Philippe

I love it! But I believe I would put this as an interlude embedded within the main story. It leaves the personal story still undisclosed and somewhat less than fully tangible. So until the subject is addressed within the main story, it neither adds or detracts at this time; but it does explain a development possibility that could contribute at a later time.

Following the burnt Birdie served by chef Ty... I mean Clan Alpha Ty, the jealousy and protectiveness over Kaplan by one supercharged Electric Panda, brings the Peter Gabriel song of jealousy to mind...SHOCK THE MONKEY 🐒.

It kinda plays into the pun of slang talk to get freaky when feeling freaky. Hmmm, the ancient dead languages, with sketchy explanations of just why they are dead, a correlating ancient majik eating dark force, born at times of dark spells possibly going wickedly wrong if not strong enough to control... Could this be an ancient spell gone bad in the age of spell casting? And not understood before it consumed those strong enough to challenge? This lends credit too the dead languages’ decline by either consumption and/or the fear of that consuming force. Wren is not without some shared blame for not warning the group of this adversary, and Kalian’s lack of preparedness, but perhaps Wren was also in denial and then frustrated in himself as much as Talon and Kalian. After all, who would dare unlock such an all consuming dark force other than an arrogant prick that believes himself to be the first in ages to be strong enough to control it. For all we know, this ominous for could have already consumed Anders. Haha 😛 I believe some of these past observations Wren had of Kalian is connected to the long avoided topic of the unknown and all powerful dark force. But hey, as Scarlet said, I don’t want to worry about that today, I’ll worry about it tomorrow...then perhaps she said Rhett, let’s get freaky! 🤪 @Demiurge, all joking aside the suspense and mystery continues to mount. I absolutely love this story and perhaps we, as much as the characters, needed that freaky little break from the boogie man.

Well the big bad Wolf snarled at the notion of a simple hot dog but then was baited to try Lowe’s little brown steak veggies; was Vinsy training Lowe or Mace? 🤪 The joy of the kid experience is how the parents think they have the kids psychology down , but one weekend with alpa and Vinsy and they have to learn the new terms and favorites. Vinsy poofs, I like strong…I want little brown steaks, let’s make Liars…Lairs, and Chot Lat Poofed Cream…Hmmm….kids are an educational experience; Vinsy is raising his just fine; even if resorting to enhanced bribery by Vin’s Shady Delivery Service. It’s pretty neat when the current residents get to pick who is buying into their neighborhood, cay cay may be intimidated by the delta but it seems to be more respectful intimidation than fearful; his partner definitely seems thrilled. Thrilled is not the best explanation for how the bushwhacking of the NY Delta feels but he bought unto his own setup and now may yet earn some forgiveness if he can help with…is it THE or DE construction of Snyder. Round and round the money goes, but Cyrus has a Beta that reads the flows. With the arrogance of Synder the investigation should flesh out quickly…but then again, has it metastasized?

Oh my. Those that dapple in the dark majiks, to manipulate the balance of majiks themselves, may have opened Pandora’s box itself. The light exists in balance of the dark, but the ebbs and flows may get our own little Prince Sunshine to shoot off some solar flares without even trying. It seems the ancient powers are at play and the knowledge Wren holds close may be about to reveal itself; now the question of is it totally scary or just predictably unforgiving? Kalian definitely needs a breakthrough moment of understanding of his gifts and it seems the knowledge of the dead languages and spell casting may yet be seeded at the will of great powers when manifested; be them good or bad, the dreams are possibly hidden secrets Kalian seeks without knowing. @demiurge, you keep delivering suspense at ever increasing levels; oils this be from your own insights from the allergic reactions? 😝 I hope that is all managed and you can look back and laugh at another memorable vacation! Yes, sides are delicious when complimentary to the entree; please, serve them liberally if you’ve got them!

Hmmm 🤔 the son was missing so the rich father traveled ahead to be there. But then when the son is back, the father has been largely missing. What. Oils he be up to and what’s the story of the long lost brother? A man with money can surely have an investigation completed to find answers...are was that the simple cover story for a more complicated situation. Ramon gets a grand announcement delivered with a kiss; lucky for Marcos that Ramon was happy to receive that surprise in the lobby of the hotel, at his job! The old job and earning his way by himself has new challenges as the connections with the boss’ boss will bring questions and doubts whether needed or wanted.

Saying farewell to those people that help us learn responsibility, confidence, and that family extents beyond blood, is always emotional; then we realize it will remain with us and most likely will still be called home. This is a powerful look at the human psyche; that which is flawed with anger and denial, that which is burdened with guilt that is truly owned by others, and then the ones that serve as reality anchors for others to seek normalcy. This story gives us all; blood families broken beyond repair or even lost in human failure. Yet, we find Security with others and then trust and support building into the relationships that the blood family should have had. Yes, a happy tale that stops the sad tragedies from overtaking the innocents. So we leave it happy that our favorites survived those tragedies and found happiness. @headtransplant, you did it; a love sick gay tragedy, full of drama, with growing support that delivers a happy ending; congratulations.

It’s great to see the return of this amazing world of Shay, Mira, Konstantin and allies. It’s disappointing to not see the appearance of my favorite characters but the build up to that moment was not lacking. The summary narration by the ancients themselves is a great intro to battlefield earth. The exact timing of the final battle remains elusive but the introduction of the bowl blast by Kerensky shows great promise for the earth forces and human defenses; a strategy that would have been voided by any of the greedy actions to strip Shay of his hidden powers and act as a brute force against a collective alien intellect. A fantastic return for the Aspects of Dawn series!

Nothing creates a craving for pure animalistic Sex like an au naturel run through the neighborhood, with a little delay to try the local cuisine of white hare tartare, then returning to hormone laced, salty Wolf. It’s a rare and limited plate offering of Hot Alpha Dogs; New York has nothing on these Kentucky favorites. However New York does seem to be getting ready to serve up some dogs themselves, however, the menu appears to be leftovers that still need I little more thought for the perfect seasoning to top off the stale old offerings; perhaps a family plate called The Dog Pound. Ironic that the sous chef for this New York offering is free of the Bear Trap nearly set, and is now exploring his own ways to the best serve up a showcase offering of Wicked Wolf Dogs. These wicked dogs are offering themselves for a Dramatic Recognition Program that’s bound to leave the Electric Panda Giggling 🤭 next to the rumored sexually abused Beta. @astone2292, an excellent chapter to position the chess pieces ♟; hmmm, is that two kings on your setup? 😝

Now, now, context....a jousting champion, or perhaps a crossbow? Haha 😛

WHAT? How could you believe we’d have anything short of eager anticipation? 😝 OMG, the suspense is already at an apex and now the nemesis is completely unknown by Kalian; or is it something he’s seen in the ancient books now removed from their purview? Or perhaps 🤔 a more direct connection to say...Talon’s sister Lydia; long lost but yet unknown to Talon within the kingdom. As Talon probably tainted his native magiks, but enhanced his shadow magik. Many questions indeed, so... Is this nemesis part of the Kingdom they’re in, or part of the expanding grasp and long arm of Anders? The lack of home kingdom intel is a huge void and a surprising exposure for this group; but having traitors among you before makes it hard to reach out or to trust anyone. Unfortunately, I believe the lack of intel has caught up with them. Now this power Mage has taken some powerful strikes from Kalian and just twenty warriors is not so good should that Mage be exhausting her powers also. Either way, it appears the avoidance and wait are over, the team will now have purpose and focus to overcome this latest challenge. Then the real war begins. Yes @Demiurge, we still want more and don’t doubt that you and the band of misfits do have fans! lol

Mitchell definitely needs some help, plus some sense of social life and community. However, ironically the motivator that finally pushed him to act on finding help is a tortured soul that needs an extended helping hand and a safe environment; what he got from his grandparents when immediate family shunned him. Myles cannot help but find peace where the employer is supportive and is sure to allow his friend to have access as long as the reasonable job expectations are met. As these young men grow in security and social circles, it will be exciting to see where all the relations take us on this CoF journey.

Following the action of the previous chapters we see a lot happening in building relationships; both personal and in the geopolitical community. The Electric Panda finds it near shocking that the inter-bear seems to be desiring...speed?, a puppy?, hmmm 🤔, A MATE! Such talk is difficult to express, as demonstrated here, it is quite a mouthful. It’s all ok, as the Beta Wolf too, finds it a mouthful, but at least neither were traumatized or left with a bitter taste from their efforts. Geopolitically, why would an Alpha make a move to take over territory so far from home? Flag on that play until the rules of the game are discussed and proper sportsmanship is assured. The diplomatic maneuvers to include a closet mobster in the territory grant is perhaps necessary, but the weight of (or from) the shadows for Stuerm should be an interesting measure for sure; shall he gain lands or will he lose lands in the end? As comforting as the notion of Beta and Delta providing pack leadership is, it has a history of pressures making the desired request needed. Could it be that a new alliance and mutual aid agreement is starting to form? Power to the people, as Vinsy might desire, but with traditionalists kept at bay by shared deterrence; take note Stuerm, it applies to you especially. Hmmm 🤔, it still lingers as to why the EC was so quick to process this award in emergency council, yet the previous request was laying dormant. Oh Ty, how will he handle retirement, made with love? 😝 Especially when the quality controller is a vicious, clawing (with ferocity) big bad puddy tat...MATE; he may want the new territory after all! 🤪 Perhaps the more sleepy and tame relationship Dave has shall be his envy....nah, but yes Stacy you can sleep here. @astone2292, think in the shadows, write in the shadows, but please give us more Rising in the Shadows!

Ironically, they probably should have called the bluff on Mrs Jameson and called the police themselves. Then Leah could have been placed in emergency foster care with Michael at the Gordon’s as no social worker is going to take two kids out of the loving home where one has already shown healthy improvements in school, work, social and home life. The question of Ethan being there could be solved with Ethan returning to Jonathan’s, allowing the time and separation required for social services to investigate the solution; Michael is old enough that it’s very unlikely to be forced to return to a place he is likely to leave, putting him at risks while at large. The Jameson’s played as if having the upper hand, but they actually put themselves at risk for a difficult path to recovery from; each relapse is a failure to demonstrate acceptability, and most have the subjectivity on their sides with failure to provide a safe environment from the problem behavior. @headtransplant, You brought the cruel side of family social dysfunction to the forefront, but kept it at an acceptable level to not loose your storyline with multiple and divergent character chasing; nicely done!

My, what big balls you, did have, Mallex. Bon appetit you fother mucker; oh, would you enjoy a side of sniveling bitch to go with that? After all, you have longed-for some Alauis of your own. 😛

My oh my, a star is born...at least a Prince Protector and Lord of Sunshine It’s so ironic that Malicious Mallex could so violently and ruthlessly dole out his torture and punishment, yet in the end, he had to accept that he never had, and he could not own the very possession he so desired; that his ruthlessness should be returned by those he most victimized with his own flawed character. So that Malicious Mallex becomes Maliciously Maligned Mallex, being burned in rejection then shredded by a beast even Anders knew better than to tackle himself. Wow, the heat was definitely brought to bear, or should that be better applied as bare? So much heat and passion that the fear of gifts bursting beyond containment should have warnings issued for solar flares in Camp Kalian. Hmmm, the little lord prince has the Beast tamed and doing new tricks, in the near presence of his boss and mentor; impressive indeed, the powers over others this shy young lord has captured. No wonder that he brings together a band of warriors hoping for good to prevail. Now more than ever, the secrets of Kalian’s powers need to be revealed. It seems the ancient books and magiks hold the secrets, but the powers of the two princes, one of dark, another of light, may be the key if they can just decipher where and how to access the locks. @Demiurge, what an exciting roller coaster of suspense, thriller, sci-fi, romance, etc. Wow 😳 please keep this story going, we’ll definitely need some closure, or we’ll need medical help with depression. Fantastic chapter and journey thus far!

And they thought the human was far too modest..., now, EVERYONE OUT! I’m about to ravish and claim my bonded...NOW DANG IT, he shall be marked and forever mine; even if I am squishy and soft. 😝

Dang, where’s the flushed and blush emojis?

So sorry you’re being uprooted, especially when your loss is already so great and all too raw. I hope you can find peace amongst the chaos, wishing you the best.

@Demiurgeyour words “Next chapter is going to be mostly sunshine and rainbows because I am emotionally tired,” give me comfort. As @drpaladincalls him the Master of Sunshine ☀️, Wren says Golden Boy, and of course Talon just says Sunshine; but this all supports that one could draw conclusions that the Lord Master of Sunshine will be the focus of this upcoming chapter. Likewise, the rainbow always has it’s own pail of gold, or hidden treasures; this also give me comfort that the sunshine, gold, and the end of the rainbow treasures implies that indeed Malicious Mallex will meet his “End” when the “Sunshine” comes out to color us a more cheerful day; worthy of “Snut” promised to relieve our emotional stresses endured these last few chapters. Perhaps too, Anika will share her end with her cherished Lex for which she lust; hmmm, is that lust of flesh, money, or power. It shouldn’t fall to Kalian to end her, but sister has proven a backstabbing, treasonous, bitxh, and an embarrassment to the Alauis name; either the current generations have failed the Alauis name, or has proven the House of Alauis unworthy of Kalian and his now faithful brother Eon. THANK YOU! hahahaha Another fantastic chapter despite the tough passages.

Queen Maregete laughed, “I was just about to give my approval.” Then Vincent and I told who did it. Both King Fredrik and Queen Maregete were applauded. “The problem is there was no crime,” King Fredrik groaned. Near the end of the chapter, did you mean: appalled vs applauded? When Thor develops his bark, may it strike fear in the way Thor’s Hammer strikes down those that dare challenge.

Acquiring satellites....calculating... Acquiring satellites....calculating... Acquiring satellites....calculating... Acquiring satellites....calculating...

Oh my, a very crappy start to a relationship that manifest as obsessive and is rejected. The rich boy spoiled upbringing finds Marcos perplexed that anyone could deny his beauty and power; yet that power has caused him to display aggressive and possessive behavior over a young free spirit he now hopes to win over. This shows that Marcos lacks the social skills and grace that would have probably won Ramon’s attention with little effort. Now the struggle for their lives is the only remaining chance Marcos has to prove a budding love versus the unrestrained lust and aggressiveness that broke the law and the trust of the object of his affections; affections he so desperately needs for the first time in his life. Anthony seems to knows Marcos better than he knows himself. Hopefully, that phone call was just a challenge to hear Marcos admit what Anthony already knew; that Marcos was on the ship and standing up Anthony on their planned furnishing appointment. Marcus has a lot to redeem of himself, to prove deserving of the heart of our innocent and pure young champion of virtue. @vanalas, thank you for sharing yet another unique story of emotional curveballs and suspense.

As one imagines the brothers embraced with a kiss thrown in, I can’t help but reflect on the line from Rent....we’re close!