSneaks from the palace, finds the Resistance, learns her father’s secret past, and agrees to help their plan.
- LennyImperial guard revealed as a Hyper and Resistance member who guides Paedyn into the hidden headquarters.
- CalumResistance leader and Mind Reader who knew Adam, explains the movement, and recruits Paedyn.
- FinnOrdinary Resistance leader Paedyn robbed earlier; helps explain the failed covert mission at the ball.
- MiraCalum’s wary daughter, a Silencer who clarifies Micah’s motive and distrusts Paedyn.
- LeenaOrdinary Resistance leader who welcomes Paedyn and describes the chapter meeting’s purpose.
- Adam GrayPaedyn’s father, revealed to have been an original Resistance leader whose house became a headquarters.
- Prince KittFuture king whose growing trust in Paedyn makes him central to the Resistance’s plan.
- MicahResistance Silencer previously fought by Paedyn; attacked Kai out of grief-driven revenge.