astone2292

That also concerned me, especially with the "Reinard doesn't swim" concept. No doubt, the next chapter won't be as dark as I'm imagining, but I won't rule out a dark and sick twist. If it hasn't already been said, wonderful job with the chapter and story thus far.

You made me stare off into the distance and blink repeatedly. I don't believe I've read this type of activity from a top's POV until now. Excellent work! Still, I'm itching to see Reinard's reaction. The concept of wanting a sequel fantasy of this intensity and receiving it can be wholesome or horrific. That said, I wouldn't have left Reinard there. Going into the darkest possible outcome, he can't swim...

While this kind of sexual activity is normally not my bag, I appreciated it. The heart-wrenching emotions from Galen was dramatic, and I'm certain the two will require a conversation about the scene. I eagerly await Reinard's thoughts in the next chapter. Was this what he envisioned in his fantasies? I only pray for a positive outcome...

A brilliant and worth-while read from this year's Anthology. The amount of detail sucked me in and wouldn't let go. Filled with the character's intelligence and awkwardness, this short story put a smile on my face. Very well done!

The amount of detail in this story is intense and incredible. This was lovely and heartfelt. Very well done!

It's been on my binge list for quite some time... but there are so many things ahead of it. It's wouldn't be one of my stories without a cliffy every other chapter... Glad you're loving it, JR!

The anticipation is building! Is it Sonez or Mama Essell? I'll be beyond happy with either, but I'll lose my mind with the mother. Uh oh. Bouncer's maturing. I don't like the sound of this. Does a cerops parental bond fade away like some animals here on Earth?

I can't tell who's in more trouble; him or Cyn. Shameless admission... I've got no clue who that is in the GIF... I saw! I'm always grinning when I see readers binge and leave a trail of reactions in my notifications bin! So happy you're loving the story. And now... time to write!

Hooves would be useful if Cyn was in the woods with no unsuspecting humans around...

Yes, but would the pack or SFBI predict he'd be there after all this time? Despite putting himself at a disadvantage, this is Eike's best chance. All (well, almost) pack officials are in the race, distracted, separated, and weaponless. Let's see how the rogue handles things... I think you were looking for this GIF. I agree. Eike has to be careful in his next steps. He's been seen by Cyn, but what will our cernunnos do; be a deer in the proverbial headlights? This is a much more dire escape scenario. Cyn has run 3/4s of a half-marathon; roughly 10 miles! He's exhausted! Eike, presumably, is fresh and his gas tank is full. I hate to say it, but things don't look good for our little buck.

I'm sure there were searches. A missing teen is no joke, but I'm afraid they weren't looking for a deer... Thanks so much for commenting! I loved seeing the notifications from your reactions as you started this story. Glad you're all caught up!

Teehee, was it that obvious? The major question now is, "What the fork happens now?" No one's dumb enough to shift with half of Sheboygan watching, but Cyn's battered and worn out, Shea was left behind, and Arric/Key are no where to be found. One must think how a deer and a rabbit can take on a wolf.

The morning of the marathon had Cyn nervous. All week, he had been pushing himself on the daily runs with Arric and Shea. But this is the day it counts. I can be like the Bolt man from the video! Knowing Shea’s description of the event, he would be surrounded by people, including various shifters he had never met before. I know the pack members are friendly, but Sheamus said some people travel from far away to these things. Upon arriving in town, Shea parked on the street near the starting

Don't forget to send in three questions for Ask An Author! It's a fantastic way to highlight aspiring members of our community!

Let's hope they interrogate the mages who placed the technical runes. My money's on one of them...

Having Thayla captured was wonderful to read, but with it, I was not expecting a student of hers to plant magic bombs! Wonderful writing! I can't wait to see what will come of this.

I connected hard with Cyn this chapter. I was always looking to avoid contact and conversation, often found myself staring at things, and developing the smallest routines in the day (Cyn's roll call/memorizing seating charts). Uh oh. Y'all keep mentioning Chris and Tucker, and now the creative juices are flowing...

Still, I feel there could have been a better way for Noreen to display their knowledge versus dropping a bombshell on Reinard. But... it was expertly done and I was captured in the moment!

This was a forkin' rollercoaster! You implanted so much suss on Noreen, I'm not sure if I can totally rule out the possibility of being a backstabber. To completely block the exit while revealing you know of Reinard's clan history. Ye, you had me standing on my toenails! I'm about 75% certain Noreen has no intentions of betraying her patient, but I'm one paranoid son-of-a-gun... Reinard talking about the explosion is a very powerful move. He'll become mentally stronger after this. I had my skepticism with such a short chapter, but you've outdone yourself with this one @Yeoldebard!

While I believe in Cyn's behavioral changes, I'm not sure he could be an impactful youth advisor. Perhaps being a guest speaker would be more beneficial. Honestly, I'm not around enough teenagers in this current time to know how they're acting, whether it be local or nationwide. With current uprisings in social identity and how the younger generations are the powerhouse behind it, I think the pack youth would be more welcoming of Cyn and other FP shifters. Without creating a socio-political conversation, I have hopes for the future our younger generations will bring. Back to Cyn; I don't think he possesses ambition for being a shining example in the pack. His current aspiration is running, and if he can capitalize on that, he can be a successful athlete in that sport, or connecting positions in others (I wouldn't go say wide receiver in American football, but it's an example). His other ambition is cooking, and I can imagine Gordon Ramsay saying great things about his roasted acorns.

Thanks for commenting, doc! Happy you enjoyed it! I think there's a popular demand for Tucker! Let's see if there's room...

Generic name; check. Father gone; check. Cernunnos financial stability;... pesky plotholes. I imagine Ivey would do something for money, or there might be a secret housing network for Cernunnos; small abandoned homes to be used when needed. I'm not sure about Tucker, but Chris might have been a delta/alpha in the making. Cyn might need to have Shea stalk then on social media... I love questions! Lemme at 'em! 1 & 2) It was mentioned in a chapter long ago that Cyn and Ivey were separated at one point. 3) Don't know where Tucker and Chris are. They may make a reappearance, but I haven decided yet. 4) I believe I was out of kindness, but with such a short period of time elapsed, we're stuck with guessing. Love that you enjoyed this chapter, Patch! Thanks for commenting, JACC! Glad you enjoyed the chapter!

Hi @scrubber6620! I love your analysis of chapter 53, and thank you for commenting! I think you meant to put this comment in the Chapter 53 comment section?

Don'tcha just love random chapter ideas after you've written half of one? I left the last chapter off with Cyn wondering about his mother's parenting style, so that turned on a lightbulb. I don't think it had much to do with the lunar cycle, as that's more of a wolf's thing. I'm unsure if more details will pop up in the rest of the book, but I'll settle on this being an imaginative plothole...

I love this! I absolutely love this! Lynda is such a loving mother, with an extra emphasis on loving. Well, except Harold is always in her way, apparently. Maybe he should buy her a more padded clutch...