#black main character

[ebby-bebby]

This you sign to go read the That Time I Got Drunk and Saved A Demon 📖 🩷🐉

[status-quo-book]

My Book: Status Quo

If you voted for “its a start” you gotta tell me what to change or ill cry. :((((

[biandlesbianliterature]

June always brings a deluge of recommendations of LGBTQ books, but often this coverage is very white. In this list, I want to highlight some of the Black authors writing swoonworthy adult F/F romance novels.

Reading Black Joy: 27 F/F Romances by Black Authors

[brownandblackpearls]

🦇𝒯he  𝒱isitor (Alucard Tepes x BlackReader) Pt.7

PART 7 SUMMARY:

You and Alucard traipse from town to town together...until trouble strikes in the form of claws, fangs and delayed vengeance. With you left shaken and marked, your host isn’t keen on letting you back out of the castle anytime soon. Normally, this stifling limitation would annoy you...but Alucard has been spending more time with you, lately. Getting closer and closer...

...perhaps being stuck in the castle isn’t so bad, after all?

─── Alucard x black female reader

─── imagery + fiction

─── explicit smut

─── Fantasy, vampires, hurt/comfort, enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, magic user, cute bats, gardening, cooking, cottagecore MC, castlecore Alucard.

☾ previous. ☾ next.

┌───────────━┿──┿━──────────┐

└───────────━┿──┿━──────────┘

The next chilly morning, true to his word, you and Alucard make your way down to the garden to gather the harvest.

You’ve switched into a road dress, not wanting to let the nicer gowns that Alucard has conjured for you go to waste. Your hair is bundled up in a scarf neatly behind your head. You’re wearing gloves, ready to work. Alucard makes his way over to the garden and leans down, showing you how he intends to prepare the harvest to take into town.

“This is how we’ll wrap them. Watch closely...You see? Show me.”

He is watchful at first, instructing you on how to bind and rope the packaging just so. It is to keep any of the stock from falling to the wayside while you’re both on horseback, leaving a trail of produce behind you. 

His eyes are as sharp as ever, framed by lowered, dusky blonde lashes as he takes in your handiwork. The low rumblings of his voice give constructive critique, and you manage to avoid any accidents under his gaze. You wonder what he thinks of your hands briefly, before refocusing on the task.

You’re curious now, finding his instructive personality to be a much calmer one than his default. He seems so sure of himself here in the garden, and less walled off. Prepping vegetables is clearly something he had learned prior to your visit (as unseemly as it seemed to be for someone like him), and it is something he seemed more than willing to teach. Alucard seemed like one who liked to learn, now you thought of it.

Soon after, you wait as Alucard spirits away. He reappears with Brutus at his side and together, you prep the saddlebags before mounting the steed and taking off into the woods.

You lean back into Alucard as you watch the tree leaves speed by overhead, the feel of hooves stamping and thrumming through you both. The sound is rhythmic, soothing, and the smell of the green fills you. Alucard’s cologne mixes in with it, his hair beating against his back, with stray locks falling past your shoulders. It is still cool, yet the heat of the horse and his heavy riding gear warms you both. 

You sigh, realizing.

‘I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,’ you think.

Eventually, you arrive in town and it is lively. You sell everything, making a good profit. You know it isn’t needed, but it is nice to have something to do. You talk to vendors and merchants, your tongue wagging in conversation and your mood feeling light.

‘No,’ you readjust. ‘It’s not in the woods I want to be. Perhaps here? This town? But there’s nothing special about it…’

Currently passing by a stand of jewelers while in thought, one of them reaches out to you, giving you pause. You look into a wrinkled face.

“Yes?”

“A necklace for you, girl? A ring, an anklet?”

You stare at the wares, considering. You’re not here for jewelry you remember, though they are pretty.

“I couldn’t, but thank you.” You say.

“Oh, but you could. What a lovely dress you have on. Never seen one like it.”

You look down to your dress, another that arose from the depths of Alucard’s inventory. It is simpler in comparison to what you know him to have from the clothes you’ve seen this far.

“Thank you,” you say.

“Did your husband gift that to you?” the jeweler inquires, gesturing over your shoulder. You follow their gaze and realize they are looking at Alucard across the stalls, across the road itself. He is kneeling near a tavern wall, gifting coins to some street children, an old woman or two huddled beside the shadows of the building. 

He does not realize you are looking. He doesn’t know you are watching him give what you’ve both earned away to those that need it.

You find yourself surprised. You thought that Alucard ignored most of the world outside his castle and his surroundings. He could certainly afford to. Someone like him would never need to understand or empathize with the destitute and the ill. The human.

And yet there he was. 

“He’s…not my husband.” you find your lips saying to the merchant as you continue to watch Alucard.

“But you came into town with him.” The voice is suddenly sharp. You turn to look and see the merchant appears oddly hostile.

“What concern is it of yours?” you say, retreating a step back.

“Nice dress,” the merchant spits. “He is finely dressed, like you. He gives money away like water. Your skin is clear and dewy. You want for nothing. It’s in the way you move. Slow, measured. You can afford the jewelry. You can.”

You find yourself turning to go, yet the offending seller follows you down the line of stalls.

“Are you a mistress? A hanger-on? Does his wife know? How shameless of you, to parade around like this. The things young ladies do for money, these days.”

Your temper gets the best of you. By the time you feel it, it is too late.

You turn around and crowd in on the seller. Their eyes widen, understanding very quickly that the dynamic has changed. They take a step back. You follow.

“Go on, do slander me. Great sales tactic, I’m sure your wares fly off the shelves, the customers love it so much! And not that it’s any of your fucking business, but do tell me; how you would know anything about what I do and why?”

���...Why else would an unwed woman be out and about with a man so blatantly—”

“ —I could be anything, you bint. I could be a mercenary with a partner, a scholar with a professor, a diplomat with a guide…is your mind so small that the only thing you could conjure is an escort? Even if I was, I still wouldn’t buy your jewelry…you insult me, and you insult him. I won’t have it.”

“Is there a problem?”

You and the seller turn to find Alucard towering over your shoulder.

“No,” you and the seller say in unison, one out of fear and one out of dismissiveness.

Alucard gestured to the gems in the jeweler’s hands, plucking a shining necklace from the bunch easily. The jeweler tremored a bit, looking between you both.

“Ah, sir...your wife was simply looking at my wares. Pretty things for a pretty thing.”

Alucard holds the necklace up beside your face then, not answering the seller. He doesn’t refute or explain, only watches you. You watch his eyes take you in alongside the gem before he seems to make a decision. 

He clutches the necklace back into his grip and hands some coins over to the seller wordlessly. The seller mumbles their thanks before shuffling away, seemingly disbelieving that they made a sale after such a torrid argument.

Alucard dangles the necklace before you. “Do you like it?”

You frown. “You heard what they said to me.”

“I heard you defend our honor.”

“Is this a thanks for that?”

“This is because I want to.”

You pause then, a bit taken aback. 

“I suppose...it’s pretty,” you try.

Alucard situates behind you, fastening the necklace to your neck before clasping it together.

“Then,” his breath warms the back of your neck, “I suppose it’s yours.”

Together, you continue through town, the necklace on your neck. The gem weighs against your sternum and you wonder if other people are noticing it, noticing the two of you.

You are too nervous to inquire further on it.

Soon enough, the day’s dealings are done. On the way back home, you find yourself liking the woods once more, and then the castle itself upon the return home.

Home.

Ah.

‘I want to be where he is,’ you realize.

Yes. That’s it.

Alucard stalks up the steps before turning to you, curious.

“Coming?”

You find yourself smiling, not quite sure why. He also seems taken aback by the sudden expression.

“Yes. Let’s go home.”

───────────━┿──┿━──────────

Every other week, the two of you venture into different towns for supplies. Sometimes you go with hooded shrouds, other times you walk freely out in the open. Sometimes Alucard takes you into the nearby towns, and sometimes he steers Brutus further out. You have a feeling he has a system on how he navigates the outside world, a system that keeps eyes off of him and keeps nosy townsfolk from tracking his identity. 

You love the trips. You love seeing other people and conversing with them, you love shopping through the inventory, you love getting the little bit of sun left in the chilly weather and you love going there and back with Alucard. He is like a patient specter…whether right next to your side or not, you have a feeling that he keeps his eyes and ears on you at all times.

It is during a return from another town, that something amiss happens.

───────────━┿──┿━──────────

You’re riding in a wagon this time as Alucard directs Brutus, hitched and pulling the wagon along. It brings with it some new items, and a few things for you to use. You both could have went without any of it, you understand, but the socialization in bartering and trading was well worth it. It keeps the castle from feeling stifling, at times. You find yourself looking forward to return to it.

Brutus stops suddenly, rearing back a bit. Alucard’s eyes sharpen as he looks out into the forest, clearly hearing something. You watch him turn his head this way and that.

He calls your name. “__________, stay in the—”

You feel something drop into the wagon behind you, knocking things aside and pulling up close to your back.

It is not a warm presence. It is ice cold.

A hand grabs you roughly by the hair from behind, forcing you to bear your neck. You shriek in pain, unable to hide it. The shriek breaks into a gasp as you feel something sharp at the front of your throat, barely catching a gleam of the attacker’s blade.

Your head is wrenched so far back by the fist threatening to yank out your hair, that you can’t even lock eyes with Alucard. You can only focus on the trees lining above and try not to wrestle too much so that you don’t cut your own throat. 

‘This is very different from the last time I looked up like this,’ you note uselessly. ‘Let me understand who we’re fighting before I try anything…’

You quickly try tapping into other senses. You can hear two others drop nearby, on either side of the wagon. You can smell the scent of old blood and grime. 

Alucard doesn’t make a sound, doesn’t say a word. Brutus settles.

The one holding you at knifepoint laughs, their belly bouncing against your back. You feel sick.

“Little prince,” the one behind you calls. His voice is thick, like the seafaring folk of the north. “We heard the king is gone. Thought you were too. Guess it got mixed up in the letters.”

‘Vampires,’ you understand, putting it all together.

The breath rolling off your attacker smells rancid and you wince. Your captor notices, yanking you again and earning another whine out of you.

“Don’t like that, do you? Here, have some more—ah, ah, ah, little prince!” you feel the knife burrow a little closer in your skin, barely cutting it. “You’re fast, yes you are! But my knife will be faster. And your pretty little livestock will not recover from a blow like this. Hold your place.”

It is silent then, and another heavily accented voice from the side chips in.

“They say our leader never returned from your father’s castle,” it spits. “Where is Godbrand?”

“It seems,” Alucard clips in a low, threatening manner you’ve yet to hear yourself before, “you already know. What did you come for?”

“Godbrand,” they state again. “You will take us to him.”

Alucard laughs then, low and mirthless. “An army came and went. A rebellion began and ended. Where have you three been this whole time?”

You hear hissing and shuffling about. 

“Give her to me,” Alucard says, “and I let you live.”

The one behind you laughs again, curdling your stomach with the smell, the cruelty. 

“This isn’t a bargain or a trade, boy. Have you gone insane? Look at all this shit,” he kicks something in the wagon aside, “Cabbages! For a bloodsucker? Ha! You’re a trader now, Prince? You play merchant and house with this human whore? You, who can fly across nations, teleport through realities, and shapeshift into anything...taking this piece of shit wagon in the woods?”

The man spits and you pray it was to the side and not in your hair. Fucker.

“You sicken me! Weak. Your father would rattle to life if he knew what you were up to with those talents, wasting them for pussy. Like father, like son I guess.”

You can see the woods darken from where you are. You can spy the treetops begin to shroud in dark clouds. The air feels heavy.

Something is coming.

“You do not know my father,” Alucard says. “And as you said yourself…just like your pissant leader, your king is dead too.”

You shiver at the boldness in his statement, afraid of the knife slicing across your neck in retribution. Is he even thinking of you? But you hear it then…the vampire behind you…his breath hitches. You are saved from the foul smell. 

The vampires are afraid, you understand. Alucard knows this.

You decide to use this moment. You feel behind you for the vampire holding you hostage and try to focus the energy from your core. Sparks fly between your fingers and it is enough to jolt the assailant. You use his surprise to lean back into him, away from the knife and staggering him to the side.

It is the wrong move. The vampire simply uses inhuman strength to get you right back where he wants you, hands gripped in his fist behind your back and your neck under the blade. You’re both gasping from the struggle, but now with the vampire’s grip twisting your wrists instead of your hair, you can see Alucard and the others.

Alucard is closer, now. Just before the wagon, almost. His eyes burn into you before focusing on the attacker. You have never seen them more animalistic than that first day you met.

“See? Fast,” the assailant behind you sing-songs again. “But not faster than the knife!”

The other two vampires draw in behind Alucard, who pays them no mind. The one behind you tightens his grip on you. You feel your eyes begin to traitorously well up, all the emotions running high from this dangerous situation and frustration from being unable to reach Alucard…safety…who is just out of arm’s reach.

“What’s so special about this one?” the vampire asks, nudging his face against yours tauntingly. His beard leaves a burn behind that you despise. “Can’t be what’s under the dress. Those are all the same. Maybe it’s the blood?”

You feel a tongue lathe at your cheek then, and groan in disgust as you try to inch away without running towards the knife. It’s impossible, and you’re trapped in the game of cat and mouse.

Alucard’s eyes darken even further.

“I think,” Alucard begins, his voice steady and his footsteps backing slowly away from the wagon, “you abandoned your posts. I think you felt that you could slither back from where you came without Godbrand…only to find others like him, who would rip you apart for your cowardice. You thought by coming here you would spare yourselves from that...”

The darkness grows so heavy that you can hardly see. Alucard’s voice is the only thing that can cut it.

“...You should’ve let them rip you apart.”

“Oh-ho…now I know she must taste divine, for you to act this way,” your trapper calls, before he foolishly moves the knife from your throat and uses it to cut at your dress in a quick move. Your dress’s front opens and your sleeve is harshly moved aside, sharp teeth sinking into your shoulder. Before the teeth even puncture, you hear something sharp ring through the air.

It all happens so fast, you can hardly catch it. 

A long sword erupts at your side, running through your assailant’s head and missing yours by inches. The vampire pulls off of you to shout, dropping his knife, and you lunge forward and away. You hear his screams warble and croak off behind you. 

Another vampire leaps to grabs you up by the shoulders, yanking you off the wagon entirely. You feel his hands get ripped away from you as you hit the forest floor harshly. You’re quick to stand, swaying in confusion and adrenaline before trying to flee. Alucard and another assailant visualize before you, weapons swinging midair before they vanish once more. It’s almost as if you imagined it…but you can still hear the battle echoing around you.

'Fast,' you understand, turning back and ducking under the wagon.

Too fast for a human to run away from, likely. You don’t want to get in Alucard’s way while he disposes of these ambushers.

You hear clangs and hisses, shouts and bodies hitting the forest floor. Soon enough, it is quiet. You see Alucard’s boots materialize in front of the wagon.

‘He’s here,’ you think.

You crawl from under the wagon and before you can even move to stand, Alucard’s hands pull you up and draw you in. You clutch the front of his blouse tightly, squeezing into him and the cradle of his arms.

That was scary. You don’t want to go through that again. Now that Alucard’s here, it’s alright. 

You peek past his hold and spy a leg on the ground. Just one, nameless leg.

‘Right then. He took care of things.’

He pulls you back, his grip firm. His eyes rove over you as his hair flies astray, made a mess from the fight.

“Are you hurt?”

You look up to him to speak, and find yourself voiceless.

The ride back to the castle is a blur for you. The bodies of the vampires are left long behind and Alucard is sure to let the wagon roll over them on the disembarkment.

You sit in front of him instead of in the wagon, his arms tight around you.

Once at the castle, he makes quick work of unholstering the horse and stabling it away. He unloads the wagon. Then he finds you, still standing amongst everything, waiting for him and lost in your thoughts.

You’re guided through the castle in silence, the arrival to your personal bathroom harkened by the loud steps on the floor.

Alucard runs the tub’s faucet, steaming water jetting out. You sit aside, looking straight ahead and pawing at your neck, feeling the puncture marks and frowning.

Alucard looks at you then, stepping over to lift your hair aside, gazing at your bruised neck.

“Will I turn…?” you rasp.

“No,” he murmurs. “Their intent was to feed. Not to change.”

You feel the tears then, and sniffle a bit before looking down at the floor. Alucard lowers his hand before brushing a few of the tears away. His thumb, his touch, is not cold like theirs you realize. 

It is anything but.

───────────━┿──┿━──────────

The trips come to an end, abruptly.

After the attack, you find that Alucard is unwilling to return to town anytime soon.

You’re annoyed, but you understand why. He’s borne of an immortal creature, somewhat like a demigod on Earth. Trouble like what you faced on the road before is not hindrance to him. 

It’s you.

You’ve picked up your skills, but you still feel shaken after those vampires got so close to you…literally close enough to taste. It scared you then and it rattles you now.

He buffs up the insulation for the stable and prepares bedding and blankets for the animals. He takes cuttings from the garden to inventory in dry storage, there for future use while the Earth’s soil freezes over for the season.

Not long after, the snow begins to fall and frost begins to set. 

It is terribly beautiful from the castle. You can see the forest spread out far and wide, the treetops painted white and the snow falling easily. The stone of the castle keeps you warm from the elements, able to enjoy the beauty from a perch you weren’t always able to use.

You can almost remember the feel of trudging through thick snow like that, nothing but boots and cloth. Like a true adventurer. 

You feel a bit nostalgic.

‘What am I missing…?’ you wonder.

One day, he catches you staring out the castle windows at the snowy grounds below.

“Don’t fret,” he assures, interpreting your expression to be woe. “Spring will return soon enough. It may be safer to travel, then.”

When you don’t respond right away, he comes nearer and looks out the window with you.

“You’ve made your way through the library, I would assume. Nothing left to peer over?”

You think for a moment, your thoughts taking a while to gather as you take in the snow.

“Are you reading something at the moment, Alucard?”

“I am.”

‘I am lonely,’ you realize.

Yet, your host is right here. Perhaps he could help solve this dilemma?

“Can I read with you?” you ask, your voice softer than intended.

Alucard pauses a moment, clearly surprised. “With me...?”

“Yes,” you say. “With you.”

“I…” he looks at you for a long moment before nodding slightly. “Where would you prefer—”

“The parlor,” you decide. “In front of the fireplace.”

You head to the parlor together, quiet through the halls. Soon enough, you enter one of the many throughout the castle. You often wonder why this one is favored for Alucard, though you’ve never drawn it upon yourself to ask why.

You find you quite like it yourself. The colors are warm, the books rise high against their glassed cases, the fireplace is grand and warm, and the rugs and throws are divine. The settee is of a more soft material than the other leathered furniture in the castle.

It is softer, here. 

You sit easily in front of the fireplace, on the fur rug before it. It is clean and cozy for a floor, a far cry from the floors you’ve both sat and slept on in the past during your travels when an inn was out of the question. The fire crackles loudly as you settle, thinking back on the days before you were housed, your vagabond adventures.

You sigh contentedly and watch the fire, your dress swaddling around you as you settle. You don’t even notice your host until he is beside you, holding out your current book.

‘So he still tracks me,’ you think amusedly. “Surely my reading habits cannot interest you this much?” you jest.

Alucard ignores your teasing before taking his own and seating himself in the chair next to the rug. It faces the fire, the glow warming you both.

You watch as he takes off his jacket and vest, hanging them aside and relaxing in one of the simpler white blouses he sometimes dons. He palms open his book and begins taking in the story before him.

You note how rigid he is. 

‘Is he nervous?’ you wonder suddenly. As far-reaching as it is for someone like him, you feel as though he is. Maybe all this time, he wasn’t disgusted, but instead unsure of what to do with himself.

‘Hopeless man.’

“Relax,” you insist, tugging at his nearest leg beside you. He pauses in the chair at your touch, but you do not relent. You smooth a comforting hand down his calf casually before pulling away easily. “There’s no reason to trouble yourself with whatever is rattling around in that head of yours. Let the fire warm you. Relax.” 

You relax on the rug, one hand on the floor and the other flipping through your book as you read.

“Are you quite comfortable?” he asks suddenly.

You look up, watching Alucard watch you. You nod, smiling before looking back to your book.

It is a warmer feeling now than it was by the window, and though the fire helped, it was not the cause.

You find yourself toeing your shoes off and curling into the carpet, watching him watch you.

'Enough of this.'

You go over to him and his chair before seating yourself on his lap and curling up on him in the chair, book in hand. You feel his body turn like stone underneath you, but you choose to relax further, opening the book as you lay your head on his chest, curls tumbling down his front.

It is quiet for a long time, and you sigh comfortably before sinking back into your story and relaxing on your host. He unfolds inch by inch before finally unclenching himself all the way through, loose and easy.

He does not ask that you stop. He does not say a word. You hardly think he's breathing at this point.

You smile. 'Now was that so hard...?'

Alucard's hand suddenly reaches over to pluck the book out of your grasp before putting it aside; he then touches the underside of your jaw.

"What are you doing?" he murmurs at you. It's not a question, not really.

"Whatever I want," you reply easily, meeting his gaze. "I know that's probably fascinating for someone as straight-edge as y—"

His lips are against yours before you can even finish the sentence. His hands tangle in your hair, fingers unable to run through and clenching at your scalp instead, directing you. He leans you back as he leans forward, eager to seemingly sink into the very being of you.

He's never been this forceful with you before. It has never felt so good.

Your eyes draw closed against it, a whimper escaping you before you kiss back eagerly. You don't know who started with tongue but you're both pursuing it now, chasing one another down as the kiss continues into something more heating.

'He doesn't taste like blood,' you think. 'He tastes like wine.'

You hear the fireplace crackling at your side, the fever of the flames against your skin, the rustling noise of your dress against his clothes, and more than anything...you feel the hot, iron handprint of his touch at your waist, at your neck, at your shoulders, on and on the touching continues.

He pulls back, rasping words escaping him.

"You don't know what you're asking for," he begins, stroking at your waist as he eyes your mouth, fighting himself not to kiss you again. The words are bitten out, barely restrained.

"I'm not asking anything," you say, repositioning yourself in the chair to straddle him. "But if you show me...? Then maybe I'll ask nicely. Just for you."

───────────━┿──┿━──────────

AN: Do not under any circumstances copy, repost, or edit any of my work. If you see someone do so, please let me know.

☾ previous. ☾ next. 

☾ check my blog for more imagines

[ayeyolooo]

My giant!

PLEASE READ THE WARNING BEFORE INTERACTING!

Warning: the ‘n’ word will be used. The reader is BLACK. she’s thick and TALL. It’s a short story🥲. OH! and please excuse my grammatical errors <3

Miles 1610!

Miles came from up under your shirt and rubbed his eyes. “Look miles.” You said turning your phone over at him. You showed him the video.

“Can we do thisss?” You asked looking down at him. He rubbed his eyes. He continued to rub his eyes as he didn’t respond to you. “M sorry whatchu said? Cause when I rub my eyes ion hear what nobody be saying.” He said with a chuckle.

You laughed. “I was wondering if we could do this TikTok.” You said with a smile. “Of course of course he said standing up and yawning.

He held his hands out for you and you took them. “Thank you lil nigga.” You snorted. He side eyed you. “Y/n don’t start..you’re like 5 inches taller than me..” miles said mugging you. “So but who’s taller?” He just sucked his teeth.

“Cmon bruh let’s do the TikTok.” He said sliding on a shirt. “Okay.” You laughed. You handed miles the phone as you two did the TikTok. It ended off with miles hugging you and tucking his head into your chest. You just smiled up at the camera and the video ended.

“Ouu I wanna seee.” Miles said bringing your hands down so that he too can see. “We ate ate ateee.” You said doing a little dance. “Mmhm.” He said watching the video over and over. He loved your height. He loved how you lowered down to him when you kissed. He loved the way you helped him grab things from the top of the refrigerator. He just loved everything about you.

He loved your little pudge, he loved your arched feet. He loved your curly hair, that shrunk every time you washed it. He loved your big brown eyes. He loved your childish like attitude,he just didn’t know what he’d do without you.

“You heard me miles?” He looked up from his daze and looked at you. “Hm?” He asked. “I said,do you want to lay back down.” He nodded. “Yeah” he smiled childishly. You just shook your head laughing as you walked to the bed and laid back down. Miles quickly did a dancey dance before climbing ontop of you and tucking his head back up under your shirt. He sighed in relaxation as you wrapped your arms around him.

“I love you so much y/n.” He said sticking his head out from the top part of your shirt and pecking your lips. “I love you more my baby.” You said cooing in your attractive voice.

��HELPPP SHES SO FINE.’ Miles thought to himself as he smiled into the kiss. He tucked his head back into your shirt and played with your necklace that sat on your neck.

You played with Miles’s hair, playing with the little baby hairs on the back of his neck and just massaging his head. He sighed once more before dozing off to sleep. You fell asleep right after.

[mundanemoongirl]

As a black reader/writer I feel compelled to talk about Legendborn and Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn. I also want to hear what other readers think of the series and to see if I’m not alone in the way I feel about it.

I picked up Legendborn two weeks ago and finished it before the week was even over. It was everything I wanted in a book. A black main character, a magic system based on legends, a romance with a guy who is actually nice. I dove in Bloodmarked immediately and I have never been more disappointed in a book. I haven’t even finished it yet that’s how disappointed I am.

Spoilers for both books below

Bloodmarked stripped Legendborn of everything I liked about it. I mean, I loved the beginning and it felt in line with the first book, but from the second Bree escapes from the regents, it feels like a different book.

I first started feeling something was off when William, Alice, and Sel told Bree that she had to go into hiding. We had such good development from the beginning of the book—Bree is king but isn’t treated like one then Bree is finally treated like a king and starts making decisions for her people. Then we regress back to Bree is not treated like a king. Such a big deal was made out of the argument too. Bree said they were shattered, but then…everything is fine a page later. No one brings this up again.

The second thing I noticed is Bree’s friends told her she had no time to train then immediately search for someone to train Bree. I tried to give this the benefit of the doubt and assume they meant they had no time to train her while searching for Nick, but they had time to train her in hiding, but more inconsistencies kept happening.

When the gang went to the Crossroads Lounge, this is really when I felt Deonn lost the plot. We are damn near 35 chapters into this book and Nick hasn’t been found. My man was Kristoff’d. Most of the characters from Legendborn don’t exist anymore. Even new characters like Lark disappear and don’t seem to have any importance. Bree has learned nothing about controlling her powers and somehow seems weaker than in the first book. Remember, she defeated Vaughn. She punched through a hellfox. Now she needs now be rescued at every instance.

It doesn’t even feel like it’s written by the same author anymore. There is no plot. There is barely any mention of Bree’s mother, which was her driving force in the first book. And now a bunch of new, unneeded stuff is being added in.

I feel like everything about the lounge, Valec, and the other aether users could have been a spin off book without Bree. This series was supposed to be about camlann coming, which I guess waits for Lancelot to be ready.

Back to the inconsistencies. After William, Alice and Sel made such a big deal about how Bree is such a damsel and will die if she doesn’t go into hiding, the second Nick is in danger they’re like “ok bye Bree”. This one nearly took me out. There isn’t even a discussion about it. They just changed their minds for absolutely no reason.

I don’t get why Nick even told Bree where he was because when she first spoke with him he begged her not to find him because it was too dangerous. Guess he changed his mind for absolutely no reason too.

I again nearly lost it when Valec finds out that Bree is king. He not only said the pendragon was not welcome, he insinuated he would kill Arthur’s scion. He was so serious…and then said nothing when Sel, who was previously intent on keeping Bree’s identity secret, tells him she’s the king. Not one word about it. The only thing he does after is help her.

The part that made me stop reading entirely is when they said Bree was bloodmarked. First of all, don’t change canon like that. We saw it happen in Vera’s memory, why are you acting like we didn’t. Second of all, I don’t see what the point of doing that was. To me, it feels like it undermines what Vera did. Like yeah, Bree actually isn’t powerful as the product of racism, it’s because of a demon.

Don’t even get me started on Bree’s relationship with Sel. I knew from the first time she met him that the author would force them together, but I prayed the entire way she wouldn’t fall for such a stupid cliché. I was so happen when I saw the chemistry between Bree and Nick and thought I was mistaken, but now I feel worse about Bree and Nick being together. Because why would you have her kiss him for a second later to be swooning over Sel. It feels less like a love triangle and more like emotional cheating. I hate it.

I also hate how every ya author feels the need to make the girl end up with a guy who repeatedly hurts her instead of the one who treats her like the goddess she is. What are we trying to teach young girls?

I could say so much more, but in summary Bloodmarked feels more like a poorly written excuse for a love triangle than the black empowerment Legendborn was. Legendborn stood out among the crowd and it felt like something I needed. Bloodmarked is like every other ya fantasy and makes me wish Legendborn was a stand alone.

But I don’t know. Is it worth it to finish it?

[ahungeringknife]

Posting original stuff for the first time always feels like the top of a roller coaster just before the drop for me :,D Info links are all at the bottom

====+====

The Zealous Servant | 1 | No place like home

====+====

If not for the feeling of his stomach in his throat Spayar wouldn't have even noticed when they came in for a landing. Two rows ahead someone threw up in a bucket and he was glad they'd waited until they landed. The small cabin started smelling like vomit almost immediately and several of Spayar's old platoon-mates started giving the person a hard time. They thought flying was bad they wouldn't have lasted one week in their platoon!

Before it could get too rowdy or a fight break out the doors were opened and the two flighters who'd brought them here started directing everyone out. Spayar got up and was out the cabin quickly to get out into the open sky. He'd seen it was gray skies from the window in the cabin and now landing the clouds seemed even lower than usual. He went over to the waiting area for his luggage with the rest of the passengers. It was already covered for the year for the rain. On the landing pad the two wyrms were stretching their legs from the flight and one was already starting to curl up like a sleeping cat, its bristles and razor scales and spines laying flat so it looked like a smooth dull gray stone. Porters were running around the back of the cabin, a aerodynamic cylinder with a couple of portholes and two doors, unloading the luggage.

A man he'd served time with knocked shoulders with him, "So you coming back for more fun, Hillsman?" he asked.

"As delightful as losing my gag reflex was-" he paused when the he laughed "- I have other civil work to do."

The man nodded slowly. "That was a dumb question, Fanger," another platoons-man said to the older man. She was Spayar's age. "Spayar's d'aelar to the Prince. You're lucky the Prince didn't pull rank to pull him out sooner." Spayar grimaced. She didn't have to say it so loudly as now some normal passengers were looking at him. It was too early in the morning for him to have to look dignified. He did square out his shoulders at least.

"Right. Forgot that. You talk way too normal to fit in with those stuffy nobles," the man clapped Spayar on the shoulder hard.

It's almost like I'm educated and know when it's better to dumb myself down, Spayar thought but didn't say. "Have to bring them down to my level sometimes," he said with his best charming grin.

"Hillsman?" one of the porters called as they'd brought the luggage from the back. He slipped out from the man's grip and collected his luggage, a back pack and a small carry trunk. He saw the faded buoyancy weave on both items put on there before the flight to keep the weight down and just reconnected the threads. The bag and trunk immediately weighed a third of their normal weight. He picked up the trunk one handed after slinging the pack over his shoulder and walked off the landing platform and down to the post office below.

It was busy already at the Central Office but mostly of postal people, the odd flighter boredly waiting around for their daily trips, or the bustling blue dressed messengers. A few people already were in line to send their mail. He paid none of them any mind. He just wanted to get home.

There were taxis waiting outside the post office after an air travel landing. He just took the first one, a petty cab pulled by what looked like an ostrich if not for a face like a rat and lacking any feathers and was instead brown furred and covered in a smattering of black and dark brown spots. The driver sat astride it while Spayar loaded in. "Where to, fella?" the driver asked.

"Synnerstock street, number sixteen, out in Bellringer," Spayar said and gratefully sat in the taxi.

"Roger," and the driver urged the Pol'cobb forward and they were off at a good speed joining the mostly foot traffic of the city in downtown Assarus.

The trip out to Bellringer was not short and Spayar just leaned back in the taxi and watched the city fly by. He hadn't been home in two years while serving time but everything seemed more or less the same. He'd have to feed the birds as soon as he got a chance. He'd kept in touch with his friends and accomplices via letter or Seeing spell when he could manage but there were some things you didn't want to talk about over something like letters or spell that could be tracked or spied upon.

"Can we go through South Garden?" he asked the driver as they were leaving the downtown area and it looked like the driver was about to take the longer, if more scenic, route along Riverside and Tradesmen.

"Roger," the driver said and took a different street. Spayar thought South Garden was a pretty neighborhood too. Lots of hanging flower baskets or grow boxes in their windows but the cramped quarters of the houses prevented those who lived here from having proper gardens. The awnings here over the street were more colorful than the ones downtown and caused the light on Spayar's dark skin to cast it into different glows.

Entering Belringer was obvious as South Garden's streets were winding but Belringer had been laid out by strict city planners. The roads were neat and straight and there was more room for gardens for the homes, more breathing room for the inhabitants.

"Thirteen was it, fella?" the driver asked over his shoulder.

"Sixteen," Spayar corrected.

"Roger." The taxi came to a stop a few moments later. "This place?" the driver clarified.

"Roger," Spayar said and climbed out of the taxi. He pulled out his wallet and paid the driver and once he'd removed his luggage the driver kicked the pol'cobb off again and they were trundling down the street once more.

Spayar looked at the building he'd been left in front of. The front was a workshop and store front of his father's and behind was a large two story house with a large connected garden hidden by a high wooden fence. The front door was through the garden unless he wanted to pass through the shop front and he really didn't.

Much to his annoyance the garden door wasn't locked. He remembered always scolding his siblings about making sure the door was locked when they left or came home. He bet it was Duren, or maybe Anora. She was the more forgetful of the Hillsman siblings. But it benefited him today as he didn't have to fish his key out and entered the garden. It was full of late summer growth and early autumn sprouts, some tended to in neat rows and others left to grow more wild.

He locked the door as he headed for the front door. It also wasn't locked. He walked right in and Spayar was greeted by the smell of his mother's cooking from the kitchen where he heard her moving around and probably making a mess of things. She was a good cook if not a very tidy one. Spayar closed the door softly and went around to the three quartered walled kitchen. She didn't notice him at first.

At least he thought she didn't. "Duren you just had breakfast, lunch isn't for a while yet, go back to helping your father," she said in her sweet accented Feylian, not looking at him. Spayar smiled to himself. She thought he was his little brother. Spayar hoped he hadn't gotten as tall as Spayar was already.

"I would but Duren's not here," Spayar said giving his mother such a fright she nearly threw the spoon she was using to tend to whatever was on the stove.

Relora spun and let out a cry. Spayar grinned when his mother rushed over and gave him a great hug. She felt slight in his arms when he hugged her back. She was saying something excitedly in Dirnine but Spayar hated to admit he had trouble following. "Let me see you my sweet," she proclaimed in Feylian and stepped back to take his face in both her hands.

"Amma," he said with a tired smile looking at her. She was a dark skinned Dirinnan with a few freckles on the sides of her face and around her temples framing sea glass green eyes. Her forehead was high and her long black hair was pulled back in a neat single pleat and then pinned into bun on the top of her head. Specific scars decorated the middle of forehead of a vertical straight line and two lines curved against the straight parts. Spayar didn't know the meaning of the scars but his mother usually touched them when she prayed. She said something in Dirnine. "Amma, I forget," he complained.

That made her laugh. "You've only been gone two years, Junior," she said, her teeth white in her smile.

"I'm a dumb foolish boy though, amma," he whined.

"Oh, my poor foolish mazuk," she said and fondly patted his cheek. She kissed him on the cheeks and between the eyes. "You just arrived?"

"Yes. Took a flight from Fort Fetari here in the predawn."

She frowned, "Isn't that dangerous."

"Mail wyrms fly in the dark, amma, it was fine," he said hoping to alleviate some fear. "I want to get some sleep before lunch? Before I have to get to work," he sighed.

She laughed softly. "And you work so hard, Junior," she said gently. "But try to take a few days off hmm?"

"I'll see how long I can avoid the Prince then," he told her like a secret and she didn't look impressed by that at all knowing such a thing was impossible. "I'll get that nap in at least."

"Alright. I'll have Duren wake you for lunch," and she hugged him one more time. "You can tell us all about your time served over lunch."

"Sure," he tried not to groan. He would much rather forget it if he was honest.

She let him go and Spayar scooped his trunk back up and went upstairs. Down the hall his door was opposite his sister Calli's and he could hear her in her own room. He went into his own room. It was as he left it. Bed made, things organized and put away, everything filed where it was supposed to go. His bookshelf was orderly and his mother had come in here a few times to refresh the room as there was no dust and it didn't smell like old cleaning. Two windows let in mid morning light despite the curtains and made the room very bright. An old mobile of the solar system hung from the ceiling in the corner. He set the lightened trunk and back pack down and went over to mobile. Lightly he reached up and touched the fifth planet on the mobile and connected an old weave on it. He half expected it to have faded but was pleasantly surprised it was still there. He didn't know why. Tassa had made this weave and she was the strongest weaver he'd ever met.

While nothing about the room changed it got considerably darker in the room as the magic sprang into life over the windows as an invisible spider web, not allowing as much light in as before. Perfect for when you wanted to take a nap during the day or if you were hung over from the night before and the suns were just too much.

Spayar didn't even bother taking off any of his clothes except his boots, coat, and belt before face planting onto his bed with a groan.

He was woken by a small, dense, body throwing itself onto him. He started awake as arms wrapped around him. "De-de, time to wake up!" Duren cried at the top of his voice making Spayar's ears ring.

"I'm awake," Spayar said with all the affection one would have for a problematic isopod. It wasn't that he didn't love his baby brother he just did not love being jumped on.

"Amma said it was time for lunch," Duren said brightly.

"So I surmised," Spayar said and tried to sit up, impossible with a small child clinging to his waist. "Duren-- we can't go to lunch if you don't let me go."

"But I like hugging you," Duren said looking at him with the same green eyes their mother had. "I missed you."

Spayar softened despite his desire to be annoyed. Duren had gotten bigger since the last he'd seen him, both taller and wider. He had to be what, seven? Eight? He thought it was eight. Still chubbier than a normal eight year old with baby weight. He was cute so Spayar didn't mind. "Yeah but I'm hungry. Aren't you? Working with dad doesn't work up an appetite? I should tell him he's slacking-

"No! We work a lot," Duren insisted and climbed off Spayar. Spayar got up and didn't mind when Duren grabbed his hand. "You didn't come through the shop," he said as Spayar left his room, Duren in tow. He didn't hear Calli in her room and figured Anora was at school.

"Doo'suvf talks," was all Spayar said, speaking of their father. "And I wanted to come home and sleep."

"Hmph," Duren wasn't impressed and Spayar let go of his hand so they could walk down the stairs. Duren trundled down the steps two at a time, hopping off the final three steps, "Amma! I got Junior," he proclaimed.

"Duren I've told you not to jump from the higher steps," Relora scolded Duren who pouted at her, puffing up his cheeks and lips. "It's dangerous, you could hurt yourself."

"But I didn't amma," Duren said.

Spayar left his mother to scold Duren and wandered towards the dining room and-

Sitting next to his sister was someone very out of place in a family home of dark skinned Dirinnans. Or it would have been if Von hadn't spent most of their childhood sneaking out of the Palace to come have meals and sleepovers at Spayar's. "You," he pointed at Von sitting next to Calli.

They both whipped around at his voice. Von pointed right back. "You. What are you doing here?"

"I live here!" Spayar cried and Calli giggled into her hand. "What's your excuse?"

"I was in the area," Von said with that annoyingly handsome smile of his that made him like a sunbeam.

"Lemp's ball sack you were," Spayar said and sat across from Von at the table. Vondugard Le'Acard was Spayar's best friend and the most beautiful man he'd ever laid eyes on. All fair golden skin and hair with the most intensely cerulean eyes he'd ever seen. When he smiled he had dimples and wore his hair at a fashionable length around the top of his ears with a long front fringe that today he had pinned back with a gaudy silver unicorn rampart clip. Spayar didn't usually go for white guys but Von was an exception. As he was with everything. He was also a Crown Prince of the Alliance.

"He always comes and has lunch with us on Siscest," Calli said thoughtfully, rightfully snitching on him immediately.

"Since when?"

Calli just shrugged. "A while? Probably since your presence was missed in the Palace."

"I get no peace with the two of you together," Von said, hand to his forehead. Calli giggled. Calli looked a lot like Spayar but took more after their mother than their father with a high forehead, graceful nose and delicate hands. She was also lighter skinned than Spayar like their father. Spayar got Relora's nearly eggplant dark skin while Calli was simply a rich deep brown. They both also had their father's black eyes. Duren was the only one who'd gotten Relora's green eyes. She and Von were the same age and he was suddenly reminded that meant they've both start their own time served this year.

Duren joined them then, sitting next to Spayar and flopped his head on the table, thoroughly chastised by their mother. "You never mentioned you visited so often," Spayar said to Von.

"Was it so important? You know writing long letters bores me," he said dismissively. Calli giggled again.

"Yeah well I--!!" Spayar ended in a yelp when he was nearly lifted, seat and all, up into the air from behind. "Doo--im, stop," he complained to his father who had enveloped him and was kissing him on the face. How utterly embarrassing.

His father released him with a deep laugh and patted Spayar's shoulder hard. "You snuck around the side then, Junior?" he asked.

"I'd rather die than let your apprentices see you do that," Spayar said, deadpan. Spayar Senior was a handsome man with a shaved head and was growing his beard out for winter. Spayar knew his father could look incredibly intimidating but when he smiled, like now, it was utterly charming and disarming. He wore a sleeveless shirt that showed off his wide shoulders and strong arms covered in scars too imprecise to be anything but weapon wounds. Spayar looked a lot like him except Senior's face had a more firm jaw and a wider mouth. He was missing a few teeth but had replaced them with gold making his smile flashier than even Spayar's.

"Ah but it is my job to embarrass you as your father," Senior said with a charming smile that Spayar could mirror, his accent less pronounced than Relora's.

"At least wait until after lunch," Relora appeared with a pot of rice and Spayar perked up. He hadn't had rice while serving time.

Senior said something in Dirnine Spayar parsed out as something like 'yes, my beloved' and was more horrified at how bad his home language was just after two years serving time than he was at his parents being lovey dovey. Senior sat at the head of the table as Relora went back into the kitchen and brought out a full baked goose stuffed with grains and vegetables from the smell.

"Now where is Anora, school should have-

"Amma, dooim, I'm home!" the front door crashed open when the last Hillsman child came home from school for lunch hour.

"You come here willingly every week?" Spayar asked Von over the commotion of Relora sweeping over to Anora who was excitedly talking about school. Spayar had to put up with this because he loved his family but Von was the crown prince.

Von just smiled his beautiful smile. "It's much more fun than having lunch with my sister." For a moment his face turned brittle but only because Spayar knew what he was looking for.

"Which one? The idiot or the bitch-

"Oooh, de-de that's a bad word," Duren said next to him.

"Junior," Senior said like a warning even as he was carving the goose.

"It's not bad. It's just a grown up word and I'm a grown up now," Spayar said and stuck his tongue out at Duren who did the same to him, making an extra gross face as he did to make Spayar snicker.

Anora and Relora arrived at the table with Anora being a whirlwind of excited voice and hands. She was talking to Relora non-stop even as Relora got her into a chair. She looked a spitting image of their mother with a lower forehead and Senior's dark eyes and skin. Her long wavy hair was done in braided pigtails today. She was completely oblivious to Spayar and Von at the table as she started talking to Calli next. Senior put some goose and stuffing on Spayar's plate.

"Are you just staying for lunch?" Spayar asked Von while three other conversations were happening. It was a pretty typical meal for the household and for Dirinnans and cross talk was to be expected.

"We could hang out," Von said as he was served.

"I need to feed the birds," Spayar scooped some rice onto his plate.

"Right. I forget you do that."

"You talk to our friends?"

"Everyone's still alive if that's what you're asking."

"Tassa around?"

Von grimaced. "I dunno. You know she isn't fond of me."

"I think you underestimate her," Spayar said casually. "Is she?"

"I haven't seen her. We don't run in the same friend group."

Right, you two don't talk unless I'm around, Spayar thought with an internal sigh.

"-- Junior? Have you been here the entire time?" Anora suddenly asked him.

He looked at his little sister. Middle child with way too much energy. "Yes," he said patiently.

"And you just sat there!"

"You were talking to Calli- oof," he grunted when Anora hugged him tightly. "Uh-huh," Spayar said when Anora started talking to him rapidly about school and math. Spayar was the only one she could talk about math too since he was the only one in the family any good at it other than her. Not for the first time he reminded himself to talk to Senior about getting her an apprenticeship with an alchemist. She was old enough. He was only half following though as he scooped lunch into his mouth, giving indications he was listening. Anora rarely wanted a full conversation, she just wanted to tell you about what she was excited about and she was excited about many things.

Anora had him captive the rest of lunch and he half listened to everyone else's conversations while keeping up with her telling him about algebra. Calli and Von were having a pleasant conversation about Calli's new job she was starting this week at a watch maker, the last one she'd had at a florist had fallen through. Senior was talking across the entire table to Relora in Dirnine that Spayar was vaguely aware was about work. Senior was also talking to Duren about what they'd be doing after lunch.

He was so glad to be home.

Von was sitting on Spayar's bed while Spayar was digging through his carry trunk. The sounds of the city outside were dampened and even the light seemed faded and diffused in the room as the purple sun of the mobile glowed softly with magic. The room was effectively sealed from outside viewing, hearing, or scrying by all but the most powerful magic users. Von was leaned back casually on one hand waiting for Spayar to find what he was looking for.

"You really going to feed the birds today?" Von asked as Spayar found what he was looking for.

"Mom wanted to go shopping. I volunteered," Spayar said peeling back a final layer of clothes. It was a simple locked box about the length of his forearm that he picked up and put on his desk. There was no key hole or any sort of actual mechanism to open it, where a key hole would be just a solid piece of metal. To open a safe box like this you needed to be a mettalurgist. It just happened metal ran in the family. Needing no spell or weave Spayar smeared the solid iron down from the lock opening and released the lid from the bottom. He opened the box and pulled out a letter in a sealed envelope from among the items inside. The envelope was sealed with magic that would also make them explode should someone not the intended person open them. The intended person being Spayar himself.

He opened the envelope. "From Councilman Milo Theron," he said as he handed the paper inside to Von. He closed the safe box after.

"Who?" Von asked as he took the papers.

"Sinso's friend in Galinsum," Spayar said as Von unfolded the letter. "Councilman, very high up. Sinso was working on something in secret along with trying to figure out the perfect formulae to make someone vomit on command," he ended with a sigh as Von started reading.

"Sinso was your contact in the Arm, right?" Von clarified.

"Yes. If you asked him I was his little stooge," Spayar said as he put the safe box up on a shelf where it had gone before he'd served his time.

"You're so good at it though I'm not surprised," Von teased him and Spayar rolled his eyes. Von read the letter and his brows slowly furrowed seriously. Spayar sat in his desk chair while Von read the multiple page letter. "Hmm," Von said after a few minutes. "That sounds quite like treason if I was the Governor of Galinsum," he said casually.

"So he fits right in with us," Spayar said seriously.

"Who's the Governor there again? Remind me," Von said even as he read the letter again.

"Jengin Albera," Spayar recited dutifully.

"Right, the 'immortal alchemist'," Von said distractedly. "He's not Feylon is he?"

"No."

"Have we met him?"

"I don't believe personally. He does attend some of your mother's balls and galas though," Spayar said. "We've been introduced at the very least."

"Hmm," Von was very seriously reading the letter again. "Never thought I'd see proper war alchemy."

"It's potentially quite devastating," Spayar said.

"Have you seen it?"

"It was something Sinso was working on yes. Him and other alchemists serving in the arm, away from Galinsum and their pacifism."

"Can you get a message to Theo reliably?"

"He accepts mail."

"Is it screened?"

"He's a Councilman, I imagine not," Spayar said thoughtfully. Von got up from the bed and came to the desk. Spayar turned around and shuffled some papers out. "Ink or pencil?"

"Ink well," Von said and Spayar knew what he was going to do. If Spayar knew Von any less he'd think it was a gross over display of power but Von's entire family was a gross over display of magical ability. The tips of Von's fingers glowed orange and became sharpened like needles and Spayar watched him stitch together a weave in moments and a few complicated hand motions. Then Von put a glowing finger to the page and ink jumped out of the well directly onto the paper. Von didn't have to speak or even write it, the words were transcribed directly to the paper at the same speed as his thoughts. He'd seen Von do this enough times to not be overly impressed but the speed he could construct a well spoken letter was more impressive than the magic.

Von paused, lifting his finger from the paper, just to check something in the letter Theo had sent before putting it back down and finishing the letter. Then he tugged on a piece of the weave and it snapped closed into the perfect size to fit into an envelope. "I'll send it off when I go shopping," Spayar said looking for an envelope.

"Pay for expedited. I want it in his hands tomorrow morning," stepping away from the desk.

"Of course," Spayar said as he hand wrote the staffs of the address with a pen.

"If Theo is courting me what's the odds other Councilmen are courting my siblings?" Von asked quietly.

"Sinso made it sound like most Councilmen aren't interested in treason for personal gain."

"Then why is Theo?" Von said and looked at the letter again. "And why me?" he was particularly surprised by that one.

"You have a d'aelar," Spayar said throwing his arm around the back of his chair to turn and look at Von.

Von whipped around, blue eyes wide for a moment, and then he smiled slightly. "I do," he said smugly. "Don't remind Teldin," he added. Spayar laughed. "Was that all the work for today?"

"Yes," Spayar said standing, grabbing the envelope.

"Good," and Von used a spell to light the letter on fire. It burned to a crisp into ashes but didn't even mark his perfect hand.

"You made a mess in my room," he said, looking down at the ashes.

"You'll forgive me," Von said with a cute smile like he never thought Spayar wouldn't. And damnit if he wasn't right. I'd forgive you anything, Spayar thought and it was both fond and frustrated with him. "So, feed the birds?"

"You're coming?"

"Probably not. It bores me. And I'm sure my minders are missing me-

Spayar put his hand to the bridge of his nose, "Of course," he said, squeezing. Von just snickered. He raised his hand and disconnected the weave around the purple sun of the mobile and light and sound returned fully to the room.

"Now that you're back home we can start work properly," Von said even as Spayar brushed the ashes up to throw them away.

"Again," Spayar sighed grabbing his rain coat and hat for the low hanging clouds outside.

"Yes. Again," Von said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I have ideas but I was waiting for you."

"Hopefully not on everything?" Spayar asked as they left his room.

"No. Just some big plays."

Calli's door opened as they were walking down the hall. "Junior," she called.

"Yeah?" he called back.

"You're going shopping for amma right?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm coming. Amma doesn't trust you not to take six years to do the shopping."

"I don't take six years," Spayar said with a slight roll of his eyes. But yes he did take longer to do the shopping only because he got the shopping done quickly and spent the rest of the day feeding the birds or people watching.

"Let me grab my coat," and she vanished back into her room.

"Still can't believe you came here every week to have lunch," Spayar mumbled to Von.

"Only for the cooking. I wouldn't bore your family with royal or court trivialities," Von said. "Even if Calli has raked me over the coals about it," he sighed.

"Why?"

"She has it in her mind-- ah Calli, is that the coat I got you?" Von asked, changing topics when Calli came out wearing a new rain coat of the sweetest pink color Spayar had ever seen, the outside shiny and waxed to keep the rain off.

Calli beamed even as she was pulling her long wavy hair up into a high tail. "Yes."

"You bought my sister a coat?"

"Seemed polite," Von shrugged.

"It was for National Day," Calli said quickly. National Day was a country wide holiday that marked the official first day the first Asuras, Sinou, had taken the throne almost two thousand years ago. It happened in high summer when the moon flowers bloomed along the Meltong. "He got Anora one too and Duren new rain boots."

"Didn't get me anything," Spayar complained.

"You were four provinces away," Von groaned. "What was I supposed to do?"

"I dunno, visit?" Spayar groused even as they headed down the stairs. Behind him Von was saying some groveling type of apology while Calli giggled. Spayar wasn't really upset but it was always a good time to tease Von. The prince needed it. "Mom, do you have your shopping list?" he called once down on the first floor, not quite sure where Relora was.

"It's on the table," her voice called from the sitting room.

Spayar scooped it up. "So you're coming," he pointed at Calli, "and what are you doing?" he pointed at Von.

"I'll find something to do. We're having a get together at Red Garter tonight, coming?"

"Maybe."

"Can I?" Calli asked.

"No," Spayar said immediately.

Calli rolled her eyes. "Why not?"

"Because it's a drug bar," Spayar said keeping his voice down so Relora didn't hear. He saw the tips of Calli's ears turn red. Unlike Spayar most of his siblings were quite sheltered and being raised by immigrants they didn't always have the same proclivities as typical Feylon. Especially at places like a bar. Also there would be boys there and Spayar couldn't get high or enjoy himself knowing some leech might touch his sister.

"I- fine," she huffed, cheeks puffing out slightly. She went and gathered up the shopping bags.

"Red Garter's not that bad," Von said quietly as they followed her.

"No," Spayar said again. "Unless you want to be the one keeping an eye on her?"

"What? No. She's your sister."

"Exactly. No."

"Will you two stop whispering and come on," Calli groaned. "The meteorologists said the rains were starting today."

"They say that every day starting the middle of J'dorr," Spayar said.

"And aren't they right?" Calli asked.

"Eh, sometimes," Spayar allowed and did follow Calli out. The clouds did seem much lower than earlier though so Spayar put the envelope into an inside pocket of his coat and put his hat on over his wavy hair.

"You didn't bring a rain coat Vondugard," Calli said as they stepped out from the porch and into the garden.

"Oh, I'll be fine," Von said cheerfully. "You know the rain doesn't bother me."

Calli just looked confused. "He's a warlock, Calli," Spayar said, unimpressed.

"So?" she blinked at them both even as a slight misting started to fall from the sky. She pulled up the hood of her rain coat. Von just once more coated his fingers in magic and made a complex weave. The rain began beading up on an invisible barrier he'd woven around himself. It was wide enough that any large enough drops didn't even touch him and just fell harmlessly off to the side.

Calli looked at Spayar, "You can't do that."

"I don't want to do that," Spayar huffed. "Show off," he told Von and headed for the street.

"Well what's the point of being Le'Acard if I can't show off sometimes?" Von said following after him. "And this is where I say farewell my Hillsman friends," he beamed all sunshine on a miserable day. Spayar hated his fool heart for fluttering. He'd known Von how many years and he still got all silly?

"Don't get into trouble," Spayar said.

"Me? I would never," and with a wave he walked off.

Spayar and Calli stood there for a moment watching him walk off, a spring in his step. "He's such a pain in the ass," Spayar declared and then turned and walked the other way. Calli laughed into her hand as she followed after Spayar.

====+====

Tag list: @full-on-sam @thegodsaredead

If you'd like to be pinged for this let me know. Replies or asks are fine. Reblogs would be wonderful and are encouraged. My ask box is open if you wanna know more~

ZS tag | Masterpost | References | Read it on AO3

[laneywrld]

quick, i'm writing an AU timepiece set in the like regency era but obviously different. royal main character and man of status love interest but who should I write it for? I'm recently obsessed with Jude Bellingham so my options are Jude or Lewis Hamilton, low-key I feel like Jude would be a better fit but it's really what you guys want so LMKKKK and lmk quick because I'm trying to have the first chapter out in the next couple of days!!!

[heartzalloverst4r]

Blue Moon 🌕

Pairing: Male oc x female oc

Summary: Omari is Shanae’s brother best friend. They have never seen each other in any other light until one day the tides change. Shanae appears to be more nervous around him and can’t stop the way her heart skips beats at the sight of him. Omari tries his hardest to conceal the attraction he feels for his best friend’s little sister but he finds the tension too hard to contain.

Warning(s): Age gap, tension, lingering touches, and making out

Word Count: 991

Divider Creds: @issysh3ll

Shanae was scrolling through her socials when the sound of the door being opened got her attention. She walked into the hall and peeked from the corner to see Omari, her brother Quentin's best friend.

Omari stood tall at 6 feet, had brown skin, and had waves that deeper than the ocean. He was a whole package and lately, Shanae has been wondering if he had an even bigger package downstairs.

She scolded herself for even having those thoughts but she couldn't help she was attracted to. Plus they were just thoughts. She knew she was fine as long as she didn't act on them and she wouldn't.

She knew Omari didn't see her that way so there would be no reason for her to act. At least that's what she thought.

“You can wait her for Quentin, Omari. We’re going out but if you need anything Shanae is in her room.” Shanae’s parents said before leaving.

“Why are you hiding?” Omari asked once the door was closed tight shut. Shanae came from behind the wall.

“I wasn't,” She said as she locked the door. She just needed something to distract her so she wouldn't have to look into Omari’s eyes.

Omari eyed her for a moment. Shanae shifted and leaned against the wall under his watchful gaze. She started to shrink under his gaze.

Omari studied her from her body language to the comfortable clothes she was wearing. Even in pajamas she was beautiful and he was in awe. Omari walked closer to where she was.

Shanae heart skipped a beat as she looked up at him. He was so close and he smelled so good. The way she was trying to keep eye contact with him, had him but for the past few months she already had him.

He knew it was wrong to want his best friends nineteen year old sister but he couldn't stop the feelings of attraction he had for Shanae. He loved how nervous he made her. It gave him relief that she might feel what he feels for her.

“Why are you so nervous?” He asked placing his hand around her wrist feeling her rapid pulse. Shanae looked down feeling overwhelmed.

Omari lifters her chin gently. Her lips part slightly and she blinked trying to register what was happening. Omari brushed his thumb against her bottom lip. Shanae’s heart melted at his touches and it made her want more.

The sound of the door being unlocked made them jump apart. Omari blinked thinking back on what just happened. He couldn't believe he almost crossed that line.

Shanae was breathing hard and didn't know how to slow down her heart. There was something between her and Omari and she was almost at the peak of it.

Shanae looked out her window at the moon thinking about the events from earlier. It's been three hours and Omari stayed on her mind. The way he touched her felt so right even if it was wrong and she wanted more. She wanted him.

Her head turned hearing her door be opened. Came stumbling in was a drunk Omari. She smirked at how she practically spoke him up. Today must’ve been in her favor.

“My bad lil mama. Its too dark in your house and I thought this was the bathroom.” Omari explained.

He truly didn’t mean any harm and the bathroom was right next to Shanae’s room to where there was a door connected from her room to the bathroom.

“You go to the bathroom through there.” Shanae pointed at the door.

Omarion nodded and went into the bathroom. Shanae sat on her bed waiting for him. She was nervous for what was to come but she didn't want to miss her chance.

Omari walked out the bathroom to just see her sitting there. His right mind told him to walk out and carry on but he was drawn to her. He reached out for her wrist so he could feel her pulse. She was as nervous as she was before.

His hand traveled from her wrist, up her arm, to her neck. He moved slowly to feel her deeply. He needed to be in her skin. Goosebumps covered up Shanae’s arm. She shivered at the feel of his hand on her neck.

He gently squeezed making her gasp. He smirked at her reaction and leaned in. “Do you want this? Do you want me?” Omari asked. He wasn't going to go any further unless she said yes verbally.

Shanae nodded slowly. She more than wanted him. She needed to have him. She needed him to undo her and put her back together. She needed to feel every inch of him. She needed him to touch her.

“Speak up baby.” He instructed her.

“Yes, I want you.” she said softly looking him in the eyes.

That was all the confirmation he needed before he crashed his lips into hers. The kiss was eager and passionate. He took her lips in his and explored her mouth with his tongue.

Shanae moaned into the kiss. It was the most exhilarating thing she's ever felt before but it wasn't enough for her. She moved their bodies closer so she could brush her knee against his print.

Omari moaned at the friction taking her bottom lip and biting it lightly. Shanae saw the opportunity to take the lead and she was more than ready. She was about to reach out for him but he grabbed her wrist.

“Lets stop.” Omari forced the words out of his mouth. Stopping was the last thing he wanted to do.

“I want to take you on a date first.” he continued before Shanae could reply in protest. Her heart melted at how sweet he was being.

“Ok” she smiled. Omari tucked her into bed and placed one more kiss on her lips before leaving out quietly. He was gone for her before he could even start.

[stardustseraphis]

I have an idea for a quirky dark story about a tween who moves to the sleepy Midwestern town of Haddonfield, Illinois, in the early 90s. She instantly becomes infatuated with a long blonde-haired boy named Michael Audrey Myers in her homeroom. What starts as infatuation soon morphs into obsession as she navigates her friendship with him, resorting to extreme measures to remain by his side.

Here is a link (つ˘◡˘)づ♥ :

Story Name: Dark Bond of Haddonfield

Snippet from the story:

As if sensing your gaze, the boy's eyes shifted, meeting yours. His smile, once warm and genuine, slowly deteriorated into a more guarded and colder expression. His eyes bore into yours with an intensity that would’ve sent a chill down your spine but it didn’t.

Instead, you returned a simple and faint smile to his unwelcoming gaze.

Not everything here is fake I guess

This is based on the early script/draft of Rob Zombie's Halloween that is dated from 2006, with some inspiration from the 2007 movie.

⚠️Disclaimer⚠️

This story does include a lot of disturbing imagery and descriptions revolving around fictional underaged people, so if you are under the age of 18 do not read.

Futhermore, this fic is tagged "Dead Dove: Do not eat" so if you wander further than you're supposed to or read something you cannot handle it's on you at this point, but please heed all of the tags. That being said though, just leave if you can't handle it, the back button exists for a reason.

If my dead doves upset your stomach don't consume them!

Reader discretion is advised. ❤️

Aside from all of that, happy reading! ☆(•^-^•)☆

(felt cute might delete this post later)

[peaceloverobbie]

It's magic 🪄 and tea 🍵 !!

[adhdgoberrrrr]

Well….Ame lore unlocked! I mean like yes it was already unlocked but like forget that it was and just pretend this is your first time seeing it Ooo~

I originally made this for my YouTube but I thought I’d put it up here as well

[zari-0115]

Love Drought…pt 2

I turn my head slightly so he can kiss my lips instead of my cheek.. I pull my face away inches apart: “baby you need your nutrients before we go again. I made your favorite.” He nods and sits down waiting for me to fix his plate.

So like muscle memory I began to place food neatly on a glass plate and pour some homemade lemonade into a glass cup and carry it both to the table. After placing it in front of him, Myles grabbed me and pulled me down to where I’m sitting on his lap.

We share his plate as a weird form of intimacy. I like to think of it that way but a small sneaky part of me thinks he lets me eat off of the same plate as him solely because he thinks I’ll poison him because he knows the way he treats me is wrong and I’m too stupid to leave.

I’m stupid in love, stupidly drowning in lust and wonder before I can just let go. So he is going to have to hate me until I stop loving him.

“Dinner is good baby” he says rubbing my thigh sensually. I smile before replying: “I know what my man needs.” Instead of feeding into my witty reply he scoffs. That muthafucka actually scoffed. I swallow my embarrassment hard and just stare down on the floor not knowing if I should get up from his lap or just stay there frozen.

Myles’s phones begins to vibrate shaking our round glass table. It’s face down, he reaches over the food and grabs it… quickly before I can see who it is. “Nat get up for a sec” he said trying to leave the table. So I listen he heads towards our bed room and as the lap dog I am I follow him when I reach the room he shuts the door in my face. No he didn’t shut the door he slammed it.

[tallyxart]

8th grade was a pain...but so was all of middle school... I had no friends to sit with at lunch or talk to about my problems...

There was just me myself and I... and I hate it... I hate it so much.... I just want to be happy with others and not alone anymore.

"Hey, watch out!!" a boy yelled out to me.

I looked quickly and saw a football heading my way, so I braced myself for the pain and closed my eyes...but it never came. Instead, I was engulfed in the warmth of arms that were pulling me close to the body they were connected to.

"That was close..are you ok?" a male voice asked me a bit deeper than the other one.

"Yeah," I respond quietly, and he lets go. I slowly turned around and was met with a boy with curly golden hair and blue eyes as blue as the sky. He smiled at me wide to the point that his dimples were showing.

"Blake get the football and let's play," a voice from the background shouted. The boy in front of me let out a soft chuckle and went behind me to grab the football. "Be careful next time, ok?" I nodded, and with that, he ran away back to his friends

If you like this check it out on my Wattpad !!

[tychodorian]

I just got another fantastic review for one of my books! This one was for Braidy von Althuis and the Gullible Ghost Hunter. The book now has a whopping 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Thank you so much, Jessica, for the fantastic review.

I am so proud of this series, even though I wrote it when I was still learning (and even though my art isn't //that// great).

If you're interested in reading this book series, you can find it on Amazon under my pen name Cassidy Dwelis. You can also learn more about my books on my website. Link is in my pinned post!

[there-are-many-ways-to-smile]

As of June 3rd, 2023