#AnaLee Answers | Asks

[fatexbound]

@temsikfates said: “Hey man! Happy Birthday!” (Teen Yomiel)

Ryuji's birthday | Accepting

Oh, a new face. That's quite a surprise. Not to mention knowing that today's his birthday. But then again, he had practically announced it to the whole world with his booming voice. "Hey, thanks, man! Appreciate it. Name's Sakamoto Ryuji! Hope to see ya again soon!"

[cielrouge]

2018 YA Reads by Authors of Color

#PrettyBoy Must Die by Kimberly Reid - A CIA prodigy's cover is blown when he accidentally becomes an internet sensation, inspired by the #Alexfromtarget story.

500 Words or Less by Juleah del Rosario - To redefine her reputation senior year, Nic Chen begins writing their college admissions essays. But the more essays Nic writes for other people, the less sure she becomes of herself, and whether her moral compass even points north anymore.

After the Shot Drops by Randy Ribar - A powerful novel about friendship, basketball, and one teen's mission to create a better life for his family in the tradition of Jason Reynolds and Walter Dean Myers.   

A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena - When half-Hindu, half-Parsi school troublemaker Zarin Wadia dies in a car crash with a boy named Porus, no one in her South Asian community in Jeddah is surprised—what else would you expect from a girl like that?

A Land of Permanent Goodbyes by Atia Abawi -  After their home in Syria is bombed, Tareq and family seek refuge, first with extended family in Raqqa, a stronghold for the militant group, Daesh, and then abroad.

A Reaper At the Gates (An Ember in the Ashes #3) by Sabaa Tahir - Within the Empire, the threat of war looms, putting Laia, Helene, and Elias at risk. 

A Thousand Beginnings and Endings edited by Ellen Oh & Elsie Chapman - 15 bestselling and acclaimed authors reimagine the folklore and mythology of East and South Asia in short stories that are by turns enchanting, heartbreaking, romantic, and passionate. 

All of This is True by Lygia Day Penaflor - Four privileged Long Island teens befriend their favorite YA author with disastrous results.

All Out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens Throughout the Ages edited by Saundra Mitchell - A historical-fiction anthology shines the spotlight on queer teens, from as far back as the 1300s to the 21st century.

All That I Can Fix by Crystal Chan - Ronney kept believing his dad would snap out of it and shape up—until his hope turned into anger.

All the Stars Denied by Guadalupe Garcia McCall - In this companion novel to SHAME THE STARS, McCall covers the hidden history of the United States and its first mass deportation event that swept up hundreds of thousands of Mexican American citizens during the Great Depression.

Along the Indigo by Elsie Chapman - Love, mystery, and tragedy unfold for Marsden and Jude in a small town with a haunted past.

American Panda by Gloria Chao - An incisive, laugh-out-loud contemporary debut about a Taiwanese-American teen, Mei whose parents want her to be a doctor and marry a Taiwanese Ivy Leaguer despite her squeamishness with germs and crush on a Japanese classmate.

American Road Trip by Patrick Flores-Scott - After Teodoro’s older brother, Manny, left for Iraq, the Avilas begin to fall apart. But in a desperate effort to save Manny from himself and pull their family back together, T's fiery sister Xochitl hoodwinks her brothers into a road trip with many stops along the road to visit loved ones from their past. 

Americanized: Rebel Without a Greencard by Sara Saedi - Saedi recounts her teen years growing up and coming of age in 1990s California while fearing deportation for herself and her undocumented family.

Analee in Real Life by Janelle Milanes - A genuinely fresh spin on Pygmalion in high school, starring Cuban-American Analee Echevarria. 

Anger is a Gift by Mark Oshiro - Rooted in the working-class neighborhoods of Oakland, California, this is a tale of black teenager Moss Jeffries, diverse in sexuality and gender, organizing to challenge state-sanctioned violence.

The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan - Leigh Chen Sanders is absolutely certain about one thing: When her mother died by suicide, she turned into a bird .Leigh, who is half Asian and half white, travels to Taiwan to meet her maternal grandparents for the first time. There, she is determined to find her mother, the bird. In her search, she winds up chasing after ghosts, uncovering family secrets, and forging a new relationship with her grandparents. 

The Beauty that Remains by Ashley Woodfolk - Music brought Autumn, Shay, and Logan together. But when tragedy strikes each of them, somehow music is no longer enough. Now Logan can’t stop watching vlogs of his dead ex-boyfriend. Shay is a music blogger struggling to keep it together. And Autumn sends messages that she knows can never be answered. Despite the odds, one band's music will reunite them and prove that after grief, beauty thrives in the people left behind. 

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton - In the opulent world of Orléans, Belles are revered, for they control Beauty. Camellia Beauregard wants to be recognized as the most talented Belle in the land. But she soon finds that behind the gilded palace walls live dark secrets. When the Queen of Orléans asks Camellia to risk her own life and help the ailing princess by using Belle powers in unintended ways, Camellia faces an impossible decision.

Beneath the Citadel by Destiny Soria - In the city of Eldra, people are ruled by ancient prophecies. For centuries, the high council has stayed in power by virtue of the prophecies of the elder seers. In the present day, Cassa, the orphaned daughter of rebels, is determined to fight back against the high council. But by the time Cassa and her friends uncover the mystery of the final infallible prophecy, it may be too late to save the city — or themselves.

Between the Lines by Nikki Grimes - A new group of students join Mr. Ward’s poetry class in the companion novel to Bronx Masquerade

A Blade So Black by L.L. McKinney - The first time the Nightmares came, it nearly cost Alice her life. Now she's trained to battle monstrous creatures in the dark dream realm known as Wonderland. But when Alice's handsome and mysterious mentor is poisoned, she has to find the antidote by venturing deeper into Wonderland than she’s ever gone before.

Blanca & Roja by Anne-Marie McLemore - The del Cisne girls, Blanca & Roja, have never just been sisters; they’re also rivals. Because of a generations-old spell, their family is bound to a bevy of swans deep in the woods. But when two local boys become drawn into the game, the swans’ spell intertwines with the strange and unpredictable magic lacing the woods, and all four of their fates depend on facing truths that could either save or destroy them. 

Blood of a Thousand Stars (Empress of a Thousand Skies #2) by Rhoda Belleza - Separated, unaware of the others, Rhee, Aly, and Kara try to wrest control of the galaxy from an evil celebrity. 

The Boyfriend Bracket by Kate Evangelista - Stella has had a hopeless crush on Will, her older brother's best friend FOREVER, but now that Cam and Will have graduated and are going off to college, this year is her chance to really strike out on her own. With the help of her best friend Franklin, she comes up with the perfect plan to have a boyfriend by Christmas: The Boyfriend Bracket. Or it seems like the perfect plan...right up until Will starts showing up again.

Broken Beautiful Hearts by Kami Garcia - Cuban-American Peyton Rios is a rising soccer star to discovers her boyfriend’s dark secret, and confronts him—and finds herself falling down a flight of stairs. Peyton’s knee—and maybe her dream of going pro—is shattered. With her future on the line, Peyton goes to stay with her uncle in a small Tennessee town to focus on her recovery. Dating is the last thing on her mind—until she meets sweet, sexy Owen Law. 

Bruja Born (Brooklyn Brujas #2) by Zoraida Cordova - Teenage bruja Lula Mortiz tries to save her boyfriend, Maks, by cheating Death; however, Lady de la Muerte is not so easily bested.

Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani - The unnamed young Nigerian narrator of this novel, with a loving family and academic aspirations, is kidnapped by Boko Haram along with many other girls and women from her village.

Catching Teller Crow by Ambelin & Ezekiel Kwaymullina - Nothing's been the same for Beth Teller since she died. Her dad, a detective, is the only one who can see and hear her - and he's drowning in grief. But now they have a mystery to solve together. Who is Isobel Catching, and what's her connection to the fire that killed a man? 

Chainbreaker (Timekeeper #2) by Tara Sim - In 1876, someone is destroying the clock towers that control India’s time. Teenage mechanics Danny Hart and half-white, half-Indian Daphne Richards as they travel to Agra to investigate a series of clock tower bombings. 

Check Please! Book 1: Hockey by Nogzi Ukazu - A collection of the first half of the megapopular webcomic series of the same name, Check, Please!: #Hockey is the first book of a hilarious coming-of-age story about hockey, bros, and trying to find yourself during the best four years of your life.

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi - 17-year-old Zélie and companions journey to a mythic island seeking a chance to bring back magic to the land of Orïsha, in a fantasy world infused with the textures of West Africa.

Crown of Thunder (Beasts Made of Night #2) by Tochi Onyebuchi - Taj has escaped Kos, but Queen Karima will go to any means necessary—including using the most deadly magic—to track him down.

Damselfly by Chandra Prasad- In the wake of crash-landing on a deserted tropical island, Samantha Mishra and her other private school classmates must rely on their wits and one another to survive. 

Dear Heartbreak edited by Heather Denetrios - This is a book about the dark side of love: the way it kicks your ass, tears out your heart, and then forces you to eat it, bite by bloody bite. If you’ve felt this way, you’re not alone. 

The Devil’s Thief (The Last Magician #2) by Lisa Maxwell - Esta and Harte set off on a cross-country chase through time to steal back the elemental stones they need to save the future of magic.

The Demon Race by Alexandria Warwick - When 17-year-old Namali learns of her arranged marriage, she flees home and enters the Demon Race for the chance to change her fate. But to compete, she must cross the Saraj on a daeva, a shadow demon that desires its own reward: to infect her soul with darkness. In this race of men and demons, only one can win. But the price of winning might be more than Namali is willing to pay.

Djinn by Sang Kromah - Bijou Fitzroy is strange. With the unwanted gift of being an empath, she has spent her entire life as a sheltered recluse. When Bijou and her grandmother move to Sykesville and she starts to attend the local high school, Bijou’s world begins to crumble. Town locals begin to disappear and the creatures from her nightmares begin to take shape in her reality. She finds herself at the center of a war she never knew was being fought all around her.

The Disturbed Girls’ Dictionary by NoNieqa Ramos - Officially classified as “disturbed,” Puerto Rican Macy vents her rage, frustrations, and fears in a dictionary-style journal.

Down and Across by Arvin Ahmadi While his parents travel to Iran to visit his ailing grandfather, 16-year-old Iranian-American Scott Ferdowsi quits his boring summer lab internship in Philadelphia and secretly travels to D.C., seeking answers about his (in)ability to succeed.

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland - The Civil War is over, but mostly because the dead rose at Gettysburg—and then started rising everywhere else. Fighting the undead is a breeze for Jane McKenne, an Attendant, trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the well-to-do. But the fight for freedom? That’s a different story.

Dream Country by Shannon Gibney - The heartbreaking story of five generations of young people from a single African-and-American family pursuing an elusive dream of freedom. 

Driving by Starlight by Anat Deracine - Two teenage girls in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, rebel against a patriarchal culture while struggling to navigate their complex family lives.

Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi - A secret relationship conducted almost exclusively via text buoys Korean-American college freshman Penny Lee, slouching awkwardly toward adulthood and a 21-year-old cafe manager who is trying to clean up the mess his life has become.

Empress of All Seasons by Emiko Jean - Each generation, a competition is held to find the next empress of Honoku. The rules are simple. Survive the palace’s enchanted seasonal rooms. Marry the prince. Torn between duty and love, loyalty and betrayal, vengeance and forgiveness, the choices of Mari, Taro, and Akira will decide the fate of Honoku. 

The Fall of Innocence by Jenny Torres Sanchez - When she was 8 years old, half-Mexican, half-El Salvadoran Emilia DeJesus was brutally assaulted. But when a startling discovery about her attacker's identity comes to light, and the memories of that day break through the mental box in which she'd shut them away, Emilia is forced to confront her new reality and make sense of shifting truths about her past, her family, and herself. 

Final Draft by Riley Redgate - 18-year-old high school senior Laila Piedra is determined to write the best sci-fi story ever. Dr. Nazarenko has led Laila to believe that she must choose between perfection and sanity—but rejecting her all-powerful mentor may be the only way for Laila to thrive.

The Final Six by Alexandra Monir -  Italian-American Leo Danieli and Iranian-American Naomi Ardalan must become astronauts in record time for an inaugural space mission.

Finding Yvonne by Brandy Colbert - Yvonne's longtime plans to play violin professionally seem to be falling apart as she nears graduation. Feeling unmoored, she begins seeing a street performer while also pondering her longtime relationship with her father's sous chef. Ultimately her unexpected pregnancy forces some hard talks and hard choices.

Fire & Heist by Sarah Beth Durst - In Sky Hawkins's family, leading your first heist is a major milestone. Embarking on a life of crime is never easy, and Sky discovers secrets about her mother, who recently went missing, the real reason her boyfriend broke up with her, and a valuable jewel that could restore her family's wealth and rank in their community.

For A Muse of Fire by Heidi Heilig - 16-year-old shadow puppeteer Jetta Chantray performs with her family’s traveling troupe, the Ros Nai. Her skill and fame are her family’s way to earn a spot aboard the royal ship to Aquitan, where rumor has it the Mad King has a spring that cures his ills. But as rebellion seethes and as Jetta meets a young smuggler, she will face truths and decisions that she never imagined—and safety will never seem so far away.

Fresh Ink edited by Lamar Giles - 13 leading YA voices from diverse backgrounds lend their talents to this anthology of 12 fictional short stories.

From Twinkie, With Love by Sandhya Menon - Aspiring filmmaker and wallflower Twinkle Mehra has stories she wants to tell. So when fellow film geek Sahil Roy approaches her to direct a movie for the upcoming Summer Festival, Twinkle is all over it. The chance to publicly showcase her voice as a director? Dream come true. The fact that it gets her closer to her longtime crush, Neil Roy—a.k.a. Sahil’s twin brother? Dream come true x 2.

Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan - Thrust into the beauty and horror of the Hidden Palace, will Paper Girl Lei survive?

Girls on the Line by Jennie Liu - A teen pregnancy puts two orphan girls in contemporary China on a collision course with factory bosses, family planning regulators, and a bride trafficker.

Give Me Some Truth by Eric Gansworth - In the 1980s, Carson Mastick’s Native American coming-of-age story grapples with the day-to-day details of teenagers’ lives on and off the reservation.

The Healer by Donna Freitas - Marlena Oliveira has—mysteriously, miraculously—been given the power to heal all kinds of ailments. But her power comes at a price: she can’t go to school, she can’t have friends her own age, and she certainly can’t date.Then she meets Finn, a boy who makes her want to fall in love. For the first time, she begins to doubt whether her gift is worth all that she must give up to keep it.

The Heartforger (Bone Witch #2) by Rin Chupeco - With a thirst for vengeance, a band of terrifying daeva at her command, and her resurrected lover Kalen by her side, dark asha Tea is ready to face her adversaries.

Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith - A thoughtful story of Native American Louise Wolfe navigating the complicated, confusing waters of high school — and first love.

Hide With Me by Sorboni Banerjee - A powerful story about the unbreakable bonds of friendship, the headiness of first love, and the courage to fight for a brighter future against all odds.

Home and Away by Candice Montgomery - Tasia Quirk is young, Black, and fabulous. But when she catches her mamma trying to stuff a mysterious box in the closet, her identity is suddenly called into question. Now Tasia’s determined to unravel the lies that have overtaken her life. 

Hope is Our Only Wing by Rutendo Tavengerwei - In Zimbabwe, 15-year-old Shamiso, struggles with grief and bewilderment following her father's death. For Tanyaradzwa, whose life has been turned upside down by a cancer diagnosis, hope is the only reason to keep fighting. As the two of them form an unlikely friendship, Shamiso begins to confront her terrible fear of loss. 

I Am Thunder by Muhammad Khan 15-year-old Muzna Saleem, who dreams of being a writer, struggles with controlling parents who only care about her studying to be a doctor. Forced to move to a new school in South London, Muzna realizes that the bullies will follow her wherever she goes. As her new freedom starts to disappear, Muzna is forced to question everything around her and make a terrible choice - keep quiet and betray herself, or speak out and betray her heart?

Ignite the Stars by Maura Milan - Criminal mastermind and unrivaled pilot, Ia Cocha has spent her life terrorizing the Olympus Commonwealth, the imperialist nation that destroyed her home. When she’s captured, Ia is trapped at the Commonwealth’s military academy, desperately plotting her escape. But new acquaintances—including Brinn and their charming Flight Master, Knives—cause Ia to question her own alliances. Can she find a way to escape the Commonwealth’s clutches before these bonds deepen?

Imagine Us Happy by Jennifer Yu - Stella lives with depression. But when she meets Kevin, she feels less lonely, listened to—and hopeful for the first time since ever…But to keep that feeling, Stella lets her grades go and her friendships slide. With her life spinning out of control, she’s got to figure out what she truly needs, what’s worth saving—and what to let go.

Inferno (Talon #5) by Julie Kagawa - Ember Hill has learned a shocking truth about herself: she is the blood of the Elder Wyrm, the ancient dragon who leads Talon and who is on the verge of world domination. With the stakes rising and the Elder Wyrm declaring war, time is running out for the rogues and any dragon not allied with Talon. The final battle approaches. And if Talon is victorious, the world will burn.

Into the Black (Beyond the Red #2) by Ava Jae - The revelation of Eros’ parentage leads to political intrigues and a change in his relationship with Kora.

Isan by Mary Ting - After meteors devastate the Earth, 17-year-old Ava struggles to survive and ends up in juvenile detention, until she is selected for a new life—with a catch. She must be injected with an experimental serum. To receive the serum Ava agrees to join a program controlled by ISAN, the International Sensory Assassin Network.While on a mission, she is abducted by a rebel group led by Rhett and told that not only does she have a history with him, but her entire past is a lie perpetuated by ISAN to ensure her compliance. Unsure of who to trust, Ava must decide if her strangely familiar and handsome captor is her enemy or her savior—and time is running out. 

Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier - Mysterious maps from opposite ends of the sea cast doubt on the whereabouts of two princes, presumed dead.

Jazz Owls by Margarita Engle -  Against the backdrop of World War II, a patriotic Mexican-American family proudly contributes to the war effort despite pervasive racism.

Jinxed by Amy McCulloch - Lacey Chu has big dreams of becoming a companioneer for MONCHA, the largest tech firm in North America and the company behind the  "baku" - a customisable smart pet that functions as a phone but makes the perfect companion too. One night, Lacey comes across the remains of an advanced, but broken baku. Days of work later when the baku opens its eyes, Lacey calls him Jinx. Slowly but surely, Jinx becomes more than just a baku to Lacey. But what is Jinx, really? He seems to be more than just a robotic pet. He seems...real.

Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix (Rise of the Empress #2) by Julie C. Dao - Princess Jade has grown up in exile, hidden away in a monastery while her stepmother, the ruthless Xifeng, rules as empress of Feng Lu. Ready to reclaim her place as rightful heir, Jade embarks on a quest to raise the Dragon Lords and defeat Xifeng and the Serpent God once and for all. 

Learning to Breathe by Janice Lynn Mather - Sent away to live with relatives in Nassau, Bahamas, to escape her mother’s wild lifestyle, Indira’s new home is anything but a sanctuary.

Legacy of Light (The Effgies #3) by Sarah Raughley - After Saul’s strike on Oslo—one seemingly led by Maia herself—the Effigies’ reputation is in shambles. Belle has gone rogue, Chae Rin and Lake have disappeared, and the Sect is being dismantled and replaced by a terrifying new world order helmed by Blackwell. If the Effigies can’t put the pieces together soon, there may not be much left of the world they’ve fought so desperately to save.

Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann - Alice has her blissful summer take an unexpected turn when she meets Takumi and can’t stop thinking about him. As they get closer, Alice, who is asexual, has to decide if she’s willing to risk their friendship for a love that might not be reciprocated—or understood.

Live in Infamy by Caroline Tung Richmond - In an alternate world in which the Axis Powers won WWII, 16-year-old Chinese-American Ren Cabot grapples with the cost of revolution.

Love, Hate & Other Filters by Samira Ahmed - High school senior Maya Aziz works up the courage to tell her parents that she’s gotten into the film school of her dreams in New York City, but their expectations combined with anti-Muslim backlash from a terror attack threaten to derail her dream.

Love & War (Alex & Eliza #2) by Melissa de la Cruz - As the war for American Independence carries on, two newlyweds are settling into their new adventure: marriage. But the honeymoon's over, and Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler are learning firsthand just how tricky wedded life can be, tested by lingering jealousies and family drama.

Lovely, Dark, and Deep by Justina Chen - Biracial Viola Li has her future as a globe-trotting journalist all planned out, but everything comes into question when her body suddenly betrays her, after she develops an extreme case of photosensitivity, an inexplicable allergy to sunlight. 

The Lost Kids (Never Ever #2) by Sara Saedi - Just a few weeks ago, Wylie Dalton was living on a magical island where nobody ages past 17. Now, her home is a creaky old boat where she's joined a ragtag group of cast-offs from the island. But when the Lost Kids invade Minor Island, they're shocked to find it totally deserted, except for one survivor who reveals the shocking news: adults have discovered the island.

Mariam Sharma Hits the Road by Sheba Karim - Three Pakistani-American teens, Mariam, Ghazala, and Umar, go on a cathartic summer road trip through the Deep South.

Meet-Cute edited by Jennifer L. Armetrout - Whether or not you believe in fate, or luck, or love at first sight, every romance has to start somewhere, an anthology of original short stories featuring tales of "how they first met" from some of today’s most popular YA authors. 

Mem by Bethany C. Morrow - In alternate reality Montreal (1925), a young woman’s personality is the result of a startling experimental procedure, leaving her to struggle with the question of who she really is.

Mirage by Somaiya Daud - In a star system dominated by the brutal Vathek empire, 18-year-old Amani is a dreamer. But when adventure comes for Amani, it is not what she expects: she is kidnapped by the regime and become the body double of the cruel Princess Maram. As Amani is forced into her new role, she can’t help but enjoy the palace’s beauty—and her time with the princess’ fiancé, Idris. But the glitter of the royal court belies a world of violence and fear. If Amani ever wishes to see her family again, she must play the princess to perfection. 

Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson - Washington, D.C., eighth-graders Claudia Coleman and her best (and only) friend, Monday Charles, were inseparable, often mistaken for twins—until the day Monday disappeared.

Monk! by Youssef Daoudi - This vividly illustrated biography of jazz legend Thelonious Monk brings to life his relationship with the headstrong baroness who would become a life long friend and patron.

Monsters (The Reckoner #2) by David A. Robertson - Cole Harper is struggling to settle into life in Wounded Sky First Nation. He may have stopped a serial killer but the trouble is far from over. A creature lurks in the shadows of Blackwood Forest, the health clinic is on lockdown by a mysterious organization, and long-held secrets threaten to bubble to the surface. Can Cole learn the truth about his father's death? 

My So-Called Bollywood Life by Nisha Sharma - A fresh, madcap rom-com in which a Princeton, New Jersey, high school senior, aspiring film school student, and Bollywood junkie Vaneeta “Winnie” Mehta navigates the dramas of real life.

Not the Girls You’re Looking For by Aminah Mae Safi - Iraqi-American Leila “Lulu” Saad is about to graduate from high school with her three best friends by her side, but things get messy and senior year becomes a little more complicated than expected.

Odd One Out by Nic Stone - Courtney Cooper is in love with his longtime female best friend, Jupiter Charity-Sanchez, who is an out-and-proud lesbian. But the arrival of a new friend, Rae Evelyn Chin, who is questioning her sexuality, complicates their relationship and inspires new questions and possibilities between the trio. 

Out of Left Field by Kris Hui Lee - Marnie’s love of baseball—and the stalwart friends with whom she plays the game with such passion—has been the centerpiece of her life; but now she’s 17 and things are changing after she replaces Cody, the school’s star pitcher. With her own team against her, Marnie begins questioning her abilities. And when fate throws her a curveball, can she play without losing the game, Cody, and her belief in herself?

The Outcast (Summoner #4) by Taran Matharu - Arcturus is just an orphaned stable boy when he discovers he has the ability to summon demons from another world and sent to Vocans Academy. As the first commoner gifted with this ability, his discovery challenges the nobility and the powers that be and Arcturus soon makes enemies. With no one but his demon Sacharissa by his side, Arcturus must prove himself as a worthy Summoner...

Period: 12 Voices Tell the Bloody Truth edited by Kate Farrell - In this collection, writers of various ages and across racial, cultural, and gender identities share stories about the period. Each of twelve authors brings an individual perspective and sensibility. Told with warmth and humor, these essays celebrate all kinds of period experiences.

Picture Us in the Light by Kelly Loy Gilbert - Chinese-American Danny Cheng has always known his parents have secrets. But when he discovers a taped-up box in his father's closet filled with old letters and a file on a powerful Silicon Valley family, he realizes there's much more to his family's past than he ever imagined.

Pitch Dark by Courtney Alameda - Set against a future of marauding space scavengers and deadly aliens who kill with sound, Tuck and Laura must survive abroad the USS John Muir. 

The Place Between Breaths by An Na  - Walking away from those we love most may seem like the kindest thing we can do, but it’s a choice that will forever haunt those we leave behind: this holds true for 16-year-old Grace. 

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevdeo - In Harlem, NY, Dominican-American Xiomara Batista who dubs herself The Poet X, clashes with her strict, Catholic mother and runs up against her own self-doubt as she explores her doubts about religion, her fears of dating, and her budding talent for slam poetry. 

Pride by Ibi Zoboi - 17-year-old Haitian-Domitian-American Zuri Benitez deals with gentrification in her Brooklyn Bushwick neighborhood and her own bias against Darius Darcy and his rich family in this Pride and Prejudice remix.

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang - Prince Sebastian has a secret: at night he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia. Sebastian’s secret weapon (and best friend) is the brilliant dressmaker Frances. But Frances dreams of greatness, and being someone’s secret weapon means being a secret. Forever. How long can Frances defer her dreams to protect a friend?

Reflection: A Twisted Fable by Elizabeth Lim - What if Mulan had to travel to the Underworld? When Captain Shang is mortally wounded by Shan Yu in battle, Mulan must travel to the Underworld, Diyu, in order to save him from certain death. Will Mulan be able to save Shang before it's too late? Will he ever be able to trust her again? Or will she lose him--and be lost in the Underworld--forever?

The Resolutions by Mia Garcia - From hiking trips, to four-person birthday parties, to never-ending group texts, Jess, Lee, Ryan, and Nora have always been inseparable—and unstoppable. But now, with senior year on the horizon, they’ve been splintering off and growing apart. And so, Jess makes a plan and adds a new twist: instead of making their own resolutions, the four friends assign them for each other—dares like kiss someone you know is wrong for you, show your paintings, learn Spanish, say yes to everything.

Restore Me (Shatter Me #4) by Tahereh Mafi - Juliette Ferrars thought she'd won. She took over Sector 45, was named the new Supreme Commander, and now has Warner by her side. But she's still the girl with the ability to kill with a single touch. When tragedy hits, who will she become?

Run, Riot by Nikesh Shukla - When teenagers Hari and Jamal film an unarmed youth from their estate being beaten by police, they find themselves hunted. But as they go on the run with Hari's twin sister, Taran, and Jamal's girlfriend, Anna, the four friends discover that the truth behind the shooting goes deeper. 

Running with Lions by Julian Winters - A multiethnic group of Midwestern teenage boys contend with soccer and sexual identity. 

The Season of Rebels and Roses by Virginia Sanchez-Korrol - Ranging from Puerto Rico to Cuba and the United States, this engaging novel set in the late 1880s, follows historical figures that were instrumental in the fight for self-determination in Puerto Rico.

Secrets of the Casa Rosada by Alex Temblador - 16-year-old Mexican-American Martha has to adjust to a new life with her maternal grandmother, a respected curanderaor healer in Laredo, Texas, after her reliably unreliable mother dumps her at the pink house filled with tokens of her mom's childhood that might, maybe, explain why she abandoned Martha, leaving her with a family she never knew existed.

The Secret Science of Magic by Melissa Keil - A quirky high school romance unfolds in the alternating voices of math whiz Sophia and aspiring magician Joshua. In life and love, timing is everything. 

Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa - Demons have burned the temple Yumeko was raised in to the ground, killing everyone within, including the master who trained her to both use and hide her kitsune shapeshifting powers. Yumeko escapes with the temple’s greatest treasure—one part of the ancient scroll. Fate thrusts her into the path of a mysterious samurai, Kage Tatsumi of the Shadow Clan. Yumeko knows he seeks what she has...and is under orders to kill anything and anyone who stands between him and the scroll. 

Shadowsong (Wintersong #2) by S. Jae-Jones - Liesl is working toward furthering both her brother’s and her own musical careers. But when troubling signs arise that the barrier between worlds is crumbling, Liesl must return to the Underground to unravel the mystery of life, death, and the Goblin King—who he was, who he is, and who he will be.

Smoke in the Sun (A Flame in the Mist #2) by Renee Ahdieh - After Okami is captured in the Jukai forest, Mariko has no choice—to rescue him, she tricks her brother, Kenshin, and betrothed, Raiden, into thinking she was being held by the Black Clan against her will. But each secret Mariko unfurls gives way to the next, ensnaring her and Okami in a political scheme that threatens their honor, their love and very the safety of the empire.

Snow in Love: Four Stories by Aimee Friedman, Melissa de la Cruz, Nic Stone & Kasie West - Curl up in front of a crackling fire. Grab a mug of hot cocoa. And delve into this deliciously cozy and compelling YA collection of wintry love stories. 

Someone to Love by Melissa de la Cruz - High school junior Olivia Blakely struggles with disordered eating and a life in the spotlight as her father’s political career starts to rise. 

Sorry Not Sorry by Jamie Reed - Janelle and Alyssa used to be BFFs -- but not anymore. But, suddenly, Alyssa's diabetes becomes the talk of the school. It's turned life-threatening; without a kidney transplant, her chances are not good. Despite reservations, Janelle gets tested and finds that she's a rare, perfect match with Alyssa for a transplant. But organ donations aren't very common in her community, and she starts to feel pushback. When feuds and accusations push the girls further apart, Janelle doesn't know what to do. Will the match bring the girls back together, or drive them apart for good?

A Spark of White Fire by Sangu Mandanna - In a universe of capricious gods, dark moons, and kingdoms built on the backs of spaceships, a cursed queen sends her infant daughter away, a jealous uncle steals the throne of Kali from his nephew, and an exiled prince vows to take his crown back. Raised alone and far away from her home on Kali, Esmae longs to return to her family. When the King of Wychstar offers to gift the unbeatable, sentient warship Titania to a warrior that can win his competition, she sees her way home: she’ll enter the competition, reveal her true identity to the world, and help her famous brother win back the crown of Kali. 

Star-Touched Stories by Roshani Choski - Three lush and adventurous stories in the Star-Touched world.

Star-Crossed by Pintip Dunn - Princess Vela is tasked with choosing a boy fit to die for the king, which is impossible enough. But then Carr, the boy she's loved all her life, emerges as the best candidate in the Bittersweet Trials. Refusing to accept losing the boy she loves, Vela bends the rules and cheats. But when someone begins to sabotage the Trials, Vela must reevaluate her own integrity—and learn the true sacrifice of becoming a ruler.

The Storyteller (Sea of Ink and Gold #3) by Traci Chee - Sefia is determined to keep Archer out of the Guard's clutches and their plans for war between the Five Kingdoms. As Sefia and Archer watch Kelanna start to crumble to the Guard's will, they will have to choose between their love and joining a war that just might tear them apart.

This is Kind of an Epic Love Story by Kacen Callender - Nathan Bird doesn’t believe in happy endings. But his friend Florence, is set on making sure Nate finds someone else. And in a rom-com-worthy twist, someone does come along: Oliver James Hernández, his childhood best friend. After a painful mix-up when they were little, Nate finally has the chance to tell Ollie the truth about his feelings. But can Nate find the courage to pursue his own happily ever after?

Summer Bird Blue by Akemi Dawn Bowman - Music helps a Washington state teenager Rumi Seto overcome guilt and grief after the death of her beloved younger sister, Lea. 

This is What It Feels Like by Rebecca Barrow - It used to be the three of them, Dia, Jules, and Hanna, messing around and making music and planning for the future. But like the lyrics of a song you used to play on repeat, there’s no forgetting a best friend. And for Dia, Jules, and Hanna, this impossible challenge — to ignore the past, in order to jumpstart the future — will only become possible if they finally make peace with the girls they once were, and the girls they are finally letting themselves be.

Thunderhead (Scythe #2) by Neal Shusterman - Rowan and Citra take opposite stances on the morality of the Scythedom, putting them at odds. 

Tiffany Sly Lives Here Now by Dana L. Davis - At 16-years-old, African-American Tiffany Sly suddenly lands on a different planet: Simi Valley, California to live with the biological dad she’s never known. But Tiffany has a secret. Another man claims he’s Tiffany’s real dad—and she only has seven days before he shows up to demand a paternity test and the truth comes out. 

Toil & Trouble: 15 Tales of Women and Witchcraft edited by Jessica Spotwood & Tess Sharpe - A short story collection that illustrates the multitudes of girlhood, womanhood, and magic.

Toxic by Lydia Kang - Hana, a secretly created teen girl, abandoned aboard the sentient biological spaceship Cyclo, which is dying, encounters a mercenary boy doomed, Fennec "Fenn" Actias, to perish on the ship for his last job.

Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse - After the Big Water, Maggie Hoskie’s monster-slaying clan powers have woken up. She’s going to need them on a journey culminating in the kind of battle fantasy readers will relish.

Two Dark Reigns (Three Dark Crowns #3) by Kendare Blake - A victorious Katharine sits on the throne, Mirabella and Arsinoe are in hiding, and an unexpected renegade is about to wage a war of her own. The crown has been won, but these queens are far from done.

Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles - When Marvin's twin brother, Tyler, is found dead by police violence, Marvin falls deep into grief. But with the help of friends and family he finds the strength to confront what happened and fight the forces that took his brother's life.

Umbertouched (Rosemarked #2) by Livia Blackburne - As Shidadi and Dara alike prepare for war, Zivah and Dineas grapple with the toll of their time in the capital. Time is running out for all of them, but especially Zivah whose plague symptoms surface once again. Now, she must decide how she’ll define the life she has left.

Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson - When Fairmount Academy is rocked by three apparent suicides in the span of a week, it is up to Mexican-American Wiccan Mila Flores to conjure up the truth.

Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens edited by Marieke Nijkamp - A YA Anthology of short stories featuring disabled teens, written by #OwnVoices disabled authors. 

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi - It’s 2002, a year after 9/11. It’s an extremely turbulent time politically, but especially so for someone like Shirin, a 16-year-old Muslim girl who’s tired of being stereotyped. But then she meets Ocean James. He’s the first person in forever who really seems to want to get to know Shirin. It terrifies her—they seem to come from two irreconcilable worlds—and Shirin has had her guard up for so long that she’s not sure she’ll ever be able to let it down.

The Way You Make Me Feel by Maurene Goo - Korean-American Clara Shin lives for pranks and disruption. When she takes one joke too far, her dad sentences her to a summer working on his food truck, alongside her uptight classmate Rose Carver. But maybe Rose isn't so bad. Maybe the boy named Hamlet Wong crushing on her is pretty cute. Still, what if taking this summer seriously means that Clara has to leave her old self behind? 

Welcome Home edited by Eric Smith - A collection of adoption-themed fictional short stories, and brings them together in one anthology from a diverse range of celebrated YA authors. 

What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera - Ben and Arthur meet cute but lose touch, then have a series of near misses and first date re-dos before finally settling into a relationship. But Arthur's impending departure for the summer and both guys' own insecurities threaten to end something new that's only just begun.

Wildcard (Warcross #2) by Marie Lu - Emika Chen barely made it out of the Warcross Championships alive. Determined to put a stop to Hideo's grim plans, Emika and the Phoenix Riders band together, but her sole chance for survival lies with Zero and the Blackcoats, his ruthless crew. Caught in a web of betrayal, with the future of free will at risk, just how far will Emika go to take down Hideo? 

Wrong in All the Right Ways by Tiffany Brownlee - Everything in Emma's life has always gone according to her very careful plans. But things take a turn toward the unexpected when she falls in love for the first time with the one person in the world who’s off-limits–her new foster brother, the gorgeous and tormented Dylan McAndrews. 

[talllankyandawkward]

Captured

LOKIXREADER

Word count?? Idk. Its long though

Imagine being a spy for SHIELD but your cover getting blown and being held and tortured for information. Imagine Loki raising all hell as he breaks in and saves you, personally carrying you to the medical treatment place and ensuring your recovery. Imagine him staying at your bedside the whole time, desperate for you to awaken well and whole. (Yeah. Lots and lots of language will be used because I mean, in this situation you would use it too.) I am very sorry. I am pretty sure Loki is very ooc in this. I tried to make him not be. But I apologize now.

FUCK!

You were tied to a chair in a small concrete room. The chair was bolted to the ground and you couldn't move your hands or feet. No one knew where you were. You weren't supposed to be back for another 3 days. You were fucking screwed. You would be lucky to make it out of this one alive. How the hell could this have happened?

It was just a regular undercover intel mission. It was supposed to be in and out quick. You were posing as a tech person for HYDRA. You had been 'transferred' from a remote branch in western Russia to gather technological information and take it back to your home branch. A week, in and out, tops.

'You, what is that in your ear?' A voice called out to you.

'A hearing aid sir. I am partially deaf in one ear,' you answered him automatically.

"I was not informed of this,' he insists, 'Is it registered? We like to keep all technology we have on file so we know what belongs here and what needs to leave.

'I do not like to project my handicaps. I have overcome them. They are no longer an issue. And no, I was not asked to register it. I do not see the need. It is a mere hearing aid.'

'I see. May I borrow it? Our scientists may be able to improve it,' he insisted. You knew he was onto you. You didn't have time to send out for backup. That was a cloaking device in your ear and you are pretty sure he knew it. 

'I do not see the need sir. It is not acting up,' you told him feigning confusion.

'I am afraid I must insist my dear,' he tells you as he reaches up to your ear. You swat his hand away immediately realizing your mistake.'My dear, come with me. We do not want to make a scene,' he said grabbing you by the arm and pulling you out of the room. You let him lead you out of the room planing your attack. As you turned down a corridor you felt a needle jab your neck and everything went black.

You heard noises behind the door. You made them out to be Russian. You still had the cloaking device in your ear. Fuck. They were going to find out who you were and they were going to kill you. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Your head was spinning. You shook your head and took a deep breath. Panicking will do nothing for you right now. You needed to keep a level head. Figure things out, then get the hell out. You could do this. You were an avenger for crying out loud. You fought aliens, a killer robot, and have bested many HYDRA agents at their own game. 

The door opened and the guy that managed to spot you stepped through. The door closed heavily behind him with a bang. 

"I have yet to introduce myself to you. I am Commander Sokolov. I do not take lightly to security breaches in my branch. We happened I do some digging and found that your base, that you supposedly came from has an Analee Ivanov. But, she has been on vacation for three weeks. Tell me how that is," he says in English.

"I have no idea what you mean sir. This is all a complete misunderstanding-"

"Do not lie to me!" He shouts cutting you off, "the real Analee Ivanov does not have a hearing aid. We checked all medical records."

"I have had this since I was 7. I highly doubt there would be no evidence of it," you say incredulously.

"You are a skilled liar my dear. But we know you are not who you say you are," he tells you. He reaches to your ear and pulls out the cloaking device. You feel the mask fade away. You scowl at him as he smiles knowingly at you.

"Well, we have one of the Avengers with us here. Don't I feel honored," He mocks you. You drop your scared facade and glare at him.

"What do you want? If you are going to kill me just get it over with," you tell him as you revert back to your normal accent.

"Oh no my dear. We won't kill you. Not yet at least," he tells you ominously as he exits the room.

"FUCK!" You say to yourself again. This time out loud. Of course this had to be the mission that went wrong. The one right before your one year anniversary with your boyfriend. You promised you would at least call him that day seeing as you wouldn't be there. If only you didn't leave your phone in that damn hotel room. Steve usually checks in on you about halfway through the mission, maybe he will realize something is up. 

You were left alone with your thoughts for what felt like hours. You were bored out of your mind. This is an interrogation tactic. You knew that. SHIELD used it all the time. It wasn't going to work on you. You heard large noises behind the door and two large men stepped through it. They were in their HYDRA gear, but it did nothing to mask how big they were.

"What you had to wait till I was tied to a chair to face me," you taunted hoping to strike one of their egos. IT didn't work. One stepped closer to you and bent down to your eye level.

"How much does SHIELD know about us," he asks you in a deep baritone.

"I don't think I am allowed to answer that," you tell him sharply. 

SMACK

He had slapped your cheek. You roll your head back and look back at him. Your cheek stung. You could feel it throbbing. You glared at him harder.

"I am going to ask again. How much does SHIELD know about us," he asks through his teeth.

"You honestly think one slap is going to make me talk? You really think I am that easy," you ask him mockingly. Then you spit in his face. You saw his expression darken. You saw him stand back up and his hand strike your face. You felt the sting and the throb. You were now looking at the wall. You were not going to break. SHIELD has saved your life so many times before you were willing to die for the organization hear and now.

"You are making this much harder than it has to be," the other man told you chuckling.

"Oh yea? Because this is the only way I see if happening," you sassed him.

"Let's leave her to sit. We will see how she feels then," the other man said as he opened the door and ushered the other man out. You knew they would be back. You knew they would, the question was when.

 You had been sitting there for a few hours, you were exhausted. You couldn't remember the last time you slept. Your head began to tilt off to the side as your eyes slid shut. You welcomed the darkness as you began to slide into unconsciousness.

You jolted awake as a loud airhorn woke you up. You jumped in the chair as you looked around and saw no one. Sleep deprivation. Another interrogation or torture tactic. You stared at the wall. You began to get a big chilly. It reminded you of Loki. It reminded you of home.

You were laying on the couch with your boyfriend watching TV. You were not sure what was on TV but you were watching it nonetheless. You had been with him for almost 1 month. He was still a major mystery to you. You only knew what he told you and Thor refused to tell you about him His excuse was always, 'They are his secrets to tell my lady.'

He didn't know much about your past either. You knew he tried to take over the Earth. But that was it. He would always change the subject when you would bring it up. You were willing to divulge your past if he divulged his. 

You felt his breath even out as he fell asleep. You turned your attention back to the TV. As a commercial came on you turned your attention to your sleeping boyfriend. You felt his body temperature drop. You sat up internally freaking out. You may have a calm demeanor in the field but when you were home showed the full range of emotions. Was this normal for Asguardians? What if it wasn't? Should you wake him up? What would he say if it was normal and you were just overreacting? He was still breathing. You decided to ask him about it when he wakes up. 

You sat down in the chair beside the couch and watched the TV. You could not concentrate on it though. It was in your nature as a spy to be observant. But what if you were overreacting to nothing. You got up and put your hand to his forehead. When your hand touched his skin it was cold. You drew your hand back quickly. This was definitely not normal. You needed to talk to Thor. So, you thew a blanket over him and got up. You left the room; he would be fine if he woke up on his own, he was a big boy. You wandered the halls of the tower until you can to the training room. You found Thor  fighting the Vision. You stood in the doorway and watched them fight for a moment. With punch after punch, block after block. They eventually stopped and Thor saw you. He smiled and walked over to you.

"What may I do for you lady (y/n)," Thor asks you politely.

"I have told you not to call me a Lady. I am far from deserving of the title," you tell him, "But that's not the point. Is it um... normal for Asguardian's body temperatures to get so low when they sleep?"

"No, why would you ask?"

"I was laying with Loki on the couch and he fell asleep and he got really cold. I wasn't sure if this was normal or not. Is he okay? I mean-"

"Lady (y/n), you need not fret. It is not normal for Asguardians, but it is normal for Loki," He tells you calmly. You open your mouth to speak but he cuts you off knowing exactly what you are going to ask. "I am afraid I cannot tell you what I mean. You will have to ask him about that one."

You nodded knowing you wouldn't get anymore information out of Thor. You walked back to the living room to see Loki still asleep. You poured yourself a cup of tea and say in the chair. You were not sure how to approach this subject. It was odd to say the least. Seeming to sense your discomfort and confusion Loki began to stir and wake up. He saw you were sitting in a chair looking at him oddly.

"What seems to be the problem my dear," he inquires concerned.

"You got really cold while you were sleeping. You seemed to be breathing fine. So I threw a blanket over you and went to ask Thor if this was normal for Asguardians. He told me, No, but for Loki it is normal. What does he mean by that," you ask him.

"You are an observant one, I can tell you that." He says sitting up fully. "Very well, you were sure to find out one way or another. I am shocked my oaf of a brother hasn't divulged this information to you yet. I am not an Asguardian, I am a Frost Giant. Odin saw fit to steal me from Jotun during the war between Jotun and Asgard. I was small for a Frost Giant to begin with, I was a runt of my litter per say. Odin took me back to Asgard and raised me under false pretenses of my one day being King of Asgard. I grew up resenting Thor and Odin's favoritism for him. I am sure you have read Thor's file so I will not go into detail about that. I used the Bifrost to try to destroy Jotun. I killed my real father. Then I ended up under Thanos's control. That is why I took over the Earth, and here we are."

You had stayed silent and listened the entire time he was talking. Listening and taking in what he had to say, "Why didn't you want to tell me," you asked confused.

"Frost Giants are not known for their caring nature. They are vile and ruthless and known for their blood lust. I was afraid you would no longer want to be around me once you found out," He told you softly, "Given with good reason, Thor still doesn't trust me one hundred percent, the warriors three do not look my way anymore other than to send threats, even though I have proven myself to fight alongside Thor. I did not want you to join them in this regard."

"Have you given me any reason to think you would hurt me?" you ask him seriously.

"No but-"

"Have you given me any reason to think you would hurt Thor or anyone else?"

"No but-"

"Then why stress. You forget Loki, my job is to judge people and figure them out in seconds. I have dealt with people worse than you, believe me. I am not going to be scared off because you think you aren't worth it," you tell him sternly, but there was a softness to your voice that he could hear. "I am not going to stop caring for you because you had an asshole of a father and was mind controlled to do those things-"

Loki grabbed your face and cut you off. His lips were on yours. You had kissed him before but not like this. This was filled with so much passion and intensity. You began kissing him back. Your hand rested on his chest as his hands still lay on your cheeks. The kiss drew to a close and he rested his forehead on yours. He knew now that you were not just stringing him along. You did not care about his past. You cared for him as he was.

Another air horn went off and you jumped at the noise. You shivered at the cold air. Your wrists were chaffing from the rope they used and it was beginning to burn. The cold air helped soothe it, but not much. You were exhausted, your cheek was still throbbing, the temperature in the room was dropping by the second. You knew they wouldn't drop it enough to kill you or cause hypothermia, but just enough to make you suffer. Unknown to them, the cold was more of a comfort than anything.

  It was the day of your one year anniversary. Loki had an eye on the phone all day long, but nothing came through. He wondered if you had forgotten. The thought of you being in danger crossed his mind but he dismissed it for now. Steve would call her for a status report soon enough.  He was sitting in the living room reading a book to try to get his mind off of you when Steve came into the room looking grim.

"Have you heard from her at all?" Steve asked him.

"No I have not. She told me she would try to call at some point today but she has not yet," Loki told him flatly, "Why do you as me this?"

"Because no one has heard from her yet. No one can put a pinpoint on her location either."

"She is in a HYDRA base is she not? I would think she would turn it off so as to not be seen by them either. It might not go over well to have them find a tracking device on her, now would it?"

"Just let us know if you hear anything. She might be in trouble," Steve says flatly.

"I shall. The moment I do."

 It had been an eternity. You were sure you had been captive for 48 hours now. You were exhausted, but still of sound mind. They gave up on icing your room. Now it was at an uncomfortably chilly temperature. You finally heard someone moving outside the door like they were coming in. You straightened up in your seat. You were not going to be broken, they would have to kill you before you broke.

A man enters the room. You stare at him blankly. He turns around and sees you sitting in the chair. He smiles at you maliciously, "My dear. This is your last chance to tell us about SHIELD before things get ugly," he spoke in a deep nasally voice. He was around 6 feet tall and fairly lanky. 

"If you are here to threaten me you should have brought the other guys back. They are much more intimidating," you snapped.

"My, my, a feisty one are we. I can see why the god likes you," he taunted. You kept a straight face. Your relationship with Loki was not a secret. He was not going to get in your head. "Why would he pick you of all people? A simple mortal girl. What happens in 50 years? You will be old and wrinkly, he will still look the same. Will he still feel attracted to you? You are just a fling to him."

Your face faltered for a beat. He knew he struck a nerve. He smirked at you. You needed to throw him off. Get him off the subject and talk about him.

"See, the thing is? I don't care. He will live a lot longer than I will. I know that and I accept it. Do you not think I contemplated that before getting involved with him," you sassed him rolling your eyes. He smiled at you again. You were not going to be easy to break, but they would break you.

"Would you like something to eat? Drink," he asked you to change the subject. 

"What?" you asked shocked. 

"Are you hungry or thirsty? I doubt you have eaten since you were captured. They are not poisoned if that is what you are thinking," he answered, almost reading your mind, "We are trying to get information out of you, why would we poison you?"

You stared at him blankly. "Cut to the chase," you tell him sharply, "What the hell do you want from me?"

"Not messing around are we? Very well, we want to know who you have on the inside of HYDRA. You were obviously not working alone. We want to know who you have on the inside," He says flatly staring at you.

"I was working alone," you tell him. With that you were slapped again.

"Bull shit. Tell me the truth." You started chuckling as he gets mad.

"What is with HYDRA guys and having girlie slaps?" You tell him with a smirk, "Besides. That is the truth. I was working alone. I know nothing about SHIELD." You were slapped again on the other cheek. You felt the throbbing of your cheeks and them beginning to swell.

"We know who you are. You are an avenger," he tells you acting like he has the upper hand.

"Does that mean I know anything? No. It doesn't," you tell him flatly. You could tell he was getting frustrated. He snapped his fingers and a cart was wheeled into the room. The door was closed behind the cart as they left the room. "You know, I like you. I really do. But, you have something I want. Every time you get an answer wrong of deny me an answer I will hurt you. That's the way this is going to go. Do you understand me. As per your request I will bring back your friends for earlier. Also because I know I am no match for you physically and honestly neither are they. But, they stand a better chance than I do if you get out."

The two larger men from earlier entered the room and walked closer to you. You knew you were going to die today. On your anniversary, you were going to die. You were ready to give your life for SHIELD, you really were. But, you didn't want to die. You kept your demeanor straight though. You would face death bravely.

"First question. What is your name?"

"Why do you want to know that? You already know that," you told him and a crisp slap met your face. You felt the hot sting and throb that followed.

"Answer the question," he ordered.

"(Y/n) (L/n)." You say spitefully. 

"Now, that wasn't hard now was it," he taunts you. "Do you know where they are hiding the Winter Soldier?"

"Who? You ask as another slap crosses your face.

“That’s two strikes my dear. Don’t want to get a third. Now tell me where they are hiding the Winter Soldier.”

“I don’t know who you are talking about.” You tell him.

“Boy’s have at her. You may break bones but not anything vital. We also don’t want her to bleed out,” he tells the other men in the room without leaving your gaze. The two men go to the cart and grab two night sticks it looks like and come towards you.

They first aimed for the legs. The clubs nailed your shins and thighs, you were sure your lower leg had shattered. You muffled your screams of pain. You tried to hold it in and deny them that satisfaction of knowing they got to you. You felt another slap on your right cheek and another one on your left immediately after that. The throbbing continued. They punched your face multiple times and kicked you in the stomach. You felt blood on your face from your nose and mouth but you stayed silent. They continued their beating until they had their fill. Then they rolled the cart out and left. For the first time since you were captured you felt like crying. You felt helpless. You saw no way out of this. Your head began to nod down as you drifted off and another air horn went off.

“Hiemdall. I don’t even know if you are there or can see me but please. Let him or someone know where I am.” You whispered under your breath. You remember Loki telling you stories about Asgard and its people. You knew Hiemdall looked over the Earth and all other Realms and was the keeper of the Bifrost. You just hoped he was looking on you at that moment.

 Loki was reading his book when all the sudden he heard a voice.

“Loki.” A familiar voice called out to him. “She is in trouble.”

“Hiemdall?” Loki asked.

“Lady (Y/n). She was taken by this HYDRA and is being tortured and held captive,” Hiemdall’s voice called out.

“Where?” Loki asked quickly, panicked.

“This Captain of America should know the location of their hide out.”

“Why are you interfering? The Allfather would not like this,” Loki asked skeptically.

“She called out to me. Asking for help. I know you care about her. Despite what the Allfather thinks I am my own person and I can think for myself. This was a decision I made on my own,” he answers defiantly.

“Thank you Hiemdall. I am eternally grateful.” Loki answers as he get up to go find the others. He frantically searches through the halls and corridors of the building.

“May I assist you sir?” the AI calls out.

“Um.. yes. Where are the others?” Loki calls out. He is still unsure of this AI even after a year.

“Tony is in his lab. Natasha and Clint are training with Steve and Thor. Bucky is in his room sleeping and Sam is not present at the time. Wanda and Pietro are watching TV.”

“Thank you!” He said as he took off to the training room. He reached the room in record time and out of breath. Thor looked over to see Loki standing there hunched over, out of breath.

“Brother what is it,” Thor asked making everyone turn to him. Loki took one last deep breath and stood up.

“Captain told me to let him know if I heard anything about (Y/n)’s whereabouts, correct?”

“Yes of course what did you hear? Is she okay,” Steve asked as they all walked closer to him.

“No, Hiemdall spoke to me. She was captured and is being tortured. Do you know where this base is that she is being held at?” Loki spoke firmly.

“It should be the major one in Germany. That’s the one she was sent to,” Steve answered, “FRIDAY, tell everyone to suit up and meet me in the hangar.”

“Yes sir,” the AI answered.

“Brother, she will be okay.” Thor comforted Loki.

“I am not your brother.” Loki said irritated as he brushed Thor’s hand off his shoulder and went to get his stuff and go to the hangar. He just wanted to get you back safe. That was his concern right now.

 You were barely able to keep your eye open. One was already swollen shut. They would be back in the room in a few minutes. You knew that. You were terrified but you would be damned if you showed it.

You heard the door open again. You looked up and saw the same three men as before. This time without the cart. But one of the men had what looked like a red glowing knife. You resisted the urge to struggle and stood your ground and glared at him with your one good eye.

“You have one last chance to tell us what we want to know,” he tells you with a sadistic smile. He already knew what your answer was going to be.

“And I am not going to tell you anything. But, you already knew that. Didn’t you? That’s why you brought that,” you said mockingly as you gestured to the knife in his hand.

“Oh no. This is no ordinary knife. This is a knife that cauterizes the wound right away so you don’t bleed out. You are the first person I get to use it on and now I am excited.” He walks up and stabs you right above your hip bone. You couldn’t help but scream in pain. The heat from the knife was torturous mixed with the pain of being stabbed. You felt tears spring to our eyes, you were so exhausted having not slept in god knows how many days, you couldn’t even attempt to hold them back. Just as he began pulling out the knife an alarm went off.

“INTRUDER ALERT. INTRUDER ALERT. ALL MEN TO THEIR STATIONS. ALL MEN TO THEIR STATIONS.”

“Go.” He barked at the other two larger men. They left the room hastily and you were left alone with him.

“How did you let them know you were here?” He asked you fiercely.

“You are the one who has me on camera 24/7. You tell me.” You snap at him through your teeth trying to mask your pain. He slapped you again and brought the knife close to your neck. You could feel the heat radiating off of it.

“WHO DID YOU TELL!” he shouted at you.

Just then the door was opened. He turned around surprised. You looked and relief flooded your body. You saw the anger in his face as he looked you up and down taking in your injuries.

“I suggest you put the knife down. We don’t want you to get hurt,” Loki told the man.

“And what if I don’t?” He asked defiantly but you could hear a slight waiver in his voice.

“Another voice from behind you piped up, “You will die either way, it is up to you.” You turned your head and saw a Loki clone. The man jumped and turned around not knowing what to do. In his panic, he burned his hand on the knife and Loki then stabbed him with one of his knives. The man writhed and crumpled onto the floor. Loki had hit a major artery and knew he was bleeding out.

Loki turned his attention to you. He walked over and gently cut the ropes on your wrists and ankles. His cold touch soothed the burns on your skin. He came around to the front and held your face in his hands.

“Can you stand up my dear?” He asked you softly.

“Probably not. But, let me try.” You said as he helped you stand up only to catch you as you fell. You right leg was probably broken and could not support any weight. Subsequently the lack of sleep made you very dizzy. You started seeing stars as a major head rush came on. He caught you and helped you stand. You were leaning heavily on him. “I’m sorry I don’t think I can do this, I haven’t slept in days and the bastard broke my fucking leg.”

He wasted no time picking you up bridal style and teleporting you both out of the base and back to the Quinjet. He gently put you down on a cot. Clint was in the pilot’s seat and called out on the radio, “We have her, she needs medical attention, hurry back.”

Clint got up and walked over to you. “We need to try to get her back as soon as possible. Can you try to ice some of the skin around the wounds. Especially that one on her hip.” You felt Loki’s cool hands around your hip. They cut through the heat you felt around it.

“What kind of knife did they use? So, I can alert Dr. Cho,” Clint asked you.

“It was a heated knife. He said it cauterized the wound immediately,” you told him as you felt your eyes try to slide shut.

“We need you to stay awake for just a while longer, can you do that?” You heard Clint say.

“Yea, I can try. I don’t know how long I can hold on though. I haven’t slept in days, I am just running on empty,” you told him. That’s when Natasha, Steve, Thor, and Tony entered the jet. Clint got back to the driver’s seat and they took off. Loki helped his best to keep you awake. You managed to stay awake until you got to the tower. Dr. Cho, was in the hangar with a gurney waiting for you. Loki carried you to the gurney and laid you down.

“You will be okay, we need to check you for internal bleeding.” Dr. Cho told you. The rest was a blur.

 You heard the faint beeping of a heart rate monitor. Your eyes fluttered open and you were met with a bright light. You groaned as you tried to sit up. Your body was so sore.

“Rise and shine.” A cool voice said in the corner.

“How long was I out?” You asked him.

“Two days, but most of it was anesthetic induced,” he told you.

“What is the damage?”

“Two broken ribs, broken right tibia, knife wound above your left hip, busted lip, bruised nose, black eye, and many other bruises,” he told you sadly. Then it dawned on you.

“I’m sorry I didn’t call.”

“My dear, I believe you have a very convincing excuse,” he said chuckling.

“I still feel bad.”

“You have no reason to. It was not your fault. It was smart thinking to ask Hiemdall for help.” He commended you.

“I was desperate. I remembered all those stories you told me about him and Asgard. I thought they were going to kill me.” You told him grimly. He took your hand in a comforting manner. You turned your head and smiled at him.

“Let’s get you better first, then we will celebrate.” He told you softly.

“Okay.”

[paper-blots]

Hello! I came back from my hiatus this month and then didn’t post at all!

I know, I know, I’m that #PerfectBlogger that you all aspire to be.

But this month I actually read quite quite a lot!

I read 12 books and I’M TOO PROUD OF MYSELF. After months of only reading 4-5 books I FINALLY STARTED READING A LOT.

(Maybe it’s because school started and I got exposure to the library?)

BOOKS I READ

            Kat and Meg Conquer the World by Anna Priemaza ★★★★★

The cover slightly makes me cringe, but this book was actually really good! It tackled racial issues and it was so realistic! [review]

Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart ★★★★★

The way this story was told was seriously so unique! I never read thrillers but this was pretty good. [review]

Dear Martin by Nic Stone ★★★★★

HELLO THIS WAS ONE OF MY MOST ANTICIPATED. It’s actually really short (and also I love the cover) and it was mainly about black discrimination (!!!) [review]

Gunslinger Girl by Lyndsay Ely ★★★★★

THE COVER IS SO STUNNING OKAY. It takes place in this crime-ridden city and the main character is really good at shooting! [review]

          Kissing Max Holden by Katy Upperman ☆☆☆☆☆

This was a DNF. The main character was so annoying and there was slut-shaming and NO THANK YOU. [review]

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell ★★★★★

This took place in college and Cath had anxiety and she was so smol and sweet and I loved her! [review]

Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman ★★★★★

This is one of my favorites! The main character is half-Japanese and I could relate with her SO HARD. [review]

Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust ★★★★★

The characters were so complex and I LOVED THEM ALL. [review]

          I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo ★★★★★

MORE ASIAN YA HECK YEAH. The main character is Korean and she watches Korean dramas and I watch Korean dramas?? It’s like we’re the same person??? [review]

Warcross by Marie Lu ★★★★★

EVEN MORE ASIAN YA. This was basically my most anticipated September release because I LOVE MARIE LU. [review]

The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo ★★★★★

Leigh Bardugo is honestly so fantastic at writing and I loved these small stories! [review]

An Enchantment of Ravens ★★★★☆

This was another of my anticipated and sadly, it didn’t live up to the extensive hype! But I didn’t hate it like May did?? [review]

Guys ALL OF MY READS THIS MONTH WERE FIVE STARS (except for two why do I keep on DNFING books?)

Wow this also happened last month I think I’m getting less picky or maybe I just have really good picks?

ANTICIPATED OCTOBER RELEASES

  #gallery-0-5 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-5 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-0-5 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-5 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

(I’ve KIND of figured out how to format a bunch of images in a row? Except there’s no way to link each image to Goodreads or anything, which sucks, but at least it looks fine?)

(Also there are SO MANY October releases I’m hyped for ahhhh.)

BLOGGING HISTORY

Four posts.

(That’s less than last month??!)

Also I posted two reviews in a month SORRY FRIENDS.

I’m going to post more discussions and listicle posts this month!

POSTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO

How Do You Discover Books?

Basically me talking about Goodreads because GOODREADS IS GREAT.

Review: Night of Cake and Puppets

Except I might make this a mini-review because Night of Cake and Puppets is a novella?

Types of Blogging Personalities (+ Shoutouts to my Favorite Blogs!)

To be honest, I started this post two months ago and haven’t had much time to work on it since. I was SO EXCITED for this!

And other stuff…

*spooky music*

THINGS I PARTICIPATED IN

#BooksBindUs on Twitter

I hosted a giveaway, sponsored by the fabulous @SKVetterWrites! It ended yesterday. And the winner was actually Ilsa!

I really can’t think of anything else.

THINGS I CHANGED

BASICALLY NOTHING.

I’ve been trying to post more often?? But also I posted only four times this month so that’s been working out great.

MY POPULAR POSTS

POSTS I LOVED

Ilsa gives us her bookish nightmares and UM RELATABLE?

Aris explains why we should re-read books and I AM CONVINCED NOW.

Marie gives us tips on how to buddy-read (and I SUCK AT IT.)

Dani gives us her TBR of diverse books.

Balie tells us the differences between YA and NA books.

Analee teaches people on how to make book bloggers happy and YES YOU ALL SHOULD DO THIS.

Lia answers questions about aromanticism that you probably wanted to ask but didn’t.

May is back from her hiatus (and all the angels are weeping with joy).

Mikaela wonders if ARCs have a negative influence on bloggers.

MILESTONES

Also I reached over 300 followers this month?? Yay!

First I’d like to thank my family- and also my friends- and um yeah.

SCHOOL

School started this September!

(It started on September 5th and I actually thought it started on September 1st so that was a nice surprise.)

Anyways, funnily enough, I’m pretty sure that I’m going to be posting a lot more during the school year.

B-FEST

There was B-Fest this month! It was my first time going to one, and it was on the same day as the Boston Teen Author festival, so I wasn’t able to go to the Boston Teen Author Festival (but I probably wouldn’t have been able to go anyways).

Anyways, they were giving away Batman: Nightwalker ARCs and I HAD TO GO.

Sadly, I only got there for the second half and I missed getting the Batman ARCs but I still had fun answering questions and playing games. I actually won two ARCs! Zenith and Top Ten, and I am HYPED for Zenith!

Wow extensive YA knowledge actually comes in handy sometimes?

OTHER

One of my status updates on Goodreads got over 200 likes wow I feel so proud.

My little brother and mother went away to China without the rest of us and I WANT TO GO TO CHINA. But also we get to eat pizza and lots of frozen foods.

Wegman’s opened near us! (This isn’t really relevant but I LIKE SUPERMARKETS.)

We also went up to Massachusetts and ate some americanized Chinese food! I LIKE AUTHENTIC MORE. Americanized is so… saucy.

My dad signed me and my younger sister up for a singing group lesson and… we went to the wrong school. And then when we actually went to the right school, it turns out that the main age of the group was around 70. (When I asked my dad, he said the age range was 1-20???)

What happened in YOUR September? What are some of your anticipated reads for October? Did you read a lot of books? Do you like going to supermarkets? Did you go to any bookish festivals?

  September 2017 Blotted Recap // I Tried To Post More Regularly + Read A Lot Hello! I came back from my hiatus this month and then didn't post at all! I know, I know, I'm that #PerfectBlogger that you all aspire to be.

[pope-francis-quotes]

24th January >> (@ZenitEnglish) #PopeFrancis #Pope Francis Caritas Youth Put Faith Into Action at World Youth Days #Panama2019 #WYD2019⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠ #JMJ2019⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠ #PopeinPanama

Caritas Youth Put Faith Into Action at World Youth Days

‘It is fantastic and at the same time humbling to see how these young talents willingly and inspiringly put their abilities to good use at the service of the most marginalized in the communities.’

Caritas young leaders from across Latin America and the Caribbean, England, and Canada gather in Panama to participate in the 34th World Youth Day. They are Caritas leaders in volunteer coordination, peace and reconciliation, campaigning and emergency response, and together they share a common desire to promote faith in action. Young people from Cáritas Panamá welcome the group and accompany them through some of their most engaging projects.

Denia Manguelis, lead coordinator of the Pastoral Social-Cáritas Panamá said, “It is fantastic and at the same time humbling to see how these young talents willingly and inspiringly put their abilities to good use at the service of the most marginalized in the communities.”

The group visited Fundacion Casa Hogar Buen Samaritano, a care home for people affected by HIV. “The relationship we have built up with those we support has become an enriching addition to the lives of all involved, including our young volunteers,” said Fr Patrick Hanssens, Director of Pastoral Social-Cáritas Panamá.

The group met Analee, a 20-year old Panamanian woman who arrived at the center two years earlier pregnant and with HIV. At that time, she explains, the law obliged pregnant women with HIV to terminate their pregnancy. Her doctor told her that she would lose her baby if she did not start treatment immediately. With no resources but a strong faith and determination, Analee could finally afford to go through her treatment thanks to the center. Today she is the mother of a two-year-old girl.

Asked about what she would like to say to the pilgrims arriving in Panama for World Youth Day, Analee promptly answers that “connecting with others and cherishing their presence in her life has made a world of difference. We are all vulnerable and having people who love you makes you feel like starting all over again.”

Caritas young leaders also visited Pastoral de Movilidad Humana, a refugee center that assists migrants and refugees in search of a more dignified life.

Jorge Ayala, responsible for the running of the center, explains some key facts and figures about migration in Panama. He encourages people to have a proactive interaction and meet halfway “at a human level, where we all belong, so we understand each other better.” Caritas young leaders and migrants from the center share their stories and exchange posters and photos from Share the Journey, Caritas global campaign on the culture of encounter.

The group still has a week-long program ahead of them. The program provides a space for reflections and inspirations on how together young people of Caritas can make a positive and lasting difference in the world.

24th JANUARY 2019 16:19WORLD YOUTH DAYS

[theimaginesyouneveraskedfor]

Forgotten Vows XXI

Chapter 21: Home [Finale]

Yeyette strained against the rope at her waist, pulling the sledge alongside Twig as he sniffed at the snow. Rather than carry Manette down the mountains, she had opted to have her sit with their belongings on the sled though it had made the weight too burdensome for just the wolf. As an elf, she barely noticed the drag but every once in a while, the vessel would catch and she would have to dislodge it with an extra tug.

It took them two days to reach even ground though they met with slopes as they headed for the capital. Yeyette was still unsure if she would receive welcome there after she had disgraced her family but Legolas had mentioned that her mother was looking for her. Regardless, she could not keep running, not if she wanted to keep her daughter sane. Seeing Legolas so crazed and alone had shaken her and made her fear that she would drive Manette to the very same.

If she was not to be welcomed in the capital, she knew at the very least that her family could not turn away her daughter. She was blood and innocent of any crime. The thought of leaving Manette pained her deeply and a lump formed in her throat as she contemplated truly doing so. She had fought to keep the girl safe for so long, she could not simply abandon her. She tried telling herself that the girl would be well kept and that she could not do as much for her child as her family. No, she would not leave her daughter. She couldn’t. She was all Yeyette had.

As they came upon a cave opening in the base of the mountain, Yeyette looked to the trees not far away. Through the forest was the shortest path to the city gates but it was a gloomy one. As they neared the edge of the mountain, Twig stopped in place sharply and his ears pricked as his hackles raised with unease. Yeyette’s breath caught as she stilled her feet and placed a calming hand on the wolf’s back, quieting his growls before they could fill the air.

Her elvish ears honed in on the faint sound of near silent footsteps. They were the same as her own, lithe and with the grace of her species. Likely, she had stumbled upon Niqeth rangers but an unknown feeling told her otherwise. The unseen presence set within her a storm which made it difficult to even think. She slowly untied the rope from her waist and turned to Manette who watched with concern from the sled.

Yeyette held a finger to her lips and signaled for Manette to remain where she was as she carefully edged towards the other side of the mountain. She kept near to the rocky overhang and peeked around as she held her breath. A tall elf with broad shoulder looked around himself as if sniffing the air, though it seemed he had the same odd sense that she had. It had been so long since she had seen her brother that it was no wonder that they did not know each other’s auras.

“Ciaran,” She stepped out from behind the stone giant, “What are you…Oh, Ciaran.”

She had lost all restraint as she saw the recognition dawn on her brother’s face and she ran forward to wrap her arms around him. When they had been children, they were as close as any siblings and he had been the only to try to keep her from Mirkwood though he knew he had a duty to his kingdom. His strong arms returned her embrace and she was shocked by how burly he had grown.

Yeyette released Ciaran and held him at arm’s length, admiring him as if he was a memory come to life. Why, he was as big as their father and his beard just as thick. Or perhaps it was the spectre of her father come to haunt her. He was too real for that. She confirmed that as she squeezed his arm tightly and struggled to move her lips into words.

“Yeyette, we’ve been looking for you,” His voice was brittle, “For so long. We thought this was just another dead end.”

“We?” She assumed he spoke of whatever party he had recruited for his search but his tone alluded to someone she knew.

“Mother, she is with me, just back at camp,” He explained and now he clutched her shoulders as if she would run away from him, “Where’s, uh…” He looked around and his expression fell, “Ahem, where’s the elfling?”

“How did you–” Yeyette began before furrowing her brow as suspicion rose, “She’s safe, never you worry, but how do you know of her?”

“Your husband,” He answered plainly and yet there was an evasiveness to him, “We know you didn’t just runaway because you were unhappy in your marriage.”

“I was coming home, Ciaran,” She smiled at him as she let her misgivings fade, the nostalgia of her past overtaking her, “If you would have me, that is.”

“And let you get away with father’s sword,” He glanced down at the coveted weapon with a grin, “Well, do I get to meet my niece then?”

Manette straddled Ciaran as he carried her on his back and she bounced with excitement as he sang a song in a deep voice which reminded Yeyette of their father. Yeyette remained to the rear as she pulled the sledge alongside Twig who had taken almost as fondly to her brother as her daughter. It surprised the princess to see the wolf so friendly and thus it was his next sudden change of mood which had her wary. As they neared a clearing among the tree, the beast began his former growls and tried to break free from the sled as he sniffed furiously at some unsettling scent.

“Oi, what’s with that hound?” Her brother ceased his singing and looked over his shoulder, “I like him but if he’s gone rabid…”

“He’s not rabid,” Yeyette argued and she felt as unnerved as the wolf, “He’s only got a wolf’s keen sense.” Her mouth stiffened as her mistrust was confirmed and she knew who waited just beyond the treeline, “You tricked me, Ciaran.”

“I told you mother was with me,” He shrugged as Manette held onto him cluelessly, “You never asked about anyone else.”

Further discussion was curtailed as Ciaran began to sing again and hop around so that Manettel giggled and they stumbled into camp where a large tent had been erected and several Niqeth guards stood waiting. The sound of the king’s song brought movement from the tent and Queen Thea appeared from behind the flap, her chest rising sharply as she saw Yeyette. Slowly and with an air of numbness, she crossed to her daughter and touched her face softly as her son’s voice finally ceased.

“Yeyette, oh my wonderful daughter, so beautiful,” It was the only time outside her father’s death that Yeyette had seen her mother cry, “I never thought I’d see your face again.”

“Mother, you know that Analee was always the pretty one,” The princess smiled weakly and embraced her mother with a suppressed sob, “I missed you, too.”

“I know, dear,” Thea sniffed and pulled away, her eyes lingering before looking to Ciaran and the pale head peeking out from behind his, “And this must be your daughter.”

“Manette,” Yeyette supplied as the girl shied away, “Come on, Manette, say hello to your grandmother.”

“Grandmother?” The girl’s thick brows crumpled, “That can’t be, she’s a queen.”

“Can’t a woman be both?” Thea challenged as Ciaran set the girl down, “Now step closer and let me get a look at you.”

Yeyette watched as her mother twirled the elfling around and smiled as she felt her soft hair and knelt to tell her how lovely she was. Despite her wariness, Manette chuckled before clinging to her uncle’s leg and trying to hide behind him once more. Yeyette was kept from further enjoying the reunion as the same chill crawled up her spine as only moments before. She looked over reluctantly and saw just outside the tent the very figure she had sensed among the tree.

Thranduil stood with his eyes on the family, his shoulders straight and arms crossed. His blond hair hung down his back as flawlessly as ever and he waited patiently for his introduction. Yeyette sighed and grimaced at her mother and brother but they were too distracted by Manette to care. She detached herself from the others and made her way towards the Mirkwood king with a frown upon her face.

“I told you to stay away,” She sounded as fierce as Twig who was circling the camp with hackles upright, “What do I have to do to live my own life?”

“Is that truly what you want?” He challenged though his voice was not so steely as it had once been, “Tell me, Yeyette, that you never loved me. Tell me and I’ll go. Forever.”

Yeyette remained silent as she looked into his silver-blue eyes and saw in them a vulnerability which had not lain there before. Even in their most intimate moments he had never looked so naked as he did then. She tried to remind herself of why she had fled and the trap he had snagged her in. He had taken her life, her reputation, and her family. Yet, her bitterness was no shield against her own heart.

“I…can’t,” She shook her head and turned away, hiding the single tear which trickled down her nose, “I can’t be with you. You are my husband’s father…and—it would never be allowed. I am disgraced. Scandalized. Worse than that woman who Legolas shamed me with. All that would be laid upon the shoulders of my daughter.”

“Our daughter,” Thranduil corrected and Yeyette heard movement but would not turn around, “Even if we’ll never know, she’s mine. I know it because she is yours.”

“Please, don’t,” Yeyette covered her face as she held back sobs, “I won’t let you hurt her.”

“Did I ever hurt you? Once?” Thranduil wondered as he sounded as if he had been stabbed, “Elvish tradition is the same in Mirkwood as it is here…Marriage is not so strict as that of man. You and Legolas, your marriage was dissolved by rule of law the moment you ran away and the elves of Mirkwood, they’ve seen greater scandal than a princess committing adultery.”

“It’s not enough, Thranduil, it cannot—” Yeyette turned but almost tripped over her own feet as she found Thranduil knelt before her on his knees.

“I’ll give it up. All of it. For you,” He took her hand in his as he stayed on the ground, “The throne, the palace, all of it. I’ll be a pauper for you. I’ll live with you in these Mountains and if you say no, I won’t stop. I can’t stop. Because I love you more than life itself and without you, what more is life than death.”

“Thranduil, I…” She choked on her tears as they fell without restraint, her hand shaking in his as she tried to fight the voice which grew louder in her head.

You love him, it said, don’t be a fool.

Yeyette fell to her knees involuntarily as all strength drained from her body and she collapsed against Thranduil as he wrapped his arms around her gently. She breathed in his scent and it brought her back to all those years ago, when he first laid with her on the forest floor, to the nights she crept away from her husband to be with him, when he sent her secret glances over the table; to those days when she was happy.

“Promise me you’ll protect her,” She pleaded into the shoulder of his robe, her leggings soaked through from the snow, “That’s all I ask.”

“As I will you,” He assured as his fingers brush across her bound curls and his other hand came up to lift her chin, “Until the end of this life and the next.”

“Take us home,” Yeyette whispered as she looked up at Thranduil, her lips hovering close to him, “All I ever wanted was to be home.”

She closed the distance between them and kissed him with all the years they had lost between them. His fervour was even greater as his arms held her tight and he pulled her closer until they toppled and fell into the snow. Neither noticed as they were blanketed in each other’s warmth. Nor did they notice the eyes of a dozen elves as they watched the scene with amusement; the guards with their subtle glances, Ciaran with a devilish smirk, Thea with content, and Manette with the shock of a child. All they knew was they had found each other and they were never letting go.

[agermanbetweenscots]

The Interview

So mum and me arrived in Kassel Wilhelmshöhe on 5th of July sometime in the late morning. I just got reminded that the interview was around noon, but being the proper Germans that we are, we of course were trying to be there as early as possible.

As we stood there, waiting to the tram to arrive that would take us to the hospital, out of the corner of my eye I saw this blond girl, with dark framed glasses, long-ish hair and a backpack stand there with us, entering the same tram. She seemed a little nervous, confused and somehow as if she was going to the exact place as me. She stayed in the tram with us, every stop we let pass by, she let pass by until my mum (god bless her) just straight up asked her whether she was also going to the selection days. She did. The name was Pauline and even though you always feel very protective and closed-off before an interview (maybe that is just me), I loved seeing how normal she looked, how similar. It was nice having someone with me, trying to find the building and to sit with.

Also: Get prepared to meet Pauline over and over again. As I am not sick of her yet - you won't be either.

Finding the building in which the selection days were to happen was a little confusing, I think that we took a very roundabout way but because of our early arrival we were still very early.

We entered the building, were greeted by lots of other applicants sitting on chairs in a circle and older years. We grabbed a name badge and sat down, making small talk with the people sitting left and right from us.

I remember feeling so out of my comfort zone. And it wasn't even nerves for the interview but the entire situation.

I remember the people I was speaking to all seeming so wordly - I was asking a couple of people (I think one of them was Nora) about where they are from. And whenever you ask that and get an answer that is longer than 1 or 2 words, they immediately feel to international. This people all started with "... well I was born in ...." and this just made me very aware of how different these people were.

The selection process was threefold:

1) An interview

2) A group task

3) A writing task

The interview was awkward - I remember feeling very inadequate and not listened to. Every time I wanted to bring something up that I did previously (my degree, my time as a paramedic) I only got to hear a "we know". My interview was held by David (our genetics teacher) and a female doctor from the Klinikum. Also in room was a girl from the older years - who hs asked whether she could be present in my interview. I would not say that I had much choice in saying no, nervousness and wanting to just get it over with ruined the 'informed consent' I think - but I would have said yes anyways. I always appreciate having people in my room as I feel somehow safer. It was very interesting to go through this interview, however as I immediately forgot everyone's name. I only retrospectively remembered David through lectures now and because I would see him again in the tram leaving Kassel later that day.

The group task was to discuss a potential smoking ban on the hospital grounds and we should discuss this. This was such an interesting experience. We all were so kind to each other, trying to a) show the interviewers that we were really nice b) demonstrate that we have thought of a variety of arguments (for and against) and c) still go out of this experience as the best (we all wanna get accepted after all). Here, I remember Suveni, Nora and Pauline being part of my group. And its was a lot of 'that's what I wanted to say' and 'no, no, no you go!'. I was quite happy though because, when we all packed up to leave and went out the room, I felt comfortable enough to joke with the selectors/interviewers 'let's go for a cigarette break'.

The writing task was the last thing I had to do on the selection day - it was the last thing any one of us had to do. At it was just me and Pauline in the room, across from each other, scribbling away on the pieces of paper - having to think about a time where we encountered medicine I think. I just rambled on about my paramedic experience and the MANV on my first day and how overwhelmed I felt and how it inspired me to do medicine in the first place. Knowing me, the essay probably turned out like a sob-story, very introspectively and very wordy. (After all, you've read this blog...).

After that, they day was done. I had passed and done all the tasks and could go and pick up mum from the foyer, where she had sat down with a coffee and the Süddeutsche Zeitung. I said goodbye to Pauline, the one that stuck with me throughout the day (because she had to, not by choice haha). I remember telling her good luck and hoping we would meet again in September. Little would I and her know where our journey would take us. She offered me a drink and talk, but back then I was thinking very differently about my experience. All these international girls had made me very nervous, made me feel like there was a sense of unattainability, as if this course was very far out of my league. So I am unsure what I told mum about my experience but I don't think I said many good things.

After I had told my mum and eyed Suveni out of the corner of my eye, who was also being picked up by her parents in the foyer, me and mum where ready to meet my cousin/mum's godchild in a really nice bagel place. I remember my mum asking whether I wanted to tell Analee about my day - and how much we should discuss my 'ordeal'. I did not want to though. So we had a very nice late lunch/coffee with Analee, discussing everything and the world.

On the way home, mum lost her jacket in the train (she keeps bringing up this fact randomly... must have been some real trauma for her), dad picked us up in Goslar and the stress fell off of me.

Thank god that day was over.

[kansascityhappenings]

At least 17 metro brides lose hundreds of dollars to no-show hair and make-up artist

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — At least 17 brides, some out more than $500, are upset with a metro hair and make-up artist who has earned a reputation as a no-show on wedding days.

It was only after Miranda Reeves booked the stylist back in March for her October wedding that she started seeing the negative reviews.

“I keep seeing more reviews like, ‘Do not book with her. She did not show up to my wedding,'” Reeves said.

She had already paid $500 to stylist Annie Devol of Annie Devol Artistry. She was supposed to do hair and make-up for Reeves and her four bridesmaids.

But weeks before her wedding, there were serious signs of trouble. Devol was difficult to get in touch with and never showed up at trial hair and make-up session at her home.

“I tried calling her through Facebook, and no one answered,” Reeves said.

Three hours passed before Devol called Reeves to explain.

“She was crying. She was upset,” Reeves said. “She said her phone was acting up. Her wallet was stolen, all these crazy things.”

Reeves was worried about whether Devol could be trusted to show up on her wedding day, but Reeves didn’t have enough money to hire someone new.

When the big day came, Devol was no where in sight.

Annie Devol

“She never arrives, never texted, nothing,” said Reeves who has asked for a refund but doubts she’ll ever see her money again.

Then there’s bride Jailene Whitaker.

“I really don’t care about the money,” said Whitaker who paid Devol $100. “I just don’t want it to happen to any other bride.”

On Whitaker’s wedding day, Devol was supposed to arrive at 7 a.m. to do her hair and make-up. Devol was a no-show.

“I was very upset,” Devol said. “I didn’t know what I was going to do.”

FOX4 Problem Solvers tried repeatedly to talk to Devol. She never answered the door of the Kansas City home she’s renting.

We did, however, reach her by phone. But she wouldn’t answer our questions, insisting she was about to take a shower and we needed to call her later that evening. We did. She didn’t pick up the phone. Devol, however, texted us the next day.

She blamed her multiple no shows on bad record keeping. She told us she planned to repay every bride, but wasn’t sure when.

In many ways, Devol appeared to be in hiding. Several of her clients had no idea where she lived or even had a cell phone number. Their only contact with her was on Facebook.

And Devol has a lot to hide.

She used to go by the name Analee Roche and has been convicted of multiple drug offenses, according to court records. She completed her last sentence in 2016.

Despite a troubled past, former clients said Devol is a talented hair and make-up artist — when she shows up. Instead, she appears to be sabotaging her own career, they said.

“As of two weeks ago, she was still meeting with clients,” said Melissa Blayton who is also a bridal stylist.

Blayton and her staff have stepped in multiple times to help brides left stranded by Devol, including Whitaker and Reeves.

“I don’t want to see brides suffer and miss out on what is to be the most important day for them,” Blayton said.

“She did fantastic, and she was awesome with all my girls,” Reeves said.

That’s all Reeves said she wanted, someone to trust with her hair and make-up. That’s exactly what Devol was paid for but never delivered.

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/2019/10/22/at-least-17-metro-brides-lose-hundreds-of-dollars-to-no-show-hair-and-make-up-artist/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2019/10/22/at-least-17-metro-brides-lose-hundreds-of-dollars-to-no-show-hair-and-make-up-artist/

[crossed--fates]

✘

Munday Asks

✘ People come in a group. If I were to look on your blog, who would I see you interacting with the most?

[You can see I already have tons of threads with @clivedoveplblog, @ultimateitako, @psyncin-in-the-restrain, @silenthcwl, @fourminutesbefore... There’s a lot of people here I consider my close friends and I even need to interact with them a bit more! Like Milo and all his thousand blogs sjkahkf, @taiyodoroki, @aptlyattorney @guilty-love, @itsgottabethebutz and so much more! I love all of you guys!]

[crossed--fates]

ok hi ana lee. if u could simp for any other character other than yomiel (obvs) who would it be. /yes its me, dolly, i want to reveal ur secrets >:3/

[ Yes, I do have other ‘husbandos’ and I can reveal I also simp for Anakin Skywalker (Star Wars) and Arthur Morgan lmaooo ]

[crossed--fates]

OH MEU DEUS *GRABS YOU* ESTOU TÃO IRRITADO COM VOCÊ ESTOU FALANDO OUTRA LÍNGUA *SHAKES YOU* ANA LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE - MAD DOLLY

*EVIL LAUGHTER* WAIT TILL YOU GET TO CHAPTERS 14 AND 15, IT GETS BETTER!!!’

[crossed--fates]

Munday interpretation meme

Anonymous sent:  ✎ 

What do you wish the author would reveal/had revealed about your muse?

[EVERYTHING about Yomiel is a mystery honestly. More about his backstory would be nice, but then, I had enough bad experiences with canon material about character’s backgrounds, so maybe AT LEAST SHOW FIANSISSEL AT THE END? Reveal her in some way? Alma made an appearence, so why can’t she? SHE’S A CENTRAL CHARACTER IN YOMIEL’S ARC DAMNIT #justiceforfiansissel]

[crossed--fates]

@aptlyattorney​ sent:  if you're still doing these? 🐉

[Since I already drew Yomiel and Sissel as dragons, have a dragon Polly xD I chose to make him an oriental dragon because of the Defiant Dragons and the Khurainese culture =P]

[crossed--fates]

Send ✍️ And I’ll Draw Our Muses Together!

@soupervillainpotage​ sent:  ✍️

Shard & Gio

It’s villain time

[crossed--fates]

Song explanation time

@ultimateitako​ sent:

🎵 

World So Cold - Three Days Grace

I feel numb I can't come to life I feel like I'm frozen in time Living in a world so cold, wasting away Living in a shell with no soul, since you've gone away Living in a world so cold, counting the days Since you've gone away You've gone away from me

OKAY, I SAID I WOULD TRY NOT TO USE MY OVERUSED TDG SONGS BUT LISTEN, THIS ONE IS REAL GOOD OK??? The first part is quite obvious. “I feel numb” cause like, he’s dead, he can’t feel. “I can’t come to life”, cause, y’know, he’s dead. “I feel like I’m frozen in time.” Literally. His body is frozen in time, thanks to the meteorite shard inside his body.

“Living in a world so cold” could be both literally and figurative. Cold in the sense that he’s dead and he’s eternally “cold” and cold in the sense, a world without Sissel is a cold, cruel world. She is his warmth, but now she’s gone.

“Living in a shell with no soul.” LITERALLY! He calls his body a “shell” in the game (really TDG? Guess they’ve been playing GT too and made this song for Yomiel ksajdh) and technically, his shell has no soul since his soul was torn apart from it the moment he died. He’s merely possessing it.

“Living in a world so cold, counting the days, since you’ve gona way, you’ve gona away from me.” That part mostly refers to how much he misses Sissel and how much his world is cold and sad without her.

I'm too young (I'm too young) To lose my soul I'm too young (I'm too young) To feel this old So long (so long) I'm left behind I feel like I'm losing my mind

This is also self-explanatory, but like, Yomiel feels like he’s losing his mind (and he really is) in his loneliness and that he feels like he’s too young to lose himself (his soul) and feel this old.

[crossed--fates]

Munday interpretation meme

@clivedoveplblog​ said:  ☯ and/or ✘ !~

☯ Is your muse liked or disliked by fandom? Does this affect your portrayal?

[That’s something we talked about a lot, Dana. Honestly, I’m surprised at how unpopular Yomiel is as a character. When I first saw him, I thought: “OMG he’s so cool! A villain with a redemption arc, he must be by far the fandom’s favorite” seeing how people usually love these kinds of morally gray characters however, when you look at the active fandom now, you can see most people just write for Jowd/Cabanela/Alma and/or Lynne/Missile/Kamila. You barely see any material regarding Yomiel and the biggest proof of this is when you look at the public requests for this year’s Ghost Swap. I’m the only one whose ALL requests are about Yomiel and/or related to him. Not that I dislike the other characters but... It surprises me how unpopular he is compared to other popular villains/anti-hero characters in other fandoms. Perhaps there was a time where Yomiel was more popular, a time where I wasn’t active in the fandom, but right now he is mostly being forgotten in favor of the other, more morally “good guys” ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. ]

✘ Any unpopular opinions about your muse? 

[I guess not? Well, Yomiel is already unpopular in the fandom as I told in the previous one so I don’t really know]