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81 Crescendo
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2022-03-21 23:22:18
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Will Bear the Moon Chapter 82 Mute
Chapter 82 Mute*ANA*“Why is my cat here?” I can’t stop myself from looking back. What compensation? I am confused. And the kitten only makes me feel lost. What is he doing here? When I left, he was in my room. He looked so warm and happy there. But now, the kitten seems anything but happy.“Cousin?” I feel Mykhol’s arm. He is oddly tense, as if aware of something I am not. And Abina cowers closer to his legs.“What is going on?” I ask, but Mykhol does not mean my eyes. He is looking straight ahead.“Mew!” Nicoli II shifted uncomfortably in the maid's hands. His tail flips from side to side. And his ears are sideways as he leans away from the other maid with the bucket.“The bucket?” What is that for? I look after the maid. But before I can even think of asking, Stepmother continues. “I respect your wish to handle your servant.” Queen Belinda starts up again, and I force myself to look back at her. She has a sharp smile on her face.“But the fact remains that our crown prince was wi
Last Updated : 2022-03-24Will Bear the Moon Chapter 83 Violins
*King Alexander?*Damn it. King Alexander never felt an urge to scream more than now. But he couldn't; he could only stand by as his wife sentenced a child’s pet to death.“No!” Ana, meanwhile, cried out. “Please, you can’t.” her hands clenched for the air, but Mykhol held her back. “Ana-” The teen managed to keep her, but barely. Ana was putting up a good fight. “I said no! It is too much, Your Majesty- Father!” And Ana turned from Belinda to meet Alexander's eyes. “Please, you can’t!”But King Alexander only looked back at her, helpless. His hands were tied. He knew it, and so did Belinda.Damn it all. Alexander cursed again, looking back at his wife.“This is too severe,” Alexander growled under his breath. He knew Belinda did not like the child, but he never dreamed it would go this far. She was only a child. “Too severe, you say?” “Yes,” Alexander hissed through his teeth. “It’s gone too far.”“You think this is too far?” Belinda quickly looked over the room with purpose. She
Last Updated : 2022-03-29Will Bear the Moon Chapter 84 Deaf Ears
Chapter 84 On Deaf Ears(reviewed & edited 5.27.24)*Mykhol*Mykhol stood by as the royal family passed them. Queen Belinda met his eye but no more. But he didn’t expect there to be any reaction. Our business is over. Mykhol thought. They both got what they wanted. They wouldn't need each other anymore.It was fun while it lasted. Mykhol had to admit. Mykhol thought he was good. But Queen Belinda's performance was unworldly. I shouldn’t ever make an enemy out of that woman. Mykhol had to shiver. She was formidable.Even for humans, Mykhol had to give credit. But it was a comfort to know that that wouldn’t happen now. Their work here was done. It was now just a matter of tying off the stray pieces.Speaking of which, Mykhol looked over at Ana. She was still kneeling. And her hair was a mess of wild curls.It was jarring to see all that silver where red should be. Mykhol wanted to reach out and grab a fistful. But again, Mykhol also wanted to curl the strands around his fingers.In t
Last Updated : 2022-04-02Will Bear the Moon Chapter 85 Downpour
Chapter 85 Downpour(reviewed & edited 6/2/24)*Nicoli*“Smile, Your Highness.” Another clown danced and honked his nose at the boy. But Nicoli only stared back quietly. His blue eyes looked bored, and the clown sighed.“Happy birthday, your majesty.” The clown gave up and bowed out. Nicoli saw him walk off toward his friends Philip and Tommy. Philip squealed with delight at the clown, and Tommy demanded a balloon animal. They’re having fun. Nicoli smiled weakly, seeing how the clown enthralled them. They looked so happy and carefree, like all the other children enjoying the circus. But Nicoli couldn’t share the sentiment.Unable to react, Nicoli looked over his shoulder for the umpteenth time. His eyes scanned the face of the castle. A curtain shifted as if someone were looking out. Ana? Nicoli stopped to train his sight on the window, but nothing happened. Whoever it was did not dare peek out again. They were not brave enough to show their faces. I want to see you. Nicoli thought
Last Updated : 2022-04-05Will Bear the Moon Chapter 86 Aftermath
Chapter 86 The Aftermath*King Alexander*“Ha,” King Alexander dropped the quill altogether. It was pointless. He couldn’t focus. He couldn’t for the past few days. His mind kept wandering off to think. Ana’s going to miss the whole thing. Today was the last day for the circus. But Ana still did not leave her room. She hadn’t for days. I would have thought she would by now. Alexander had hoped. He had trusted Ana to be curious enough to come out, at least, for the circus. Alexander remembered the excited faces on both of his children. Alexander recalled that they had even planned to stay up to wait for it just days before, but he had underestimated even that much.What am I to do? Alexander fumbled with his fingers. Time was running out, and Ana would leave soon. But things weren’t any better than before. Should I see her? But the thought scared him. What would he find if he did? What if she doesn’t? It left Alexander stuck and useless. What then? How do I fix this? Again, Alex
Last Updated : 2022-04-12Will Bear the Moon Chapter 87 Avalanche
(Revised & edited) 6.17.24) *Maddie*“Thank god I brought a blanket.” Maddie cheerfully stretched the blanket over them. She could immediately feel the heat change like a blessing. It was way too cold for anyone to be outside. But if Ana wants to go outside, Maddie wouldn’t complain, not at this point. Though I don't know why she’d pick here of all places, still Maddie was willing to make the most of it.”It didn’t look so cold from the window,” Maddie perked up. “But that’s just how Dawny winters are.”“Are they?” Ana fell quiet. I may need to try a bit harder. “Well, I don’t think they're as cold as Almonies winters.” Maddie looked at Ana pointedly. “Do you know?”“No, they are not.” This girl- Maddie could roll her eyes just then. Ana was undoubtedly going to make her work for it.“Then how cold would you say they are?” Maddie leaned in, still smiling. “Cold? Very cold? Or to the bone?” It was meant to be a joke, but it seemed to fly over her head.“Yes, it's colder.” Oh, c
Last Updated : 2022-04-21Will Bear the Moon Chapter 88 Depart
(Edited & reviewed 7/1/24)*Ana*I can do this. I tell myself. Just keep your head up. Keep your face still.You are almost there. The carriage is just ahead. And then I won’t have to pretend. Just keep it in, and you’ll be fine.“Ana?” Maddie whispers. Her eyes were big and searching. “Ana, are you alright?” She moves to take my hand, but I have to shoo it away. “Let’s go,” I breathe as the grand doors open. The cold wind busts through to throw back my shawl. It’s freezing, but I can’t stop.It’s time.I start the walk down the path. Maddie close behind me. I wish I could just run but that wouldn’t do. Empresses don’t run away. So I can’t. I must walk as the trumpets blare and the crowd throws rose petals. "Goodbye, Empress Anastasia." Some call out in sweet voices."Safe travels." Others throw more petals."Come back to us again."But between their cheers, I can hear the whispers. My ears are too open to ignore them. Sharper words pass between the smiles."Did you hear what ha
Last Updated : 2022-04-26Will Bear the Moon Chapter 89 Recourse
“Your Empress?” I don’t mean to, but I cringe in response. Maddie has been at it ever since we’ve returned.And it doesn’t look like today will be any different.“It’s coming up another week.”“I said no.” I hold the book tighter. The words dance across my eyes as my vision blurs. But I suck back the tears.Not today. I’m not crying today. I try to be angry instead. I shouldn’t have to keep answering the same question. I shouldn’t, but I can’t stop her either.I just don’t want to think about any of it at all. “Ana,” Maddie comes near.“At least write a ‘thank you for your stay.”“Maddie, please stop.” I lean back in my chair. I already know what’s coming next, but Maddie will give another lecture.And true enough, Maddie does not delay.“Ana, I am not saying this for my good.” Maddie snatches the book away.“Maddie!” My book? I look to see her in the eye. “Are you going to listen now?”I reach for the book, but she lifts it.“Give that back.” Why can’t I just read? It’s all I wan
Last Updated : 2022-05-03
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Will Bear the Moon Chapter 30 Misdirection
*Ana*My body freezes, every muscle locked in place as Nicoli leans in closer. His face is inches from mine, and I feel my breath catch, a whirlwind of confusion and anticipation racing through my mind. What is he doing? Is…he going to kiss me?But we can’t—we shouldn’t. We aren’t children anymore.As children, it was innocent. Nicoli used to kiss me on the lips, but it was always affectionate—nothing more, just like when he would hold my hand or offer a playful hug. It was natural to him, something that didn’t feel strange, something I expected from him without question. But that was then.Now, we’re adults. And that changes everything.We can’t– I try to tell myself that, but something in me hesitates, unsure whether I want him to stop or... not. I’m paralyzed, my heart beating so loudly I can hear it in my ears. As his face nears mine, I feel the world shrinks, the air around us thick with tension. A strange eagerness stirs in my chest—a warmth I don’t understand. It coils through
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 29 Interconnection
*Ana*“Nicoli–” He’s going the wrong way again. I shake my head, the soft chime of my gold chains punctuating my amusement. But he insists on leading, judging by the stubborn set of his shoulders. He’s determined to get somewhere despite having absolutely no idea where that is.For the past twenty minutes, Nicoli has forged ahead with all the confidence in the world, only to crumble in confusion when we inevitably hit another dead end or loop back to the same hall. Left, then right, then left again. Each turn is taken with steadfast determination — and each time, I have to stifle a new laugh as we encounter yet another wall.“Nicoli, just let me show you–” I try, though I’m already bracing for him to ignore me. It would be far easier if he let me lead, though. This is my palace, after all. I know the twists and turns, the subtle variations in the endless white corridors. But he seems lost in his resolve. As if doing this out of spite at the challenge and not wanting it to get the bett
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 28 Not Everyone Can Be Happy For You
*Hidi*“But, what about me–” For once in Hidi’s life, her voice was too soft to hear—lost, swallowed under the sound of laughter. Their laughter. Hidi froze, her breath caught in her chest, her words useless in the space they left behind. Her eyes only widened as she stared after them, watching–watching, but not moving in disbelief.The two of them were running, laughing, hands clasped like children lost in their own world. And she was still standing here.She blinked. Did they really just… leave me?The air seemed too still while everything else moved too fast. Nicoli had been right there. Right there. She could have reached out, close enough to brush her fingers against his sleeve. But he hadn’t even looked at her. Didn’t even voice a hello.Not once.His sapphire-blue eyes had locked onto Ana, and nothing else had mattered.For the second time.A cool flick of irritation ran beneath her ribs, lodging itself somewhere deep inside her. She knew this was their grand reunion, knew th
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 27 The Corner
*Ana*Standing between my aunt and uncle in the banquet hall, I must appreciate everyone’s hard work for the party. They really put in a lot of effort.The banquet hall is beautifully decorated with blue and gold streamers cascading down to the center of the high ceiling. Each arched window features a garland of fir and pine, filling the room with a clean yet sweet reminder of the winter outside. The candelabras are all set and lit with fresh beeswax candles, brightening the room and causing the windows to fog up slightly. The tables that line the walls are adorned with an assortment of cakes, meats, and double boilers filled with various types of blood for those who prefer.It’s everything I could have hoped for. And I swell with pride. So far, I think my first real celebration is going well. I gaze over the steady stream of new guests. Once again, I have to note that most of those arriving are unaccompanied men I spot yet another group. They put on a show by bowing or smiling at m
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 26 At Last
*Nicoli*“So… this is Nochten,” Nicoli whispered, his breath barely stirring the cold air. He paused at the threshold, eyes sweeping across the grand lobby. He wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was certainly different from home.His gaze traveled upward, taking in the domed ceiling overhead, the polished stone walls that gleamed in the candlelight. Beneath his feet, a mosaic of a bat soaring toward the moon—Nochten’s national symbol—stood in sharp contrast against the pristine white stone. The palace lacked the excessive paintings and portraits he was used to. Instead of gold trim and plush fabric, there was only carved stone and painted walls. Even the flooring was a departure from what he knew. No wood, only cold, solid stone.Nicoli's eyes caught the mosaic again, its intricate details holding him transfixed. Slowly, a small smile pulled at his lips.It suits her. He thought. Yes, it most definitely did. This was most definitely Ana’s home. But, where was Ana?He stepped further
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 25 Touch Stone And Memory
*King Alexander*Alexander and Bratha walked down the side path leading to the gardens. It took him a moment to realize it, but when he did, he couldn’t help but smile a little. Even after all these years, it felt natural to take this path. The habit was still there after all this time.We always used to meet here.The memory stirred something deep within him—afternoons sprawled on soft blankets, the scent of wildflowers thick in the air, laughter curling between the hedges like vines. If he closed his eyes, he could hear it still—such wonderful times all together. Belidnda, Bratha, Parsul, himself–But when he opened them, all that remained was frost and silence.Now, the garden lay barren, stripped bare by winter. No vibrant petals, no soft grass, only brittle leaves crunching beneath their boots. And between them, a silence stretched too long.It had to be him who spoke first. Bratha would not. Her sense of morality dictated that burden to him.After all, he committed the greatest
Will Bear the Moon Chapter Quick Hello Faster Goodbye
*Hidi*Hidi stood off to the side, her eyes fixed on the doorway. Each time a new arrival was announced, she held her breath, only to sigh in disappointment moments later. It wasn’t him.None of them are, Hidi scanned the room, watching as wave after wave of red-haired vampires entered. She was beginning to grow sick of it.“I’m bored.” Hidi rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. It was becoming a real struggle not to slump to the floor in frustration.“So bored,” She huffed, loud enough for a few nearby vampires to take notice. Some observed her with curiosity, never having seen a giant before. Others, like Sir Celbest, however, seemed eager to make her acquaintance as the Queen of Almony. But Hidi didn’t buy it for one second to be good-willed.Almony was a rich country, and Hidi had long since learned to recognize opportunists. And She met their stares with a hard, flat look, and just like that, their attention turned elsewhere.If only Ana were here. At least then, she’d have someone
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 23 Reunion Long Overdue
*Nicoli* The sudden jolt of the carriage nearly knocked Nicoli out of his seat. If not for his father's firm hand on his shoulder. He would have.Nicoli blinked a few times, swallowing as he steadied himself and slid back onto the velvet bench.“When did I fall asleep?” He asked, glancing at his father, somewhat surprised. Though he shouldn’t have. He barely slept at all until now, determined not to miss a single moment of his first journey beyond the kingdom. He wanted to commit every detail to memory, to recount them later when he finally saw her.He just hoped he didn’t miss too much.“I’d say shortly after we crossed the mountains of Almony, Your Royal Highness,” Johan replied matter-of-factly. His father smiled and pulled his fleece tighter against the cold. “Yes, you were out like a light,” he mused, gazing out the window. Yet, despite his relaxed posture, his blue eyes still held the same restless energy as before.“What? I missed the border?” Nicoli groaned, running a hand t
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 22 Business and Pleasure
*Pendwick*As soon as his grandfather took to forming his circle of friends to talk, Pendwick tucked to one side of the domed lobby. There, he took his chance to look around unnoticed. Hoping eagerly to catch where the petite Empress could be. But he didn’t see her. Did I miss her? Pendwick sank, yet again losing a chance to talk to her again today. It seemed so long since the two could.Ever since his confession, the two had not had a moment together alone. What with Ana busy with Chief Amul- she had her hands full as it was.And as for Pendwick, well, he had to deal with his grandfather.It came as no surprise that his grandfather was not happy with the results the days before. Pendwick failed yet again. And last night, his grandfather made sure to drive home the point that FAILURE was not an option. Leaving him with bruises so deep, that even vampiric healing couldn’t heal fast enough before the following morning. Thus, Pendwick had to acquire and apply camouflage to cover up hi
