Philippe

Kim was a fool to invite Giada and Trevor to the reception; but seeing as she has chosen them as friends, her sanity is in question already. There is no question as to Giada and Trevor’s sanity as they have proven beyond a doubt that they are totally insane. Brice was foolish to announce his presence, but to then announce his plans to expose a person already discussing murder is inviting one’s own murder; unfortunately the invite was rapidly accepted by the evil witch. The irony is that Kim is now in the very hands of the same evil witch she has been helping and enabling with her scheming. Sergio is being naive and continues to be manipulated by Kim, who is being manipulated by Giada, who nearly had her son killed and personally kills her husband, all while she is being played by... hmmm 🤔. Eric’s life has perhaps gotten even more complicated now as Brice had already concluded that Laurel and Eric had been terribly mistreated. I doubt with the huge ramifications of Giada’s greed and the state of her affairs left Brice feeling anything less than urgency in taken care of his own affairs. Brice’s status in being shot and laying in blood could be staged, but the location of the event and her urgency to clean up would require a few inside sources within the house. But that could definitely draw the last straws of opportunity for Travis to see more clearly. Too many possibilities and not enough info to assume any clear victors yet. It’s most suspenseful here @vanalas but the snares seem to be set for the hungry prey.

So, Yakob is the main monk, the man. No wonder that he would be so critical of his trust in Stefan; his student gone awry. Yet the aged Yakob is still learning, even as a teacher, he has learned we are always learning; only through humbleness do we truly rise to our highest awareness and achievements. Now, the urge to bring Vinnie to the ancient temple...a temple that has attracted several Shadow Mages already, where the high monk has previously taught a promising young mage, does this hold some mysterious significance to Vinsy and his teacher? It could be more than mere desire, but rather a pull of historical significance to the shadow world. But what’s with all this anger Vinsy has? And just what heights will this booster pack bracelet propel Vinsy? But should there be a binding spell, perhaps lost in transition and history, that keeps the pairing true until released to the newly gifted? The acceptance by the bracelet to allow other than the Mage that stored the energy to use it is a bit concerning; Vinsy, make it yours, and only yours, until properly gifted or claimed by other than force or persuasion. Vinsy continues to reach more people and have everlasting impacts. Dirks a believer, and probably forever a disciple of respect to others until measured as undeserving. Ironic that grumpy bear has marshmallow filling buried within the tough outer facade. The next month will surely bring some exciting new dynamics to the rural Wolf Pack. Hmmm, what will Vinsy learn from the emails, as the big ole Alpa realizes it is not his knowledge that will reveal the secrets of the shadow world villain. The wise but giggling Panda is giddy with love for the reserved Wolf. Hold on as this Panda seems to have a need for speed; or at least his Kaplan. Kaplan doesn’t need to sleep on it, but he prefers to. 😝 @astone2292, dig deep within your magical soul...and give us another update soon! 😆

The solitude of the isolation is depressing enough for humans, but the lack of normal lighting and air exchange can add to the changes in health and depression too. Though the captors have been more considerate with his diet than most history would support, it is still far from the variety and nutrition needed for long periods. The factors working against Simba’s mental and physical health are adding up to spell trouble. Nathan needs a break quickly to avoid significant long term mental trauma for our adventurer.

Hmmm 🤔, Eric has been in a long term game plan of revenge against the ones that have taken so much from him. It’s no secret the most important person in his life has been forever his mother. Giada manipulated Brice, Eric, and even Laurel to extract maximum pain and destruction of Laurel. But even Brice has made it clear he is beyond the manipulations that Giada continues at the expense of all reason. Giada has made plenty of enemies so it is no wonder that as her ship appears to be talking on water, few are willing to help her bail. The insistence of the contract, and that it must be Giada’s choice whether to sign, speaks to the fact that this is indeed a plan with an inside knowledge of Giada’s situation, the reports Eric had of Giada’s company, the effort to ensure it is proceeding via Giada’s own greed, and the terminating phone call where Eric was asking if an unidentified “he” was ready to proceed, all seem to point towards Eric implementing his plan. The absence of Brice except to return for a last ditch effort to connect and rescue Travis, and now for Laurel to return more organized than an a mere excited mom but with the entire family; including a step dad with the voice of a deep volcano and a love for his step son and his mother, both hurt immensely at the hands of Giada. This plan to make the family safe seems to be elaborate family and friends coordinated effort that may go back to the very beginning of Giada’s appearance in Brice’s life.

Oh the words of Anna, and Bill, as interrupted by a naive teen, "Avery, it sounds like Lee likes you. When people feel that way, they want the other person to like and be impressed by them." So Avery naturally wants to impress Lee just as much. The innocence and invincibility of youth would see little harm in following the march of the youthful herd that can attest that everyone does it; much as the generations before have too gained experience from those same errors in judgement. Hopefully these two will survive the experience and the mutual benefits of their relationship may be recognized before more damage is inflicted in the wake of the poor choices leading to this event. I suspect when calmer heads retrace the events then the team will give a good tug on the rudder to correct the course of this impending shipwreck. @Wayne Gray, another great chapter of real life challenges to life, community, and society; no day is perfect, nor first reactions remain final. Thanks for the reminders in stories where we reflect.

@Demiurge, your story telling gives us much substance; even though the postings may be short they are very rewarding and have much to reflect upon. I like the scene lengths as the cadence of your story telling matches the logical flow of character interactions, contributions and significant daily events. So the short answer made long, I love the updates as you presently post them. The lengths match your style for theme and settings. The story lacks for nothing in each exciting chapter whether action, romance, suspense or mystery, you always bring it in a quick but powerful punch; then we visit the story again before the wait breaks the excitement found in continuity. Please continue as you have, as you have masterfully found your niche.

This chapter needs several emojis, so sad is Talon’s family history, anger for the parties that so callously strip people and families of their loved ones for greed of power and control. Happy that the boys are bonding on a more personal level, and loving that they are building a more intimate familiarity; beyond the linked intimacy that is. It’s most curious that Talon’s protector was of the light and a keen alchemist...hmmm.

Oh my, the coven of witches Giada and Kim will convene their war council; Sergio and Eric may both be at risk as the line has been crossed. This may lead to a new line of designer body armor! 😝

Dang, Tyler’s a bad ass! Yup, I think @weinerdognailed it with the crazy move into the gangster gauntlet but then again he’s too upset to fear it and yet he’s pissed enough to still do damage; and he’s a smaller target too! 😝 As @chris191070called it, unexpectedly Tyler runs towards the heat; apparently reverse psychology doesn’t work so predictably on heart broken teens, in high pressure, critical thinking, survival situations! Not the smartest move there Zeker! But as Zeke and Tyler have gotten closer, this situation also makes me wonder if after the initial barrage of Zeke’s hateful words continued, that Tyler then realized how Zeke really did want to protect him as more than just a duty obligation, he cares; he had armed him, hugged him tight, and had given him a kiss as an affectionate familiar. Zeke’s actions along with Tyler having his family murdered recently, and him hunted, could drive Tyler into a protective and vengeful rage against these people who dare to steal is remaining family from him. This is a very suspenseful, action packed thriller of a chapter @Littlelovestories, but really...using a emotional teenager running into a gunslinging gangster gauntlet as the perfect time to pause for a cliffhanger??? Argh 😡 please post again soon...pretty please?

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Oh my, the angry emoji is with some frustration that Taran doesn’t see what he’s doing to himself, and to Ronnie. But even more so that the challenges to the syndicate seem to be as ever evasive as before; and now Taran’s mother is missing at a especially vulnerable time for Taran. This targeting of the syndicate has become most personal for Taran. This is when Taran, and Ronnie too, needed the understanding and support that mom was indicating would be forthcoming when she returned. Now, the family strains will either detract Taran from addressing his rift with his dad or things could become emotionally explosive and possibly jeopardize the mission. So....an angry emoji explained, within respect to characters and actions, not the author! 😝

Oh Taran, too many questions without answers; then you shy away from the opportunity to solve a major question that desperately needs an answer. Taran isn’t safe to be operationally assigned until more is understood about his episode. Ronnie grows more concerned while mounting frustration argues for him to force the issue with Taran. Otherwise, Ronnie is going to be trapped between too many lies. The disappearing relics and the disappearances of the syndicate members seems to be more than likely connected, all the while, more burden to solve this issue is falling to the junior members; will Taran fine the courage to solve his problems so the true challenge to the syndicate will get his full focus? Another great chapter, with mounting suspense and mystery here with @BKWildenberg! Thanks for sharing your passion and tale!

Hmmm 🤔, ironic that Jimmy has not been brought into the pack as his original commission was to rid the pack of rogue wolves; the twist of this event is that now the commission becomes an obligation to protect the knowledge of the wolves as a society, let alone a pack. So in that since, Fergus is larger than the pack..as a wanted rogue.

It’s no wonder that the emotional haze adds to Kalian’s lack of focus; a simple match or a high powered laser guillotine? Talon is still veiled but is becoming more trusting and open with Kalian despite guarding his thoughts. Perhaps he really feels that Kalian is needing to gain emotion independence, and only space (link solitude) will help him find his own thoughts and determination to that independence. Likewise, imagine the linked-in; confused, insecure, and innocent, but sometimes lustful, thoughts ricocheting about his peaceful solitude like a pinball machine in the middle of a church. Talon needs time to adjust to this also noisy link, but as guarded as he is, I imagine he still monitors the emotional grenades Kalian lobs about. Talon also seems to be accepting Eon’s pleas for forgiveness and may even be opening the door to the old friendship; either way those two recognize the vulnerable position they are all in within the capital and royal court, especially with the whereabouts of Malicious Mallex unknown. While I believe Talon is as curious of Tyren as Tyren is of Talon, I believe Talon foresees the need to work with Kalian as a bonded team; perhaps it is a pull to bring balance and harmony to the powers...or maybe Talon foresees this bonded power as a guarantee to school acceptance and presence requested contrary to Lex’s wishes. Many suspenseful possibilities @Demiurge, those of the relationships; romance, friendship, power, and magic.

Wow, a very aggressive and invasive predator. Lucky for Essell that Garjah is strong and fast, and that he cares, as the aggressiveness of the sindranth was surely a threat to life quickly following that of the loss of limb had the rescue been delayed. Even Bouncer could sense the danger to his...adopted parent. This is a short read but definitely not short of action and suspense in this unforgiving alien environment. Now, the host speak of talented scientists and superior technologies, will the already two-handed and handicapped human get help to replace the minimalistic opposing hand? A new and improved exosuit? I’m loving the intergalactic and extraterrestrial drama you’ve got going here @Cia!

Hate you for this chapter? Absolutely not, @Demiurge! We now have these emotional dances occurring in the same room on the same day; earlier they took months and couldn’t even attest to bing in the same city! Hahaha 😝 We’re working closer together and much quicker now! One perhaps too afraid of being hidden away in the shadows, ironically seeking daylight, and the other reluctant to step entirely into the light, preferring to remain in the shadows; yet both, seeking each other. Eon, is handling things well, knowing the pain both Kalian and Talon have endured. He seems to recognize that they are growing even though the path has a few briar patches. More importantly is that he now fully understands the purity of Kalian that he would save Eon when he believed Eon hated him. The school is building Kalian a foundation of knowledge and strength but also embedded within this training is a developing, stronger will, with a building determination to focus his energy when the moment arrives; it does appear to be a very well structured program, especially for our very late royal bloomer.

Wow, talking about the perfect plan... to drive Sergio into the arms of the one they hate; Giada proves she’s not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. Her attempts to also use magical bonds against the boys was obviously a failure...or was it? Perhaps the picture remaining was not the one committed to bonds; the only picture bound was that of Sergio when the magic bound him to the one he loves...oops, Giada, that’s...Eric; proving the lie the triad of evil is living. A shame that Sergio should suffer publicly at the triad’s hands but what a testament to Eric’s love. Luckily the call from Eric removed the threat and the irrational magic was calmed before Sergio took it too far. Giada seems to be painting herself into a corner. Exposure will be confirmation of the long unwitnessed history against Eric, Laurel, and even Brice. Kim too has become so manipulative and obsessed that she has mostly already lost her children and yet she lives in denial; so sad what a black heart can do. Four more days! Hahaha 🤪 Thanks @vanalasfor another action packed peek in to the life and times of Eric!

Wow, you packed all kinds of suspense in this chapter. Deep penetration within enemy territory and then stowaways to the enemy research and depot station. Now we have an impromptu rescue of human children; with the cliffhanger of someone familiar...oh my! Great chapter and much excitement lingering in anticipation of the next! @Westarcher Well done!

Hey now, it’s go big or go home! Hahaha 🤪 I’m confident you, @astone2292, are biographically recording the life events of a very special puppy, a one-day Alpha WolfMage; after all he is bestest friends with Alpa and a world renown giggling Panda 🐼.

A lot of redundancy born of a book two introductory chapter, but yet some interesting nuggets of significant interest. Anger is not the most efficient way to gather his shadow magic. Now even the Monk resigns to methods unexpected, however, Vinsy has never resigned himself to constraints, but takes them as challenges to solve like puzzles. With the irresistible drive like that of a kid that has to pick at a scab, Vinsy is bound to redefine what is normal and expected. Alpha Voder has vast and worldly experience, yet Vinsy is an enigma as an Alpha and as a Mage. I believe Vinsy may be know to the International Lycan Council very soon and may have a growing audience in NY. Noticeably, Stefan is absent, which leads me to believe the focus of this book two tale being that of growth, discovery, control, and perhaps even a sprinkle of Devine Enlightenment. It’s going to be an interesting balance of the friendship bonds and the brutal reality of sparring for survival of oneself and the future of the hidden world. So much to consider in this world created by @astone2292, a nice intro into a magical world of possibilities; eagerly waiting more...

Bravo for Eric, Brice and Sergio are fighting for their independence from the manipulating mothers and Travis; the triad. That leaves Giada, Travis, and Kim in full panic. It’s hard not to feel bad for Sergio despite him toying with Eric before. It appears Sergio has truly grown since that misguided game of emotional destruction of 5 years ago. Now the turning point nears, as the clock has been set to a five day count down. It seems Eric is willing to trust Sergio ago, but will Sergio exert his independence from the triad of Giada, Kim, and Travis. Brice will hit a big decision point soon, but the reality check will be finding Giada and Travis needing to beg forgiveness for too much; forgiveness may be years in the making. Likewise, Brice may first need to prove himself to Laurel, and then he may have a chance at reconciliation with Eric. What a wicked web of hate, and deceit.

Yes, no Lex, but the ole keep your friends close and enemies closer may be a painful necessity with Lex; at least close he has limited opportunities to manipulate others behind your back. However, the opportunity to expand their relationship and understanding, Kalian and Talon need that freedom from Lex. It’s looking more likely that the bonded link too is a new and very special talent or extension of Kalian’s power or that the bonded power. Tyren has alluded to Talon being wanted at the school too but little does Tyren understand that they are only scratching the surface of what may become a necessity of control. There seems to be an underlying timeline constraint implied but does anyone know what to expect when introduced to the unexpected? We have exciting times indeed, and the talons of Talon may be the least of Lex’s concerns when considering boulders splitting at ranges beyond human reach. Hmmm, Talon was a necessity for Kalian’s confidence but now, even with the favors of the King, Kalian would be unapproachable and unteachable without having gained the confidence; and even now Talon encourages from the recesses of the link. So many amazing and exciting possibilities for the bonded power couple. The bond adds a whole new implication of mentality raped...ravaged...consumed; by your bonded virgin satyr. lol There is a heaven @Demiurge!

Hmmm 🤔, the midnight release of a Wolf shapeshifter tale...the (ice) blue moon emerges from the shadows! 😝

Fan-frigging-tastic! The conspiring with young Christian to crash the Sunday’s oppressive Family Pledge to the Crest Day was an awesome play on the generations; from the stiff old rich fogey, to the video clipping youngster, with the rebellious gay couple’s proposal marching to it own beat! Rotflmao 🤪 There’s just something magical about the young, pick pocketing, enthusiastic, unlicensed get away driver, enjoying a break from the rich monotony of Edward’s family; fully embracing his cousin’s break for his independent life. Hopefully, Adrian has the brotherhood on alert for that gathering referenced for the announcement; so, while very subtle, this cliffhanger is still one of anticipation of where are they going so that the escape doesn’t lose the momentum of this celebratory event of the playboy bachelor’s retirement and the rich boy breaking out of royal prison; all to be video documented by Christian, of course. Hahaha 😝 What a fun, happy chapter; may the rollercoaster only result in smiles for all! Thank you again for a great and exciting read @Laura S. Fox