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Chapter 59: The Choices We Make Pt. 1
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 60: The Choices We Make Pt. 2
“Seven.” I finally answered Valene's question. I knew that she would find it impossibly young. “Seven what?” her brow rose suspiciously. My expression said it all. Her eyes widened, and suddenly, her expression displayed that of sympathy. “Surely you don’t mean he was so young as seven when he’d taken over the pack! That…that is well below the age that a child should even have their own say! You let him-” “Ares may have been young, but he has always had his own mind, and when it all boiled down to it, I was not his father.” “Were there no adults…to look after the boy?” “There were adults,” I said. “There were pack members, a delta, but none were fit to lead. They became lost
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 61: The Choices We Make Pt. 3
Valene didn't say anything. She stabbed at her truffle bomb, her silence lingering for so long I was almost concerned. Then, she finally expressed what was on her mind. “The truth,” she simply said. It was at that moment that her eyes began to mist with tears. “A gentle truth,” she shook her head as her words began to waver. “That Tobias died because of me,” she leered. “I wanted to go…follow his pack into the woods to find more of those…wretched things! I had planned to kill as many as I could and-and he insisted that I stay...that it was too dangerous, for me especially. I didn’t want to listen.” “He told you the truth, hoping that it would stop you.” “He only made my conviction to go into those woods even stronger. I wanted to die after he said that. After I realized that…that all of those deaths…were b
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 62: The Choices We Make Pt. 4
Valene:To wait! I was forced to wait! If I was going to be accompanied by the beast, the least that he could do was be on time. I refused to go back into that Packhouse. I hadn’t been there long, but I was certainly there long enough to have memories. It was hard walking past Harold’s room as Tobias seemed to be his closest friend. He was taking the loss extremely hard. And it was even harder to walk past Tobias’s room. Somehow, losing him- someone whom, while I did have regular dealings with, I did not truly know, was one of the most difficult things that I ever had to deal with.I’d always assumed him to be a superficial human with an arrogance about him that pushed him to believe that he could commit transgressions, transgressions that were usually punishable by severe imprisonment or even death. Only since I moved into the Packhouse did I realize that Tobias was not completely who he was made out to be, but a little more.He died, and I could feel that there was so much more mean
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 63: The Choices We Make Pt. 5
My knees buckled, and I gripped myself tightly while clenching my heart. It actually ached. This guilt swallowed me whole, and I could not resurface from it. “Those attacks…Tobias is dead!” I whimpered messily. “Harold was nearly killed…my mother was killed! Because of me!” I cried. “What-I don’t-I can’t do this! I just want to leave! Why can’t you just let me leave?!” I lifted my violently shaking hand to wipe away my tears when I felt his large hand against my cheek, wiping them away for me; When I looked up, he was sitting there across from me, his legs folded. For some reason, I was amazed by his casual gesture to just sit across from me as if he were equal to me. As if I was his equal. “Did you ask to be born with such treasure flowing through your veins?” I half-shook my head before dropping
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 64: The Choices We Make Pt. 6
Alastair: I hadn’t seen Valene hardly at all after our little back and forth. I thought that giving her time to cool down was for the best but apparently, it wasn’t. Maybe…maybe she wasn’t going to calm down. Maybe I’d finally crossed the line, but…but I just could not imagine that this would be her breaking point. She was no longer outside, and she was nowhere in the packhouse. She wasn’t at our home either. Where could she be? Part of me had hoped that she’d left but my gut told me that she hadn’t. Ares would have informed me before they left. “I have a bad feeling, Wade,” Aziz whispered in the back of my mind.
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 65: Two Years of Emotional Unavailability Pt. 1
AzizAlmost two years to the day. A day that changed everyone’s lives. Specifically, Alastair…and not for the better.My counterpart had become a robot since the death of our pup. None of us changed particularly for the better, but Alastair was definitely the worst. And admittedly...I was hardly any better off.After the loss of Valene, we immediately went for a run. It wasn’t intentional but instinctual. We kept running and running until we could run no longer. We finally realized what we had done in leaving the pack and our town…our people when we found ourselves in Montana.Alastair wanted to run back home on his own accord, but I insisted that we did not. Grief-stricken and having been over five days without food or water, it wouldn’t be too much longer before I’d turn feral and him along with me.I’d tried to convince him to get a hotel somewhere until Toran or Minken showed up to drive us back home. He wouldn’t. Somehow, my counterpart felt comfort in being in my skin versus his
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 66: Two Years of Emotional Unavailability Pt. 2
Alastair:Per usual, he was right. Aziz was right about how I’d been treating Harlyn. It was as if I was exploring new ways to be an even worse father than the day before. I had completely discarded Harlyn’s life in an attempt to avoid positive emotions. Birthdays meant nothing to me anymore; holidays meant even less. Everything that I did after Valene’s death just provoked a feeling of going through the motions.Toran had taken the helm for the greater part of a year and a half. He was understanding as he, himself, realized that he didn’t know what shape he’d be in had he lost Talon. He could hardly stand losing Tobias as he did.“I’m sorry, Az,” I finally said. “I…I have been selfish, and I apologize. Ha
Valene: Daughter of the Shadow Rogues Chapter 67: Meeting Claire Pt.1
Alastair: “Another one, Herry,” I said as I sat at the bar on my tenth shot of whiskey. “Sir, are you sure that you should-” Herry started when he saw the freshly annoyed look on my face. I liked Herry and quite enjoyed his company for the most part, especially for a human. Sometimes, however, the guy could easily forget that I was not so prone to inebriation as the rest of his customers. “Herry,” “Yes, sir,” he quipped without another word. He poured me two more shots of whiskey and then continued wiping down glasses. I took a shot as John linked with me. “How are they doing on the mission?” I asked, deciding that I had very little to hide in terms of who I was, so I communicated to my delta aloud. The mental connection to him was just as strong when I was verbal. Training had gone particularly well with the younger pack members, so it was time for their first field mission. A few ferals had been spotted near Shadow Veils city line. This wasn’t something that was considered to
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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,
