Philippe

Great to see Bastion and Sage step back from Gillian Hmmm 🤔, headstrong with crazy blind love 😜, Jin does like living on the edge. Jeez Merlin, you might give a little more instruction or take Levi more removed from others before unlocking the hidden ancient bloodline affinities.

What a great chapter as we get to see the chess pieces tabled; the blood alliance between the Vampire and Lucan/Wolf worlds is quite unique but maybe commonplace for generations to come. The awakening of the wolf clans to this high crime, whether it be the Alphas or the Pack Members, will be increasingly shocking as this comes to light. Bastian has become most significant in the eyes of all, as he has brought unity and commonality. Ironically the rogue creator never envisioned this reality while holdings such illusions of control and manipulation blinding them. @ASH PHOENIX, it’s so good to see this story actively posted again. Welcome back!

Woah, there is a fine line between ultimate confidence and arrogance. That in itself breeds absolute power that absolutely corrupts. Vinicius had foreseen much and had kept a very powerful Special more humble and perhaps more sensitive; which ultimately is the very qualities Vinicius seemed to be instilling in his conversations to coach Dani. Many of the conversations aired on the philosophical and an ethical higher thinking, independently at that, not of council consensus or concessions. So the fact that this humble young vampire (unknowing nuclear weapon) stood among strangers of unknown alliances and unknown powers and defended human and vampire subjects of torture, equally, serves as strong testimonial to Vinicius’ methods of instilling values to a entity that could easily adopt savagely arrogant bullying. These events all happen within a short period of his Godfather/creator Vinicius being a victim to a government cover-up murder and then the next most trusted individual murdered in another publicly and violent method to send a personal message to young Dani. All while the nurse screenings support the notion that Dani his been possibly drugged to suppress his powers. Again, without training and to the amazement of his new ‘mentor’ Dani did so develop his skill set, and with enough humbleness to win allies. I think Vinicius was caught up in an attack that accelerated even his own forecasted timeframe to get prepared. But the methods have possibly prolonged Dani’s life and allowed him social skills and compassion to build alliances that will be necessary to answer the threats.

This is a nice chapter of growth for all. The comfort zones are growing little by little and the demons seem to be more predictably kept at bay. Hooray for Noah on the promotion, but Mr. Landry’s health is bothersome; this is especially so with the strange changes with Max’s behavior and with the yet to be resolved ledgers for the store. Things seem too coincidental and all in Max’s favor…at least on the surface. @Demiurge, thanks for the make-up s__… Scenes! The catch-up post is most welcomed. How can you put so much into a single sentence; from the pain and angst to love embraced all wrapped within the discovery of themselves and each other…wickedly warm. 😆

The greatest threat to the State seems to be the leadership itself. The academic training of the Specials in no way should be construed as practiced combat training; therefore, this testing is totally out of character of anything ethical. Perhaps this is the first but a blatant example of why Vinicius was so brutally murdered. Good for Dani, Good that he spoke up to challenge the lunacy of torture and murder for the young Specials; he may have made more enemies, but he may also have stood strong as a new call for reason when others have bowed too quickly. We may now have a more public line in the sand that seems to have been long overdue. Unfortunately it seems the ethics of some Specials are compromised as much as the State leadership; that too is problematic. Poor Dani is growing up fast and without a clear knowledge of alliances or even an understanding of the threats.

Seth may not be in control of his wild emotions embedded from years of abusive conditioning, but I’m thinking Brock better wise up quickly. He is the present day nemesis of Seth’s love, and therefore of himself. He wasn’t capable of defending himself proper as a kid, but that’s far from the present day truth as he finds himself emerging from the dark crawl spaces of his own mind. He and his love are not to be toyed with; to do so so beyond dangerous to the tormentor, Brock beware!

Oh how well you tied the young princes’ health and bonding into the Sun-filled Manor and the greater family; lead by the Royal Consort, Jihan, papa, Uncle Jihan. Which Kastan is the protector of the empire, Jihan is surely keeper of The First Family of Silver Shore. It is very heartwarming to see Jihan care so much for ALL the young princes. What better example or mentor could the empire have than the compassionate yet driven merchant, that understands security in both life and trade. What a treasure hold, as Jihan is guiding and shaping the future of the Empire as the future leaders recover from their losses and damages suffered in the wake of the Empress mother’s deceit. Jihan’s mother brings hope while his father shall probably remain afflicted with his quest for power; like a moth to the flame. Yet, he misses the real power he would enjoy seated at the family table in Sun-filled Manor, where it seems the heart of the Empire remains safe. @lilansui, you gift us great joy to see this glimpse into the future of The Reluctant Consort, thank you for this wonderful installment of epilogue chapters.

Wow, is that an optical illusion? It’s as if the moon splits in two; becoming a waxing globous and an opposite waning globous, the two bobbing visually, spreading and compressing, repeatedly…at increasing frequency and decreasing amplitudes, until the compression butts the two globous bubbles to becum one in comfortable hormony. Interesting that the motion sensors only recorded this unusual event with the low light camera quality and for such a brief period… 😝 👿 pity. oh @Laura S. Fox, the things you’ve done to this poor straight boy; and your toying with the unknowing gay boi is bordering of hate crimes preying upon his poor gay emotions! I’m loving the angst of the first gay interest, backdropped against the gay boi having history with straight boi burns 🥵.

So what would you do if, you know, reborn? Got to love Demetrius: “I’d eat one of those typical American breakfasts. Eggs, chocolate chip pancakes with syrup, bananas, and butter on them. And bacon, I’d eat a lot of bacon,” If I only had a heart…, to be human. This in itself may be prophetic as Demetrius wants it and Dani wants Demetrius to know happiness…

There are many ways this mystery may yet unwind. Are the Specials all or selectively just pawns to a compromised government oversight agency? Or to at least a few corrupt actors within the trusted circles? Demetrius appears to be sincere but even that may be a trained role; or even another character flaw that the greater actors allow as serving their purpose. I tend to believe Demetrius’ interactions as true, but much of these interactions are narrated observations of our naive and sheltered Special; just adding more possible twists in clues to the mysteries surrounding Dani and the Specials. Dani has to learn quickly as there are too many coincidences leading into this Specials Summit. There has to be a way for Dani to now pull from the environmental energies as he transform and manipulates the targeted environment; creating a larger energy ecosystem of manipulation…as pulling from his own internal energies is akin to a single lightning strike within a greater storm.

But then again, ‘these are not the droids you’re looking for’ may be appropriate; hiding in plan sight is part of diplomacy and strategy.

Perhaps fireworks for the other 10% that never gets the word?

While this chapter does give us a better introduction to the Specials and their powers, the spotlight is primarily on Demetrius. The reveal that Vincent is Maratoni’s star pupil is very curious. It is appearing that Maratoni doesn’t have a good relationship with anyone. The building evidence has me thinking that Dani, Demetrius, and Vincent may all be puppets to Maratoni and Deadnus; giving them much more in common than heritage and expectations would allow. Demetrius may not have been any more significant than the other Specials, that seem to be viewed as non threatening, except for Maratoni possibly being trained as part of the undermining plan against Dani and the other Specials themselves. Ironic that Demetrius can not sleep, can not rest, when he has had true blood feedings which should reduce the need. Demetrius may have a heart or conscience that puts him at great conflict with himself and his Special nature. Perhaps “He who brings pain has a heart that’s pure” is why the nurse can’t help him and Maratoni just plans more true blood feedings. The boy just likes basketball 🏀 and doesn’t take compliments with arrogance, it’s humble embarrassment. Interestingly enough, Demetrius points out the Special Summit will require demonstrations; does Deadnus have guinea pigs designated for Demetrius to inflict pain upon? How was he trained vs what Deadnus wants to see? Vincent has lived the haunted life. He knows the costs of trust well enough to not disclose plans to Dani, yet he does bring the Book of Specials for Dani to gain understanding. He has guided Dani to what appears to be a safe lodge and a key snooping spot; these don’t seem to be sinister or part of the greater plan to keep Dani powerless.

“I don't know if many of you have read my other works, but look! A decent parent(or one that's trying)! Look at me go. Character development.” Yes, this is very curios, mysterious, and possibly delirious; wine 🍷 would have given us raging make up sex but yet we’re teased thoughts with romance and dealing with emotions….have they been able to get your fever under control yet? Hahaha 🤣 The storyline dealing with the abuse directly but as romance and family needs demand are working quite well. Even the redeeming mom qualities are added some suspense and maybe mystery…remorse, compassion, money and power are all at play; from mom, “dense as a rock” Brock, dad, and the girls. Yet the young bud attraction gets a well deserved bill. @demiurge, this story is much different than that of my favorite magic couple, but you have a magical storyline in play here too, with character development and a repentant parent,…so great job and thanks again for sharing your talents and passion.

Yes indeed; Home again. I had lost my tracking on this story and had to play catch-up. Wow, what a journey these 3…and 1/2 have been on; and poor Ms Reyla. Ms Reyla had been friendly and supportive of the Wolf folks prior to Jordan arriving at her porch. As to the targeting timeline; that may remain a question, but the motives are fairly clear. If indeed the magic was used to “seal” Ms Reyla’s fate then the timeline may be more clearly connected to Jordan. As a fan of Brothers, it is neat to see the backstory to Dylan and his fathers. Thanks for sharing this unique world of Damian’s Wolf @Yeoldebard.

Hahaha, I’m sure the human anatomy is far from accepting to Bouncers instinctive sniffing and licks of the naked flesh painted during that hot trip! At least Essel is freshly claimed for the Rebels to understand the truth of their venture and requested alliance.

Margaret is an absolute fruit cake; packed full of everything and yet perhaps best when gifted to others; a terrible waste of good fruits and nuts with her spoiling every appearance. Argh 😠 😡 😱

It got your hackles bristled up? 🐺 And the Wolf goes woof. Haha 😛 This made me realize that you don’t hear the ole expression to calm someone of “ don’t get your hackles up.”

For a youth to have his entire life portrayed in the tears and pain from physical torture and mental abuse is unbelievable; yet, we hear of the deranged imprisonments and starvation of children by those that spawned them all too frequently. Ironically, it is easier to identify the more public animal abuse than abuse to the children hidden away by such sick and evil people. My opinion is Seth’s mental blocking has been has defensive sanctuary. But with his growing maturity, increasing survival and human needs, and with the anchoring provided by Noah, Seth is embracing the strength and confidence to open up; to trust and depend like never before. And Noah is finding Seth’s problems to be a catalyst in finding his own strength and determination; increasing his self confidence and self-worth. As the turmoil of their lives spins out of control, their bond of interdependence emotionally, gives us an onion of interwoven ying/yang relationships; this is the most heavily themed mental health story that has successfully blended the classic suspense, action, and romance that keeps the storyline from becoming weighed down theme. @Demiurge, what a wonderful and warming tale of this growing relationship, while addressing real life personal struggles, you give us the rollercoaster of Seth’s emotions with; the 😡 for his abused childhood, the 😭 of his ongoing struggles, the 🤞 that his journey of improving continues, the 😮 for the many mini-cliffhangers yet to be answered, the 😊 that the boys have again anchored themselves in shackles of mutual support, the ❤️ for the relationship the readers wish, but the character can’t yet recognize. So,…though dark and troublesome, this story is a unique, reversed tragic romance! Bravo 👏

And he is chasing a flighty, skittish young fox; it should never get boring!

Uhm, guys, my compass pointer…it only points to…., ahem,….well Jonathan. (Now cue ZZ Top’s Sharp Dressed Man!) 🤣

The boys are so bitten, aching for each other, loving time together, and hating times apart. We see them appreciating and sharing intimate fantasies or desires, but then Seth withdraws into his head and that puts Noah into his head; neither breaking that mind barrier keeping them apart. Though it’s a painful growth in their relationship they are now maybe seeing the flaws as they are; the more they learn the better equipped they’ll be to face the future. Not many would expose all their flaws and misgivings to a budding interest. They haven’t quite reached that point of total surrender to trust, but this latest step is a huge step for Seth; his admission leading to professional help and now confessing to Noah. That’s a very vulnerable position, especially for that very first time; the sister doesn’t even understand or get that level of exposure to the raw truths. @Demiurge, it was almost painful to read with all those tender innermost emotions, so you’ve succeeded again in bringing out those feelings our young couple have; with a tear, thanks for sharing this journey.

The biggest cliffhanger here is in the afterword note; that’s a significant impact multiplier. I suppose any further comments can be planned using the farmers almanac, as the next harvest season for ‘Into the Shadows’ is now 2022; that’s literally into the shadows of…Inactive Story. I guess it’s a subtle way of disclosing that Vinsy has a new affinity…invisibility.

The recovery is going well for Jake, both physically and emotionally; including his immediate support system and home environment,…not perfect but non threatening and promising growing acceptance. Cody’s is another story, as the stronger religious ties are evidenced in the parent’s conversation following Alan retrieving Cody from school. But more troubling is the summation found in Cody’s closing statement of great appreciation for Jake’s parents; which argues against history and expectations from Cody’s parents. The combined stresses propagating towards the boys’ futures promise rough waters at a time when they find themselves freshly seated in a canoe without skills. @James Matthewsthe angst here has me sharing in their fears.

Oh the frightful years of youth; where silence is the default, as speaking may make things worse and silence is safety. Poor Jake has had is long lived bond with Cody build to a level that now gets complicated with his sexual growth. To get the message that that bond will end die to an move beyond his control is bad enough, but to then learn that his emotions in the relationship are not only dismissed but then the relationship too seems to be lost as well…crushing, especially in young minds. Cody is no more experienced and doesn’t understand these emotions, the impact for the long and short of it, and how to be compassionate about it regardless where he stands. A series of unfortunate events…bring us these tears of shared agony.