Running From the Past

Emma, a clone with the memories and soul of a resistance fighter's wife, is on the run. She's haunted by nightmares of an abyss and hunted by her powerful ex-husband, Declan Burke, who has put a bounty on her head. Emma's journey takes her through Mexico in search of her birth parents, only to find dead ends and betrayal. Her identity is fractured: she is not the original Emma, but carries her memories and soul, making her both a miracle and an outcast. The world she navigates is dystopian, divided by gender oppression, infertility, and the commodification of women through cloning. Emma's only hope for peace is to find her place in a world that sees her as both savior and threat.

Declan's Deadly Offer

Declan Burke, Emma's ex-husband and the "godfather" of cloning, publicly claims Emma was kidnapped by the resistance and offers a massive reward for her return. This move turns Emma into a hunted fugitive, forcing her to flee from both those who want to help and those who want to profit. Declan's power and charisma mask a deep obsession and possessiveness, and his actions set the world's eyes on Emma. The broadcast of her image and the narrative of her as a victim or traitor make her escape nearly impossible, and she is forced to rely on her wits, old contacts, and the kindness of strangers to survive.

Return to the Resistance

Emma's flight leads her back to the resistance, where she is met with suspicion and hostility. Major Clint Reid, the new resistance leader, sees her as a potential spy, while Noah Tucker—her true love and former husband—offers her protection. The resistance is fractured, and Emma's presence is a catalyst for old wounds and new tensions. She is forced to confront her past, her feelings for Noah, and her guilt over leaving her daughter, Adrienne. The resistance is also grappling with the ethics and dangers of cloning, as well as the looming threat of Declan's power.

Ghosts and New Beginnings

Emma struggles to reclaim her place among the resistance and with Noah, who is now with Sonya, a doctor and surrogate mother to Adrienne. Emma's return stirs jealousy, longing, and unresolved love. She is haunted by the knowledge that she is a clone, not the original Emma, and faces skepticism about her humanity and rights. Her interactions with Sonya, Foster (her loyal friend), and the quirky Dr. Malcolm (a geneticist) reveal the deep psychological scars left by her past and the cloning process. Emma's journey is as much about self-acceptance as it is about survival.

The Clone's Dilemma

Emma is subjected to medical tests and psychological scrutiny as the resistance tries to understand the limits and dangers of cloning. Dr. Malcolm and Sonya debate the ethics of experimenting on Emma, while she fears losing her autonomy and being reduced to a project. The narrative explores the metaphysical question of the soul: is Emma truly herself, or just a copy? Her nightmares of the abyss intensify, symbolizing her fear of oblivion and the loss of self. Meanwhile, the world's reliance on cloning as a solution to infertility is shown to be fraught with moral and existential peril.

Family Fractures Revealed

Emma's quest to find her birth parents uncovers a web of betrayal and political intrigue. She learns that her parents, once resistance heroes, may have sold her out for safety and power. The revelation that she is actually Olivia Thomas, daughter of high-ranking traitors, shatters her sense of self. The resistance, Declan, and the world all have stakes in her identity, and Emma is forced to confront the painful reality that her family's choices have shaped her fate. This chapter explores the theme of chosen versus biological family, and the pain of abandonment.

The Price of Freedom

Emma is given an ultimatum: leave the resistance and her daughter behind, or reenlist and fight. Her love for Adrienne and Noah compels her to stay, but she is constantly reminded that her presence endangers them. The resistance's rules and the world's laws treat her as property, not a person. Emma's struggle is emblematic of the broader fight for women's autonomy and the right to self-determination. Her decision to stay and fight is both an act of love and defiance.

The Masquerade Trap

The resistance plans a daring infiltration of Declan's masquerade ball to uncover the location of the secret cloning facility. Emma, forced to take the place of an injured comrade, attends the ball in disguise. She dances with Declan, who nearly recognizes her, and with Noah, reigniting their passion. The mission is a success, but Emma's presence is discovered, leading to a cascade of betrayals and the exposure of her true identity. The masquerade is both literal and metaphorical, as characters hide their true selves behind masks of duty, love, and ambition.

Betrayal and Capture

Sonya, driven by jealousy and desperation, betrays Emma to Declan in exchange for cloning data that she hopes will win back Noah's love. Emma is captured and delivered to Declan, who plans to erase her memories and remake her as his perfect wife. The betrayal is devastating, not just for Emma, but for the resistance, which loses a key member and faces the loss of critical information. Emma's capture is a turning point, forcing her to confront the possibility of losing herself forever.

The Abyss Beckons

Imprisoned and prepared for a memory wipe, Emma is forced to confront her deepest fear: the abyss. The narrative delves into the metaphysical, as Emma's soul teeters on the edge of oblivion. The abyss is both a literal and symbolic threat—the erasure of her identity, the loss of her memories, and the end of her existence as Emma. Declan and Dr. Travista's plans to "reset" her are interrupted by the resistance's final assault, but not before Emma is forced to make a choice: fight for herself, or give in to oblivion.

The Final Raid

The resistance launches a coordinated attack on the Alexandria WTC and the secret Colorado cloning facility. Emma and her allies fight their way through danger, loss, and heartbreak—Miles, a close friend, is killed in the crossfire. The raid exposes the full extent of Declan and Dr. Travista's crimes: the illegal cloning of underage girls, the murder of hosts, and the commodification of human life. The facility is destroyed, and Declan is finally confronted.

Death and Resurrection

Emma succumbs to the mysterious illness that has been killing clones, her soul slipping into the abyss. Dr. Malcolm, using a combination of science and intuition, administers a treatment that brings her back—restoring her soul and stabilizing her identity. The experience is transformative: Emma glimpses the infinite, understands the nature of her existence, and returns with a new sense of self. The theme of death and resurrection is both literal and symbolic, as Emma is reborn not just as a clone, but as her own person.

The End of Declan Burke

Declan, obsessed and unrepentant, is finally confronted by Noah and Emma. In a brutal showdown, Declan is killed, ending his hold over Emma and the world of cloning. Dr. Travista is arrested and charged with murder and illegal experimentation. The world is forced to reckon with the consequences of unchecked ambition, the abuse of science, and the commodification of women. The end of Declan is both a personal and societal catharsis.

The Cure and the Choice

With the destruction of the cloning facility and the exposure of the truth, the government halts the cloning program and begins to recognize the rights of clones. Dr. Malcolm's research, combined with the stolen data, offers hope for a cure for existing clones. Emma is faced with a choice: to remain in hiding, or to claim her place in the world as a person, not a product. The theme of agency and self-determination is central, as Emma chooses love, family, and freedom over fear.

Reclaiming Identity

Emma reconciles with her past, her parents, and her own fractured identity. She forgives her parents for their betrayal, accepts her role as Adrienne's mother, and chooses to marry Noah again—not as the old Emma, but as the woman she has become. The narrative explores the idea that identity is not fixed, but forged through experience, choice, and love. Emma's journey is one of self-acceptance and empowerment.

Forgiveness and Farewell

Emma meets with her parents, forgives them, and says a final farewell to the world that made her. She and Noah leave the resistance, choosing a life of peace and family in Mexico. The resistance, now led by others, continues the fight for justice, but Emma's story is one of personal healing and hope. The theme of forgiveness—of self and others—is central, as Emma lets go of the pain and anger that have defined her journey.

A New Life Begins

Emma, Noah, and Adrienne leave behind the world of resistance, cloning, and violence to build a new life together. Emma is pregnant, and the family looks forward to a future defined by love, not fear. The epilogue, told from Noah's perspective, is a celebration of their union and the promise of forever. The abyss is replaced by light, and Emma's journey from fugitive clone to beloved wife and mother is complete.

Characters

Emma Wade (Olivia Thomas)

Emma is the protagonist—a clone with the soul and memories of a resistance fighter's wife, but the body and legal status of a product. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she navigates a world that sees her as both savior and abomination. Emma is fiercely independent, traumatized by betrayal, and driven by love for her daughter and Noah. Her psychological struggle centers on the question of identity: is she Emma, Olivia, or something new? Her development is marked by increasing agency, self-acceptance, and the courage to choose her own path.

Noah Tucker

Noah is Emma's true love and former husband, now leader of the resistance. He is a man of principle, but his love for Emma often puts him at odds with his duties. Noah's journey is one of forgiveness and vulnerability—he must let go of the past, accept Emma as she is, and risk everything to save her. His relationship with Emma is passionate, fraught with guilt and longing, and ultimately redemptive. Noah's psychological depth lies in his struggle to balance love, duty, and the need for control.

Declan Burke

Declan is Emma's ex-husband and the architect of the cloning program. He is both a visionary and a tyrant, driven by love for Emma and a desire for power. Declan's obsession with control and perfection leads to his downfall. He is manipulative, charming, and deeply wounded by Emma's rejection. His inability to let go of Emma is both his strength and his undoing. Declan's psychological complexity lies in his capacity for love and cruelty, and his ultimate inability to accept loss.

Sonya Toro

Sonya is a doctor, resistance member, and Noah's partner after Emma's disappearance. She is intelligent, driven, and deeply insecure about her place in Noah's life. Sonya's jealousy and longing for love lead her to betray Emma, hoping to win back Noah's affection. Her actions are both selfish and pitiable, and her arc is one of regret and self-destruction. Sonya represents the dangers of unchecked ambition and the pain of unrequited love.

Foster Birmingham

Foster is Emma's best friend and a steadfast member of the resistance. He provides emotional support, humor, and a sense of normalcy amid chaos. Foster's loyalty is unwavering, and he is one of the few who accepts Emma without reservation. His development is marked by sacrifice, resilience, and the ability to find light in darkness.

Dr. Phillip Malcolm

Dr. Malcolm is a geneticist and the resistance's chief scientist. He is quirky, brilliant, and deeply empathetic. Dr. Malcolm's fascination with Emma is both scientific and personal—he sees her as a person, not just a subject. His research is instrumental in saving Emma and the other clones. Psychologically, he represents the best of science: curiosity, humility, and a commitment to doing no harm.

Leigh Bennett

Leigh is a resistance fighter, Emma's ally, and a woman scarred by her past in the WTCs. She is strong, sarcastic, and fiercely protective of her friends. Leigh's journey is one of healing and self-acceptance, as she moves from rivalry with Emma to deep friendship. Her infertility and longing for family mirror Emma's own struggles, and her arc is one of hope and resilience.

Miles Trumble

Miles is a hacker, resistance member, and Leigh's former lover. He is witty, flirtatious, and skilled, but his bravado masks vulnerability. Miles's death is a turning point, underscoring the cost of the fight and the fragility of life. His relationship with Emma and Leigh adds depth and humanity to the resistance.

Declan's Parents (Evan and Charissa Thomas)

Evan and Charissa are Emma's biological parents, high-ranking members of the resistance-turned-collaborators. Their decision to give up Emma for safety and power is the central betrayal of the novel. They are complex, loving yet flawed, and their arc is one of regret, forgiveness, and the hope for reconciliation.

Dr. Arthur Travista

Dr. Travista is the creator of the cloning process, a man who sees himself as a savior but acts as a destroyer. He is cold, calculating, and obsessed with perfection. His experiments blur the line between life and death, and his lack of empathy is both his strength and his downfall. Dr. Travista's psychological profile is that of a classic mad scientist: visionary, ruthless, and ultimately undone by his own hubris.

Plot Devices

Dual Identity and Memory Loss

The story's central device is Emma's dual identity: she is both a clone and the original's soul, but with incomplete memories. This creates tension, as she is both herself and not, and must navigate a world that refuses to accept her as either. The loss and recovery of memory serve as metaphors for trauma, healing, and the search for self. The narrative structure uses flashbacks, dreams, and shifting perspectives to explore Emma's psyche and the nature of identity.

The Abyss and the Soul

Emma's recurring nightmares of the abyss symbolize her fear of oblivion and the loss of self. The abyss is both a literal threat (the risk of memory wipe and death) and a metaphor for existential uncertainty. The use of DMT and the exploration of the soul's journey add a metaphysical layer, questioning what it means to be human, to love, and to endure. The abyss is ultimately conquered through love, self-acceptance, and the courage to choose life.

Betrayal and Forgiveness

**Personal and political [

Last updated: May 19, 2025