zakynthos

Just wanted to give a bit of support to your writing - I totally did not get any sense of coercion ocurring when I read the story scene. I also think manipulate is fair to say. Calling manipulation a form of forcing is really a stretch. In certain contexts - it could be interpreted as a type of phyosical control - but that definitely was not what was described as far as Dylan's experience with Ryan. It seemed like Dylan was a willing enough participant. 😉

Thanks for adding the context behind your words With some background context - Poetry can be so powerful as well as beautiful! Sadly - without the context - something important is often lost

he thought he'd renamed it *Thorn* in a moment of sentimentality that Val would never let him live down. Only wankers named their swords. Well - of course - only those who have swords can wank them and/or name them. Goes without saying. Not sure Wylan should be considering a "joust" with a guy who names his sword "thorn" The imagery is a bit scary

I am responding to #4 A Brave Decision I was intrigued - but without context was just baffled I was inspired to understand your cryptic cry I connected to the past music moment (praise be to technology) I listened and felt an ember stir within I don't really understand the message here But something was communicated nonetheless

Thought the ancient Sumerian Glitterati cults were common knowledge

The cosmic mage connection was an unexpected twist to the tale (tail?) Ancient grindr sexting 1000yrs before smart phone apps - must be the results from inhaling too much desert air maybe 🤩

ok - I stand corrected - this story did have a Charles Dickens ending after all 😉 The tangled web got sorted and everyone walked away smiling (except maybe Jake - but then again Alex likes having his cake and eating it too - so who knows)

wow - this simple story of two best friends falling for each other has really run amok. Don't see any Charles Dickens happy ending anywhere in sight

The real irony is that nothing seems to change much over the past 1000 years. Your observation is just as accurate for "noble elites" of today as it was for the "nobles" who lived 1000 years ago. I didn't really connect with the Hogan's Hero's spin. I was gretting more of a Prince and the Pauper kind of vibe - but then again "I know Nothing !!!"

So Matty was physically and sexually assaulted at the safe haven his parents sent him. I'm kind of surprised he doesn't seem to be super angry at his parents for sending him there. I am admiring Alex more and more as things unravel - he is trying to honestly deal with his own confusion. This is the perfect opportunity (that too many would take) to abandon Matty's sinking ship and jump over to Jake. Except he is really honoring (or trying to ) his strong bond with Matty. Yah - I am really admiring his character right now

While not a lot seemed to have happened or been revealed - this was a pretty powerful chapter - emotionally. Looks like damage has been done and any recovery is going to be an uphill battle. It felt like a part of Matty's soul has been crushed. Will it recover or will Matty be forever changed and diminished by his experiences while in exile ? I can't help but appreciate the irony here. After previously running away and being in a potentially "unsafe" environment - neither of the boys seemd to have suffered any deep lasting hurt. However - when placed in a supposedly "safe" environment (for his protection) - Matty seems to have sustained some deep serious wounds. Ah - the curse of well meaning (but seriously flawed) parental protection

A bit of a cliffhanger. Reading the tea leaves - something bad happened to Matty at the school forcing his parent to rethink things. Either that - or Matty got kicked out of the new school for doing something prohibited like starting fires in other boys pants maybe ?

So Ellis cleared his long standing debt with Professor Taine AND in the same move - he gets to set up Taine for a long term anguish as well as grabbing control of Charlie's (whom he has a serious grudge with) soul. What a brilliant schemer. Have to admire his akills - a worthy opponent for the professor So I am guessing - Charlie /Taine will find the solution in the Marcus Aurelius' Meditations. Obvious really - as Philosophers are the one true bane to all Demons . The old Roman Emporer must have the solution - Right?? 😏

My belief is that the malicious predatory system was built by predators and those who benefited monetariy by acting in concert with predators. True - she is only a cog in the system - but an active participant preying on a vulnerable kid (she swooped in on Liam like a vulture) qualifies her for top billing in the Villain Role 😞

Please remember - Mr Ellis is reading your comments Since he is a low level demon - never know who he is reporting them to.