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Chapter 20: A Reconciliation...of Sorts Pt. 1
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Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 21: A Reconciliation of Sorts Pt. 2
“If life is so miserable for you…then why not leave?” he asked me instead of answering my question or admitting that I was right in my assumption of his thoughts. “Well…for one, we cannot just leave if ever we decide that vassal life is not for us. Once you pledge…once you are sentenced, a human serf is a life that you live until death or until your Keeper decides to have other plans for you, and that in itself is rare.” I sighed, looking up at the ceiling as I thought about the fact that I had, not so long ago, potentially come across one of those rare chances. “My predicament is…a little more complicated than that…however.” I finally added after pushing the thought away. “How so?” he asked. I looked down at him as he finished my bandage. “I don’t think that I could ever leave…even if I wanted to.” By this point in the conversation, I was just confiding in a stranger because there was no one else to confide in. “Why?” There were a lot of reasons, but the one that was strongest am
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 22: A Reconciliation of Sorts Pt. 3
“Don’t seem so surprised,” expressed Harlyn as she nudged me. Her expression was playful at first but only for a moment as a glint of sadness appeared behind her eyes. “I do care about you, Vali. Despite what you or even Daddy thinks. I’m just…not good at expressing those feelings. Especially, where-” “A human is concerned?” I finished her sentence. Part of me hoped that I was wrong. She shrugged. “The truth is the truth, Vali.” Harlyn instead confirmed my assumptions. “Right.” Harlyn exhaled and opened the bag that she handed me; I had completely forgotten about it. “I brought you something besides clothes, Vali. I wish you’d take a look.” She beat me to the punch and opened the bag for me, pulling out a box, and I already knew what was in it. It may seem gluttonous, but my eyes lit up when I saw them; sweet treats! “I saw this donut place on the way here and thought, what the heck.” “Thank you!” I exclaimed. “I probably shouldn’t be so excited about these,” I took a chocol
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 23: Decisions and Liabilities Pt.1
Valene: The ride home was nice and quiet outside of some casual conversation between Harlyn and me. No more was mentioned concerning the idea of Master Wade turning me into a wolf, and to be honest, while I was thinking about it still, in the back of my mind, I certainly didn’t want to talk about it anymore. When we pulled up at the Wade estate, I was glad to be home despite the complications of the family unit. “You good?” she asked me as I carefully stepped out of the car. I nodded a yes. No, I wasn’t all that good, but I wanted to be able to move on my own. Or at least try. “They must have a whole to talk about.” I heard Harlyn mutter as I stressfully shut the door to her sports car. “What are you-” I started to ask when I saw an old and beautiful muscle car sitting outside of the house. “Who-who is that?” I nervously looked at Harlyn and then back at the car. Somehow, I already knew who it was. Shakily, I took a deep breath and instinctively grabbed at my well-wrapped wou
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 24: Decisions and Liabilities Pt. 2
“This is your territory, and because I have long respected you, I will not encroach on your territory with disrespect. Although, I am surprised that you actually had someone as…prestigious as your heir pick her up from the hospital.” “Tell me,” Harlyn said. “How else would she have gotten home?” “Walk? Hitch a ride? Usually, a Keeper does not care enough to concern themselves with it.” beta Almeida replied. Harlyn seemed to have found this slightly amusing, but then she replied, “Valene may have acted out of character the other night, but she is still a good human and one that has served this family diligently for years.” Harlyn said. I admit that I was surprised that my daughter had defended Valene in such a way. “I would not leave her to fend for herself in a matter that was not completely her fault.” She stepped toward the Alpha. “It wasn’t like she was the one who acted out of character that day…was she, Alpha?” she looked past Ares and at his beta. “As I remember, you two…wer
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 25: Could This Be The Start Of Trouble? Pt. 1
Valene: Since Master Wade had business to tend to with the Lycan Alpha’s pack, we waited until around half-past eight to head to Bone’s pub. It didn’t take much time to get to Bone’s Bar and Grille. When we pulled up, I watched as people piled into the bar. “You know…you do not have to do this, Valene.” I chuckled. “Do what? Quit or quit in person?” I had to see his face when I said this. I wanted to know how he facially reacted to my question. I shouldn't have asked but I simply could not help myself. “To be honest, Valene, you do not have to do either,” he said. “I never pressured you to leave your life. You did.” I looked back out of the window of the car, disappointed in his response, though not necessarily upset. How could he ever understand the complexities of being a rare-blooded human serf, after all? “As I told, Harlyn…I don’t think you’d understand, Master Wade…with all due respect.” I finally countered. “Then help me understand, Valene. I will never understand
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 26: Could This Be The Start Of Trouble? Pt. 2
I looked past Carrie to see my soon-to-be former boss approaching swiftly. “H-hey!” I anxiously replied. I knew before he could even approach that he too wanted me to stay.“Val, I need you to-”“Wait, wait, before you say anything further, Herry, I didn’t come here to pick up an extra shift. I-”“Valene, I really need you tonight.” He said with desperation. “You see that we have special guests. And I don’t have any entertainment! I need entertainment! They-”“Who are these men, Herry?” I asked. Sure, it wasn’t any of my business, but what did it hurt to ask? There was something about these men that seemed to hold significance to Herry. It was only during such times when these men were present that he paid close attention to detail. Suddenly, I was concerned.Impatiently, he rubbed his face and exhaled. “Normally, I’d tell you that it isn’t any of your concern, but…well now I’m starting to wonder if maybe you knowing will make you more inclined to help me.” Reflex made me glance bac
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 27: A Storm On The Horizon Pt. 1
Alastair:There was something going on around here and I wasn’t happy about it. “You smell what I smell?” Aziz remarked in the back of my mind.“I do,” I said as I looked around into each low-lit corner of this little pub. Immediately, I connected with Toran and John. “We have a problem, boys.” I got straight to the point.“Is that right?” Toran asked.“That’s two for two tonight.” As soon as John said this, I became concerned. I immediately knew that he was referring to the patrol that Ares, his pack and a few of my own were doing. “What is it?” Both Aziz and I asked, my wolf suddenly concerned for his pack and those of the young Lycan. “Ares and the others were ambushed. Seems that a few of those Rogue beasts were lying in wait. And…they are powerful. Something ain’t right about this, Alastair.” John said.With frustration, I cursed under my breath. “How are they?”“Oh, they’re fine, Alpha,” John replied. “The young Alpha is a little irritated by the force in which he was forced
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 28: A Storm On The Horizon Pt. 2
Immediately, this man’s cohorts stood up and was rearing to fight. And just as they did, my officers appeared on cue. As always.“I assure you…that this is not a fight that you want.” Aziz pushing through in team with me. “You two are late.” I said.“Sorry, Alpha. Took a minute for John here to get spiffed. I could hear Kilder in sync with his counterpart and I knew that Kine was already in team with John.“Perfection takes time.” John countered. “Now…down to business.”“Right,” I said, and kept my gaze on the men angrily staring at me. “Now, I’m going to assume that this fool is not the one who speaks for you all as he is quite…emotional. I’d like to speak to the one whose really in charge here.” They were silent and visibly reluctant. So, they want to try us, both Aziz and I thought. I slammed my hand so hard against the table so hard, it cracked. “Tell us…who’s in charge!” I growled in team with Aziz.Even more men stood as I made my aggression known. Neither me nor my officers wer
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Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 154: Departure
VALE:The first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of orange and pink as Valene and Harlyn stood on the outskirts of Shadow Veil, their backs turned to the familiar pack. The weight of exile hung heavy in the air, a bittersweet reminder of the decisions they had made.“This is a big step to make, Vale,” said Tobias as we stood at the city line of Shadow Veil. “It is,” I said. I couldn’t bloody well deny his truth. Harlyn and I’s relationship was still on the mend. There were definitely some kinks that needed to be worked out, but I felt an obligation to her. Not only to her but to Shadow Veil as well. I refused to make it easier for Dronnigan to find me. “But you remember what my mother said, Tobi. Even if Harly wasn’t leaving, I’m not sure that I’d have a choice. Not until I find a way to get rid of him for good.” I said. “Yeah, that’s true. I’ll be shoving off soon too.”“Your dad can’t be happy about that.” Tobias glanced back at the beta and his son. “Not really, but both he
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 153: Dad, I Have to Tell You Something
VALE:“Harlyn Caris Wade. You almost took the life of your best friend. Your actions of attempted murder have cast an even bigger shadow on the pack. It’s not just because of what you did, Harlyn but who you are to the people surrounding you.”Harlyn’s gaze fell to the ground. There was visible shame in her eyes as these words were said. She knew that all of it was true, and so she kept silent.“You were acting in a rash state of anger and a thirst for revenge, and because of this, you’ve committed crimes of a reprehensible nature.” She looked up at him, and took a deep breath, but still, she did not say a word. It was clear that she was anxious though.“What do you have to say for yourself?” Silence enveloped the great hall, everyone silently and apprehensively waiting for her to speak. Until she finally did. “I…I’ve never been a really good friend…a good master…and especially a good sister. Her eyes wandered the room, but not for long as she finally found the gaze that she was
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 152: A Judgment No Father Should Have to Bear
Alastair:The tension was palpable as the pack and clan leaders stood in the great hall for the judgment that would have to be carried out.As I sat in the Alpha’s chair, looking over the crowd, I could see that every face was etched with tension and sorrow. I couldn’t blame them; this was a big night, and one that I was not looking forward to.My stomach turned constant flips, a clear reaction to my anxiety as this day approached. I was dreading every second up until this very moment, and I could sense that I was not the only one.Agnes and Penny stood there, hands and feet bound as they waited for the room to gather its awaiting crowd for my judgment. They stood before me, Toran on my right and John…struggling internally, but nevertheless on my left. Both Agnes and Penny’s heads were bowed before me as they waited for me to proceed with the grave charges pinned against them. When the sound of the meeting hall’s large double doors could be heard closing, I knew that it was time to
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 151: Confessions & A Revelation
The room was dimly lit. It was clear that she was in a cell of some sort. “Hello, my love.” Her voice was calm and soothing, and yet filled with sorrow. Though she wasn’t facing me in real time, I could sense the shame in her demeanor as she could not even look into Tobias’s eyes while relaying her message.“You know that before you were born…your father and I had an affair.” she chuckled bitterly. “Of course…I didn’t know that he was married or mated or whatever the hell they call it!” She snapped and then took a deep breath to seemingly calm down. “But that is neither here nor there. I did end it, baby, I truly did…once I found out that-what…kind of situation I was placed in. That…that wasn’t good enough for her though…so…that’s basically how my life ended that night.”There was so much pain in her voice as she said this. I couldn’t imagine how much it pained her to relive that evening. But she had to. She needed to confess her truth.“When I was brought back…all of my emotions we
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 150: Distraction From Reality
VALEAfter Damian plied me with a few more drinks, I stumbled home to the inn and got me a room to stay at. Since everything that went on with Harlyn, I had been saying with dad, knowing that while he wouldn’t express it aloud, he needed the support. On this night, however, and maybe even the days to come, I’d probably be staying put here. There was far too much on my mind to be placed in the same vicinity of someone who was going through as much as I was.I knew that dad was hurting, and I also knew that if I saw that, if I had to witness it, I’d try and do everything within my power to heal him of that hurt instead of focusing on not going insane due to my own. I stumbled into the bathroom, and started the shower. Then I sat there on the side of the tub, leaned my head against the cold ceramic. It felt good against my flushed drunken skin.Suddenly, I didn’t think that I had the energy to take a shower. Maybe I should just stay here and close my eyes.“I see you have had an…intoxi
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 149: A Mother's Message
VALE:There was a look on his face, one that spoke so many volumes to me and still I could not accept it. I recalled watching as Ares pulled away from Tobias’s thoughts and memories. He was slow facing me, very reluctant.“Is it true?” I had asked him. Somehow, some part of me knew that answer but I needed Ares to confirm.It wasn’t like I thought the worst of Tobias-even in spite of his new lifestyle; not like he necessarily chose the lifestyle that was thrust upon him. I could never say that Tobias was a dishonest person. That’s why…I already knew. Still, there was something about my connection with Ares that would solidify this for me. “Tell me, Ares!” I approached him, desperate for him to answer. “Is it?”When he nodded sullenly, I backed away from him, and sorrow immediately enveloped me. My heart ached.“So…it was a lie?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing even though I knew that it was true. My dad tried to approach me. I could tell that he was as distraught as I was abo
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 148: Descendants & Sons Pt. 2
Vale“That…no…no, that’s…impossible.”Tobias shook his head. “No, Vale. It’s not.”I couldn’t absorb what he was saying to me. It was surreal. “Who on earth would the goddess deem worthy enough to procreate with?”“The old man was never clear on that,” said Tobias. “But he’s certain that you are. Apparently he has proof of it.” “And you didn’t think to bring it here?”Dad clearly was as flustered as I was, finding out this incredulous bit of news. Tobias looked at the alpha with a sarcastic expression. “All due respect, alpha…you’ve not met my father if you think that it would be so easy to get away, let alone gather information on him-”“Wait, what?!” Talon exclaimed. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who caught that. I just…I wasn’t sure that I heard correctly. Tobias paused, his eyes falling to the floor with clear indignation. He wasn’t happy about this bit of news either, but it was clear that there was merit to it. “What did you say?” With a resigned exhale, Tobias nodded.
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 147: Descendants & Sons Pt. 1
Vale:I stood there, bewildered as our eyes met. Part of me, a less…conflicted part of me was elated to see him standing there. With my father…his father, and his brother.Tobias.I cared about Tobias. Far more than I ever realized. It took him dying and then coming back to see that. But regardless, of how I came to this realization, those feelings were there. And that would never change. I was so glad to seem him alive and relatively well considering the circumstances surrounding…well…us and our current lifestyles.Despite that less conflicted side of me, there was bigger part of me…a blaringly alarmed and untrusting, and even angry…part of me that could only think about one thing; where was my mother?The fact that she was nowhere to be found-even now. It didn’t make sense maybe, but…in my potentially irrational mind, I couldn’t think of a reality where Tobias would even be here and mum not. I just couldn’t shake that feeling….that gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach, as I wat
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 146: It's Not A Social Call
VALEThe meeting hall wasn’t too far away from where I was, so I didn’t use a quick means of transportation. “Vale,” I heard someone call after me. When I turned around, Talon was on approach. “Good evening, Talon,” I greeted.I guess any other sister would have given the Beta a cold shoulder because of what he had done to Harlyn.To be honest, as far as I was concerned, Harlyn got what Harlyn deserved. She never treated the guy with the proper respect.Still, I could tell that he was nervous about approaching me. Oh, Talon. I am on your side on this one.“How are you, this evening?” he asked me.“I’m…fine,” I shrugged. “I guess.”“Fine?” His steps slowed when he got closer. “Yeah, just fine. Could be better. Then again, I could be worse.” “Ah,” he shiftily looked around before his eyes landed on me again. He had question that he wanted to ask and I already knew who the question was concerning.“Just…ask the question, Talon,” I rolled my eyes.He took a deep breath, and then said,
