#the well - book 2 chapter 1

[cat-dragron]

I'm still so mad that August Kitko was such a mid book and like I would go do far as to say maybe it was bad but it's likely it just wasn't for me.

And then I read Hell Followed With Us and realize hey now... there's a lot of similarities between these two books and wow i am enjoying this other book way more. I almost want to dig into that and figure out why. Can you ever dislike something so much you want to take a scalpel to it and dissect it to find the bloody heart? Yeah that's what I'm feeling with August Kitko... it kinda sucks but I need to know why it makes me so mad.

[ssreeder]

I started reading this like 4 days ago, time has blurred together. I have not slept over 5 and a half hours of sleep in that time, I had to get up at 6 for something and was going 'just one more chapter' several times until it was 2am. The only thing that I can think about is LIAB, I am quickly losing my sanity to Zukka and the prison camp. I came here for a fun time, a good time and the sheer amount of angst that I had heard this had. And, I was certainly not lied to.

I am the type of person to read hard core angst. Impaling, torture , doesn't even phase me anymore (bit concerning but ignore that), I have taken to the blank word document to get that sinking, queasy feeling when the angst gets really hard core. First few chapters of this had me captivated and then Zuko came into it, *Chefs kiss*

I can't read long fics because I don't have the attention span, but for this I make an exception, also if you read it all in like 4 days the attention span doesn't have time to run out! I am on the 3 part, chapter 2 and I actively plan to binge read it tonight. Do I have school in the morning? Yes. Am I still going to stay up until 1 in the morning reading this and make up for my lack of sleep with caffeine? Also yes.

I really hope that Jet dies in this, I hope that he has a really anti-climatic death as well, like he falls off a slightly too high ledge. NO ONE and I mean NO ONE gets to separate MY GAYS LIKE THAT BECAUSE HE JUST HAD TO TELL FONG THAT ZUKO WAS AT THE BLOODY CAMP!

and the Forest Lesbians, may they live forever in the local folk lore about two witches that lived the forest and used the power of being gay to cure people.

thank you for writing this, it has really made me happy reading this even though my favourite gays are getting traumatised (more traumatised than usual for Zuko). I have only been reading this, my friends are concerned about me since I don't think I have willingly left the house in... *looks down at fingers, realises I don't have enough fingers to count this* umm... too long!

*holds your hands* how are you doing friend??

your ask had me both nervous and excited haha & the greatest thing about responding to this a few days late is that you’ve probably finished it by now haha. I feel sorry for your sleep schedule but I also don’t feel bad haha <3

I’m glad LIAB met your expectations in the angst, it’s probably one of the more angsty/ darker zukka fics & it’s probably going to get worse lol. (Not for zukka specifically, everyone gets to join this time) But you’ll see… if I can hold your attention until the end haha.

as for your Jet thoughts I’m sure you found out what happened to him by now ;) <3

thanks for this amazing ask seriously you’re great & you deserve to get yourself a treat for taking the time to send me this haha YOURE AWESOMEEEEEE

[acourtofquestions]

Golden flame danced between her fingers.

Elide recoiled, and the fire vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

"My name is Essar," the female said softly. "I am a friend--of your friends, I believe."

Elide said nothing.

"Cairn is a monster," Essar said, taking a step closer. "Stay far from him."

"I need to find him."

"You played the part of his mistreated lover well enough. You have to know something about him. What he does."

"If you know where he is, please tell me." She wasn't above begging.

Essar ran an eye over Elide. Then she said, "He was in this city until yesterday. Then he went out to the eastern camp." She pointed with a thumb over a shoulder. "He's there now."

"How do you know?"

"Because he's not terrorizing the patrons of every fine establishment in this town, glutting himself on the coin Maeve gave him when he took the blood oath."

Elide blinked. She had hoped some of the Fae might be opposed to Maeve, especially after the battle in Eyllwe, but to find such outright distaste...

Essar then added, "And because my sister--the soldier you spoke with--told me. She saw him in the camp this morning, smirking like a cat."

"Why should I believe you?"

"Because you are wearing Lorcan's shirt, and Rowan Whitethorn's cloak. If you do not believe me, inform them who told you and they will." Elide cocked her head to the side.

Essar said softly, "Lorcan and I were involved for a time."

They were in the midst of war, and had traveled for thousands of miles to find their queen, and yet the tightness that coiled in Elide's gut at those words somehow found space. Lorcan's lover. This delicate beauty with a bedroom voice had been Lorcan's lover.

"I'll be missed if I'm gone for too long, but tell them who I am. Tell them that I told you. If it's Cairn they seek, that is where he shall be. His precise location, I don't know." Essar backed away a step. "Don't go asking after Cairn at other taverns. He isn't well regarded, even amongst the soldiers. And those who do follow him... You do not wish to attract their interest."

Essar made to turn away, but Elide blurted,

"Where did Maeve go?"

Essar looked over her shoulder. Studied her.

The female's eyes widened. "She has Aelin of the Wildfire," Essar breathed.

Elide said nothing, but Essar murmured, "That was... that was the power we felt the other night." Essar swept back toward Elide. Gripped her hands. "Where Maeve went a few days ago, I don't know. She did not announce it, did not take anyone with her. I often serve her, am asked to... It doesn't matter. What matters is Maeve is not here. But I do not know when she will return."

Relief again threatened to send Elide crumpling to the ground. The gods, it seemed, had not abandoned them just yet.

But if Maeve had taken Aelin to the outpost where they'd lied that the Valg prince had been contained...

Elide gripped Essar's hands, finding them warm and dry. "Does your sister know where Cairn resides in the camp?"

For long minutes, then an hour, they had talked.

Essar left and returned with Dresenda, her sister. And in that alley, they had plotted.

Elide finished telling Rowan, Lorcan, and Gavriel what she'd learned. They sat in stunned silence for a long minute.

"Just before dawn," Elide repeated. "Dresenda said the watch on the eastern camp is weakest at dawn. That she'd find a way for the guards to be occupied. It's our only window."

Rowan was staring into the trees, as if he could see the layout of the camp, as if he were plotting his way in, way out.

"She didn't confirm if Aelin was in Cairn's tent, though," Gavriel cautioned. "Maeve is gone--Aelin might be with her, too."

"It's a risk we take," Rowan said. A risk, perhaps, they should have considered.

Elide glanced to Lorcan, who had been silent throughout. Even though it had been his lover who had helped them, perhaps guided by Anneith herself. Or at least had been tipped off by the scent on Elide's clothes.

"You think we can trust her?" Elide asked Lorcan, though she knew the answer.

Lorcan's dark eyes shifted to her. "Yes, though I don't see why she'd bother."

"She's a good female, that's why," Rowan said.

At Elide's lifted brow, he explained, "Essar visited Mistward this spring. She met Aelin." He cut a glare toward Lorcan. "And asked me to tell you that she sends her best."

Elide hadn't seen anything that came close to pining in Essar's face, but gods, she was beautiful. And smart. And kind. And Lorcan had let her go, somehow.

[kazscrows]

Crooked Kingdom Reread

Part One: Forsaken

Just in case it isn’t obvious full spoilers ahead for both books and the show. Okay. On with the reread—

Chapter 1: Retvenko

Am I the only one who always forgets who this is?

Like we joke in the fandom a lot about Joost and his mustache being forgotten but…

Who the heck is Retvenko??

Is he at the Crow Club? Just some random bar? Why can’t I remember anything about this chapter?

…it was hard to take him seriously dressed in the absurd fashion favored by the young men of the Barrel—a pink shirt with sleeves that looked fit to split over huge biceps, a garish red-and-orange plaid waistcoat. He looked like a dandified soft-shell crab.

Pfffft

I always forget about Barrel fashion

Or really it’s that I forget that not just Jesper dresses like that

I know it’s a little disappointing they don’t dress like that in the show but..

At the same time I’m kind of glad my eyes aren’t constantly being assaulted by neon colors and flashy patterns

Ohhh. Retvenko is grisha-

I’m starting to remember now

He passed along Grafcanal, shivering as he glimpsed Black Veil Island tucked into the water’s bend. That was where the Kerch wealthy had once buried their dead, in little stone houses above water level. Some trick of the climate kept the island shrouded in shifting mists, and there were rumors that the place was haunted.

The only things haunting it are Kaz and his Crows

I’ve got a feeling that Retvenko isn’t ever going to make it home to Ravka

Ah, yeah, see?

The shu’s grisha are here

Don’t they have metal casing on their skeletons or something??

“Ain’t no one taking the payroll.”

Retvenko watched in shock as the gangly clerk stood like some kind of avenging warrior and opened fire. By all that was holy, nothing could motivate the Kerch like cash.

Power, money… corruption

Yeah alright I remember the winged ones

They’re freaky

Rip Retvenko

Next |

Want to read my SoC rereads too?

[capitalist-bastard-showdown]

Capitalist Bastard $howdown: Round 1, Match 3

Directory

[mejomonster]

To get good at telling stories... writing stories... one must... practice by writing stories ;-;

[someone-always-cares]

chapter 5, page 41

first - previous - next

[image description: an sac webcomic page. “i was literally mid-sentance, what was that for- and they’re gone. great” jade says, turns around to face where split was, angrily. “...woah” says lewis, looking back. “Well that's the second time we've been booted out of a place by a friend with some weird eye thing going on, and hopefully that's not a sign.” jade says, turned back over to lewis. “was that, uh, fast travel?” lewis asks, holding the not bloody corner of the business card in his mouth to sign. “no, she can’t teleport, he just pauses time. lucky bastard. what was faer deal anyway? we don’t have time for this shit!” she continues. “actually i... i got the address” lewis responds, handing over the business card. “the creepy guy in the back gave it to me after i bit him”. he continues. “that’s great! no time to waste, let’s- i’m sorry, you bit him??” end id]

I so badly want to print this comic but there’s so many things i need to do first and the start of that list is “figure out what things i need to do”.

also looking into making washi tape, pins, and keychains which are much simpler to make but still kinda pricy.

[kirnet]

Just read your maa alasud post and I am BUZZING with excitement for where you go with Don’t Wake the Ancients you have no idea!!!!!!! Appalachia and folk horror my absolute beloved I and so so so excited

Ahh ty ty! Your excitement is making me even more excited ah!! I’m so happy you like it so far! :D

[sh-tposter2021]

how to do book annotations without losing your mind because scribbling notes in the margins and a ton of sticky notes looks messy to you

[aroaessidhe]

2022 reads // twitter thread    

The Last Hero

end of the trilogy!

rebellion is burning across the solar system. secrets are uncovered as the war comes to a head

lots of POVs

mostly focused on platonic relationships

[kod-lyoko]

.

[itsalwayswellattheworldsend]

Chapter 1 - Ralph Meets With Love in the Wilderness

Text

Audio

Synopsis:

Ralph and the Lady abscond together, really talk to each other, and some unpleasant truths come out.

Summary:

 "Tell me truly, and beguile me not; for I am a young man, and without guile, and I love thee, and would have thee for my speech-friend, what woman soever may be in the world. Whatever thou hast been, what art thou now? Art thou good or evil? Wilt thou bless me or ban me? For it is the truth that I have heard tales and tales of thee: many were good, though it maybe strange; but some, they seemed to warn me of evil in thee. O look at me, and see if I love thee or not! and I may not help it. Say once for all, shall that be for my ruin or my bliss? If thou hast been evil, then be good this one time and tell me."

Ralph awoke while it was still night, and he knew that he had been awakened by a touch, but like a good hunter or warrior, he was not startled and did not cry out. When he was fully awake, he saw the Lady bending over him, and she said in a kind and quiet voice: “Get up, young man, get up, Ralph, and be silent. Come with me into the woods before dawn, for I need to speak with you.

So he got up and was ready to go with her, his heart thumping with joy, but she stopped him. “No, get your sword and armor in case something bad happens. Put on your chainmail; I’ll help you.” And she held it for him while he put it on. “Now,” she said softly, “put a helmet on that curly hair of yours and strap on your sword, then follow me.”

He did so, and felt her take his hand (for it was still dark as they went into the trees), and she led him into heaven, for he heard her whispering voice and it was like a touch and a laugh of joy in each word.

She led him quickly, not stumbling at all on the paths between the pine trees, though it was as dark as it could be. Ralph thought that at any moment she would stop and tell him what was going on, and that she would then have to leave him, so he prayed that the silence and handholding would last a long time—for he could think of nothing else but her—and in truth it did last a long while. She said nothing, though now and then a small laugh—like the softest warbling of a bird—would come from her lips, and the rippling of her clothes as her swift feet carried her sounded loud to him in the dark, windless wood.

At last, after more than half an hour of walking like this, it grew lighter and he could see her beside him, and she still held his hand and glided on faster and faster, it seemed to him. And soon he knew that outside of the woods dawn was passing into day, and even there among the trees it was hardly darker than twilight.

A little further, and it grew lighter still, and he heard thrushes singing a little way off and knew that they were on the edge of the pine woods, and still she ran swiftly onto the grass, where there was nothing but maples and thorn bushes: it was light here, though the sun was not yet over the trees.

There she let go of his hand and turned to him, her face flushed and excited, and her eyes were very bright and her mouth half-open. He stood looking at her, trembling with eagerness and fear of what she would say when he told her what was thinking, for he had made up his mind to do just that. He took off his helmet and set it on the grass, and he noted that she was only wearing her dress, having left her cloak and coat behind.

Ralph straightened up and was going to speak when she put her hands to her face and shuddered, her shoulders quaking with sobs as she burst out crying so hard that tears flowed between her fingers. Then Ralph threw himself on the ground in front of her groveled before her, wrapping his arms around her knees and pressing his cheek against her skirt, saying many soft words of love while she continued to weep wordlessly. At last she reached down and held his face in her hand, and he let his lips press against it, and they stayed like that a while. Then she pulled him to his feet and led him away quickly once more, and he did not know what to do or say, and he did not dare stop her, and he could not form the words to ask for an explanation.

So they ran across the open ground, unhindered by the trees, he being silent and she never tiring or slowing or faltering in any way, until they came into thick woods again. Whenever he would open his mouth to speak, she would hush him with a “Not yet!” Until at last when the sun had been up for more than three hours, she led him through a stand of hazel trees like a thick hedge and into a clear, grassy place where there were great grey rocks around them, as if they were in the crumbled remains of a circle of standing stones built by some forgotten people. Then she threw herself to the ground and buried her face among the flowers, and was weeping and sobbing again as he bent over her, until she turned to him and drew him down to her and put her hands on his face, laying her tear-streaked cheek against his, then kissed him long and sweetly, so that he almost began crying, himself.

Then at last she said: “This is the first thing that I have said to you since I have brought you away from death, and it is so sweet to me that I can hardly bear it.”

“Oh, and it is sweet to me,” he said, “for I have waited for you for many days.” And he kissed and hugged her as one who would never have enough of it.

At last she pulled away from him a little and, looking at him, smiling with love, she said: “Wait a little, until we’ve spoken some.”

“Yes,” he said, “but may I hold your hand while I wait?”

“No harm in that,” she said, laughing, and she held out her hand to him as she said: “I said that I have brought you away from death, and you have not asked me about that.”

“I will ask you now, then, since you want me to.”

“Do you think that he would have let you live?”

“Who would kill me, when you would let me live?”

“Him,” said the Lady, “your enemy, the Knight of the Sun. Why did you not run from him before? He didn’t want to kill you, just drive you away, but if you were at Sunhome with him, he would run a sword through you, or at least throw you into prison for the rest of your life—or so it seemed to me.” She faltered as she spoke, looking at him.

Ralph said: “How could I leave when you were with him? Did you not see me there? I thought that you wanted me to stay.”

She looked at him with such tender love that he started to throw himself upon her, but she stopped him and smiled, saying: “Ah, yes, I saw you, and I did not think that you would leave me; therefore, I had to be careful.” She touched his cheek with her other hand.

Ralph sighed and furrowed his brow a little, then said: “But who is this man that he should kill me? And why is he a tyrant over you, that you must flee from him?”

She laughed and said: “Fair creature, he is my husband.”

Then Ralph flushed red and he opened his mouth to speak, but she stopped him and said: “But he is not quite my husband. Before we got to bed, he cursed me and drove me from his house.” And she smiled, but her face reddened so deeply that her grey eyes looked strange.

But Ralph jumped up, half-drawing his sword and crying out: “I should have killed him! Why didn’t I?” and he angrily paced back and forth across the grass in front of her.

But she leaned forward to him and laughed, saying: “But, my Champion, we will not go back to him, for he is stronger than you and would kill you. We are far from anyone here, but you are being loud—maybe too loud. Come, rest beside me.”

So he went back and sat down by her, and he took her hand again and kissed her wrist and said: “Yes, but he wants you, that was easy to see. It’s bad that I didn’t kill him.”

She stroked his face again and said: “It would be a long story if I told it all to you. After he drove me out and I fled from him, he caught up to me several times, which is not unusual for his brother is the Captain of the Dry Tree, that tall man with whom you have seen me. Each time, this lord has come to me and confessed his love as one who would be in utter despair if I did not love him back but oh, my love with the bright sword” (and she kissed his cheek and held his hand with both of hers) “each time I rejected him.” And again she blushed.

“And his brother,” said Ralph, “the big captain that I have encountered these four times, does he also desire you?”

She laughed and said, “Only as much as other have, no more. He will not kill anyone over me.”

“Did you know that I was waiting for you at the Castle of Abundance?”

“Yes,” she said, “Did I not say that I told Roger to lead you there? That was after the first time we met, after I had ridden off on the horse of that butcher you killed.”

“Why were you so long in coming?” he asked. “Would you have come if I still waited there?”

“What else could I want except to be with you? But I had to travel alone, for our riders had gone north to fight those of the Burg, but as I came to the Water of the Oak, my husband and that other man caught up to me. And this time, all of my refusals were not enough, and whatever I said to him, he demanded that I return with them. But they quickly turned to fighting each other, as you saw.” She looked at him sweetly and honestly, as he had been her dearest brother.

But he said: “You were upset that they were fighting; have you known the Black Knight for long?”

“Yes,” she said,  “I will not hide that he loved me, but he has also betrayed me. It was because of him that the Knight of the Sun drove me away. Pay attention, for this concerns you: he spread a rumor of lies and truths mixed together, saying that I was a witch and an enchantress, and my lord believed him. I was shamed before the entire house, and thrown out in anguish, barefoot and bleeding.”

He looked and saw the pain and grief of the memory in her face, and the fierceness of his loved changed his expression so much that she got up and withdrew a little away, standing and looking at him. But he also got up and knelt before her, and he reached up and took her hands and said: “Tell me truly, and with no tricks, for I am a young man and not wise to uncovering hidden meanings, and I love you, and I would have you as my partner, whatever sort of women there might be in the world. Whatever you have been, what are you now? Are you good or evil? Will you bless me or curse me? For I have heard tales of you: many were good, though strange; but others have warned me of evil within you. Look at me and see that I love you! I cannot help it. Say once and for all, will you be my ruin or my bliss? If you have been evil, then be good this one time and tell me.”

She neither reddened nor paled at his words, but her eyes filled with tears and they ran down her cheeks, and she looked down on him as a woman looks on a man that she loves from the root of her heart, and she said: “Oh my lord and love, I hope that you will find me no worse for you than the best of all you’ve heard. But how can I tell you about myself when you would believe absolutely anything I said? But oh, my heart, how could you, so sweet and fair and good, fall in love with an evil thing? At least I will say this, that whatever I have been before, I am good to you—I am good to you and will be true to you.”

He drew her down to him as he knelt there, putting his arms around her though she still shrank a little from the eager flame of his love, but she gave herself to him and let her body glide into his arms, and loved him no less than he loved her. And there in the wilderness, there was between them all the joy of love that could be.

Notes:

Apparently, Ralph has curly hair.

It specifies the “Seventh Heaven,” which is a mythological/cosmological distinction that I don’t want to pry apart right now for a metaphor, so just suffice to say that he’s very happy.

The “circle of standing stones” is described as a “broken doom-ring of a forgotten folk” which is a really metal way of saying it’s like stonehenge.

The story repeatedly uses the verb “fell” to mean “begin” (such as “they fell to eating” or “fell to talking”) but it also uses it for kissing which makes me laugh for some reason.

I left the line “She laughed and said: ‘Fair creature, he is my husband.’” completely untouched because I love it. This is the second time she’s referred to him as “creature” (though I believe the first time it was “creature of God.” I wonder if anyone else refers to anyone that way in this story?

The exact situation (as she says it) is: “Yet is he not so much my husband but that or ever we were bedded he must needs curse me and drive me away from his house.” Basically, they were married or betrothed or something, but before they had sex he turned on her, kicking her out and then chasing her down.

When I used the word “partner,” the original word is “speech-friend,” which is the word the Maiden used to refer to her missing beau.

A recap of the Lady’s backstory as I understand it (just the part she talks about here). She and the Knight of the Sun were involved and probably wedded, but before they had sex, the Black Knight (probably trying to stop the wedding so that he could have her) lied to the Knight of the Sun and made a believable tale claiming she was a witch (we’ve heard these accusations against her before, and I have no doubt the Knight of the Sun had, too). The Knight of the Sun shamed her publicly and threw her out of Sunhome, and she returned to the Fellowship of the Dry Tree (this all happened some time previously, not in the period of time since Ralph first met her).

The Knight of the Sun, still loving her and wanting her back, pursued her and (since her Captain is his brother) found her many times since she left. She refused to return with him. This most recent time, Walter was with him and they fought each other, which we saw in the story.

I’ve always found the bit here about whether or not the Lady is good or evil very interesting. One would expect that the truth is that she is good, and that all the bad things said about her are simply jealous rumors… but that is not what she says. She isn’t good or evil; she’s human, but she promises to be good to Ralph.

As for their love, remember what I said before about Tomie. The Lady possesses an extreme charisma that draws others to her and entangles them in her love. I’ve hinted before that Ralph possesses some similar power (perhaps hers was at the same level before she drank from the Well?), and the narrative has also given us signs before: I think specifically about the Maiden saying that even if he found bandits in the Wood Perilous, he’d most likely win them over to his side and have them as his own men; and also of Roger who declared his allegiance to Ralph in the Burg (which I took as true, even though he was otherwise deceiving him). Not only is Ralph entangled by the Lady, but she is also somewhat entangled by him. Someone said before that they didn’t think the Lady would ever love some man unless he is one “with whom all women are in love.” This same phrase was also used earlier, where it was said that such people are those most likely to find the Well at the World’s End.  I do believe this will be further expanded upon later.

And one last note: I left the last line relatively unaltered. The original is “And there between them in the wilderness was all the joy of love that might be.” I’ve wondered about this since the very first time I read it, but does this mean they had sex? At first I thought yes, then no, then back to yes, and now I’m not sure. I can say that (despite his religious beliefs), Ralph isn’t too hung up about premarital sex (at the very least in situations where the two people are very much in love and dedicated to one another).

Map updated to show the lake’s name (the Lady called it the “Water of the Oak”).

Map:

[navybrat817]

Hold You Tight: Part 1

Pairing: Club Owner!Bucky Barnes x Female Reader

Fic Summary: The owner of The 107th wants you to be his girl whether you like it or not.

Series Masterlist | Part 2

Chapter Summary: You encounter an unexpected visitor in your home.

Chapter Word Count: Over 2.8k

Chapter Warnings: DARK AU, breaking and entering, stalking, coercion, threats (not against reader), creepy and unhinged behavior, flashback, possessiveness, Bucky Barnes (he's a warning, okay?), more warnings to come.

A/N: Welcome to the Turn It Up AU! Thanks to @starlightcrystalline for helping bringing this unhinged Bucky to life and @targaryenvampireslayer and @tavners for the support. Bucky edit by the beautiful @nixakimbo. ❤️ Beta read by the lovely @whisperlullaby , but any and all mistakes are my own. Divider by the talented @firefly-graphics . Please follow @navybrat817-sideblog for new fics and notifications. Comments, reblogs, feedback are loved and appreciated!

You yawned as you flipped on the light switch in your apartment and set the keys on the table. It was early, but you were ready to settle in for the night after a busy shift. Maybe you could make a cup of tea and curl up with a book to unwind after dinner. Or maybe even a nice, hot bath and a glass of wine.

If only Addison could hear your thoughts now. She’d tease you for not living it up and enjoying the single life. Nothing new.

Your mouth fell open as you walked into the living room, but no sound came out as you skidded to a stop. Your heart nearly burst out of your chest and plummeted to your stomach at the same time as your phone fell from your hand. It was like you couldn't breathe. Because a man was sitting on your sofa.

And you lived alone.

“What…�� you exhaled, no louder than a whisper.

The man didn't speak as he stared at you. He didn't even blink. The staring contest gave you a moment to take in his appearance. Intimidating even though he was sitting, his dark suit looked tailored to perfection on his broad frame. Dark brown hair framed his face and matched the stubble on his face, with the exception of a few gray hairs. The dangerous glint in his hard blue eyes did little to put you at ease, but there was something soft there as well.

In any other circumstance, you would've said he was handsome.

You bent down to pick up your phone before he let out a tsk, a subtle warning for you not to try anything. “Who are you? Why are you in my home?” You asked as you straightened up, hoping your tone didn't betray how terrified you were.

Nothing looked out of place. If he was there to rob you, there wasn't much worth taking. While you weren't struggling, you were far from rich.

He smirked and leaned back further into the cushion, his eyes roving over your body. You hadn't noticed right away, but the hand draped on the back of the sofa appeared to be metal. Or was it a glove? He didn't have to stand for you to know he was larger than you. If things got physical, you wouldn't stand a chance.

“Okay…” If he wasn't going to give you any sort of answer or clue as to who he was or why he was there, you’d just leave. You could go to a neighbor’s place or Addison’s to call the cops. But he didn't seem to like it when you took a step back since he pinned you with a glare and crooked his finger, beckoning you to go to him.

Your legs wobbled with the first step, but you righted yourself as you continued to move forward. If he noticed your misstep, he didn't acknowledge it. You swallowed, worried that bile would rise to your throat from how sick you felt when you stopped in front of him. That feeling only grew when he leaned in to grip your waist and roughly pulled you toward him.

A scream escaped this time around, but his hand clamped over your mouth to smother the sound. The cold fear that trickled down your spine would stick with you for days to come as he pulled you onto his lap and shook his head with another tsk. There was no mistaking the evident lust in his gaze as his eyes bore into yours.

What was he going to do to you?

You put your hands on his shoulders to push yourself away, but the hand on your hip held you tighter. You squirmed in his lap before you brushed against the outline of his cock, your body stiffening when he let out a low groan. With wide eyes, you decided moving wasn't a wise decision.

“Keep moving your hips if you want, but don't scream again,” he warned, his deep voice rumbling from his chest as you breathed through your nose. “There’s time for that later.”

Blood rushed to your ears as your heart pounded faster. You wished you could've stopped the tears from filling your eyes, but you weren't that strong. Was he going to hurt you? Kill you? If so, why?

The brunette cooed as a tear slid down your cheek. “I’m not going to hurt you, okay? But I will gag you if I remove my hand and you scream again,” he promised, his tone lighter than a moment ago. “Blink once if you promise not to scream.”

You blinked, another tear falling from your eye.

A pleased look crossed his face when he removed his hand and you complied. “Good girl,” he whispered and you ignored the new kind of shiver that rolled down your spine. “I didn't mean to startle you, but I couldn't wait any longer to see you.”

You exhaled as he used his thumb to wipe the tears away, your body still stiff as you focused on trying to stay calm. Couldn't wait to see you? You had never seen this man before in your life. “Who are you and what do you want?”

“My name is Bucky Barnes. And don't worry. I already know your name.” He smirked as he rested his hand on your cheek. You managed not to flinch at his calloused touch. “Did you have fun at my club?”

Confusion flickered in your gaze. “What?”

“My club, The 107th. I own it. Did you have fun?” He asked again, looking at you expectantly.

The 107th was the most luxurious and expensive nightclub in the city. Chic and glamorous in design with a friendly staff who waited on people hand and foot, you felt like royalty as you hung out in the VIP section. The upscale venue wasn't one you frequented often. In fact, you had only been once.

For Addison’s bachelorette party.

“Y-Yeah,” you replied, still confused as to what he wanted. “It’s a nice club.”

He hummed, his thumb brushing across your trembling lip. “I’m glad to hear it, but you didn't seem to have as much ‘fun’ as your friends. Did you?”

You nursed your drink as you gazed out at the dancefloor from your seat. The place was packed, the strobe lights flashing over the crowd in various hues as they grinded to the beat. You adjusted the hem of your short black dress as you debated going out to dance. You decided against it since you weren't looking to hook up.

“Come on! Another shot!” Addison yelled, adjusting her tiara on her head. She was lucky the “bride to be” sash was still on straight. “Shot, shot, sh-sh-sh-shot!”

You giggled as she plopped down beside you. “I did a shot. I'm fine,” you hollered back.

Your best friend grumbled something you couldn't make out as she put her head on your shoulder. “But you aren't even driving.”

“I don't want to deal with a hangover tomorrow,” you argued, thanking the server as she brought another bottle.

“Ugh. If you won't drink, at least get laid,” Addison whined a little. “You're wearing a slutty black dress and everything.”

You looked around at the group. Addison was the only one in white since she was the bride. Everyone else wore black. They looked great, but you weren't dressed to get any sort of attention.

“Yeah! Get fucked!” Dana shouted.

“Is that encouragement or an insult?” You teased, glancing at the small blinking light in the corner of the VIP section. You didn't notice it before.

“Raise your hand if you think our girl should get laid!” Addison announced, raising her hand high and spilling some of her drink on the seat. “Whoops.”

The group raised their hands as you attempted to clean up the small mess. “I’m not hooking up with anyone tonight,” you said to their disappointment. “This night isn't about me and my love life.”

“Your love life? Babe, it doesn't exist!” Addison grabbed your left hand and held it up to stare at your bare ring finger. “I don't get it. You're the only one not engaged or married yet. And you're, like, the sweetest one in our group. And you're so pretty! It’s not fair that you don't have a man. You deserve one.”

“And sex!” Dana chimed in. “You deserve lots of sex!”

You gently pulled your hand away and pushed down the sadness that surfaced at the reminder that you were the only single one left of your friends. You didn't know why you hadn't met the right one yet. It wasn't like your standards were too high and you were a good, loyal partner. You wouldn't say you were supermodel gorgeous, but you were pretty. You knew how to have a good time.

Right?

Addison's lip wobbled when she saw the look on your face. “Hey, hey, hey. I’m sorry. I didn't mean anything by it,” she rambled, hugging you from the side. “I just want you to have what Brady and I have. I want someone to love you.”

Guilt crept in before you shook your head and flashed your best smile. You know she wasn't trying to make you feel bad and you didn't want to ruin her night. “And one day, I will. Someone will love me the way Brady loves you and I’ll love him, too,” you assured her, giving the other girls a shrug and wishing they'd stop with the pitying stares. “Shots?”

“Shots!”

Your eyes briefly went back to the blinking light before you put a small smile back on your face. Addison was having fun and that was what mattered. You could worry about yourself and your feelings tomorrow.

“I’m sorry, but did my friends and I do something wrong?” You asked, dodging his question. You booked and paid for the section well in advance. Your group danced around in the area, and behaved overall and kept to yourselves. The server got a nice tip at the end of the night.

So what was the matter?

“Not at all,” he said, tilting his head. “I’m just sorry I couldn't introduce myself to you that night.”

“I don't understand. You broke into my home just so you could introduce yourself to me?” You asked as he traced small circles on your hips, the motion making your head spin a little. “How do you even know where I live?”

He chuckled, the corners of his eyes crinkling, before he got serious again. “I have my ways. And I can be a little intense and forward at times, but you’ll get used to it,” he said, your eyes wide again. What was wrong with this man?

“Okay, Bucky,” you said slowly, seeing something wicked flash in his eyes when you said his name. “Being intense and forward doesn't excuse breaking into my home. And since my friends and I didn't do anything wrong at your club and you formally introduced yourself, I think it's time for you to leave.”

A second passed before he shook his head. “No, doll. It’s time for you to get the love life and man you deserve.”

Fingers brushed your throat as you struggled to take your next breath. “What did you say?”

“I'm going to take you out to dinner tomorrow so you can get to know me and you’re going to wear the dress I bought for you,” he explained as if he didn't hear you, nodding toward the hall. “It’s waiting for you in your bedroom and, yes, it’s your size.”

How did this man have the nerve and how long had he been in your place? “You went into my room? You-”

“And I bought you that perfume you recently ran out of. I know how much you love it. I know everything about you,” he continued, running his nose along your neck as your blood ran cold. “Oh, we’re going to have so much fun together.”

You moved back, desperate to get away as your stomach twisted. He didn't let you get far, easily yanking you close again. How did he know anything about you? How did you catch his eye?

The blinking light in the corner of the VIP section …

“And if I say no?”

Bucky pulled back, his eyes calculating as he studied you. “I’m not going to force you into going out with me. It’s your choice to say yes or no, but I want you to think carefully about that choice.”

Dread pooled in your gut. “What do you mean?”

“Well, I obviously know where you live and I can get in and out undetected,” he pointed out. You wondered now if this was the first time he had been in your place. “I also know where your friend Addison and her fiancé, Brady, live.”

A wounded sound escaped at the thought of anything happening to your friends. “Please, leave them alone.”

“And the shop you work at, I know where it’s located. Those floral arrangements you make are stunning. Your boss even gave you a raise recently. You should be proud,” he smiled.

Your eyes watered again. The man was certifiably insane. Maybe this was a sick joke or a bad dream. Soon you'd wake up in your bed.

But the iron grip on your body reminded you that this was very real.

He waved a hand dismissively. “But we both know you’ll make the right choice because you're a good girl… a smart girl,” he said like he hadn't just threatened your friends or livelihood. “Just take the night to think it over. Have a glass of wine and draw yourself a nice bath while you do.”

He surprised you by moving you from his lap to the sofa. His hands and eyes lingered on you momentarily before he released you and stood up. Towering over you, he gave you a tender smile as he buttoned his jacket.

“I’m going to lock the door behind me when I leave and I’ll be back tomorrow at 7pm so you can give me your answer. And if you try and tell anyone I was here tonight, I’ll know about it,” he said, grasping your chin when you tried to look away. “It’s taking all of my control not to drag you to bed, but I can wait a little longer.”

Fear prickled the back of your neck as you tensed up. “You couldn't just ask me out like a normal person?”

You almost regretted asking when he narrowed his eyes, but he huffed out a laugh. “Where's the fun in that?” He winked as you shrank back in your seat. “There’s nothing to be afraid of. I won't hurt you. And you know what? I just thought of something. You still need a plus one for the wedding. I’m free. I’ll get a suit to match your bridesmaids’ dress. We’ll look perfect together. And Addison will be so happy that you aren't going alone.”

His tone was light and happy like it was a suggestion and not an order, but the ferocity in his gaze had you trembling. “Why are you doing this?” You asked above a whisper.

“Because I want you and I get what I want,” he said as a matter of fact, releasing your chin. “Like I said, it's time for you to get the love you deserve. And I know you'll give it to me in return.”

It was like your spirit floated out of your body as he bent down to kiss your forehead. You couldn't move or speak. Was this what shock felt like? Or was it complete and utter fear?

You stared ahead as he picked up your phone and unlocked it with your passcode. He knew that, too? “Can’t leave without giving you my phone number,” he smiled, putting his information in before he set the device down. You didn't respond. Once he was gone you could scream and cry. But you wouldn't give him the satisfaction of breaking down in front of him. “I’ll be back tomorrow night, 7pm. Get some rest. You'll need it.”

Even as he left you alone and locked the door behind him as promised, you didn't move from your spot as tears streamed down your cheeks. You didn't dare go to your bedroom to see the gifts he left for you, your hand shaking as you wiped at your face. The scent of his cologne lingered, as did his touch. It was like his shadow covered you, leaving you cold and afraid. Your home was no longer safe.

You weren't safe.

With his subtle threat looming over your head, you’d have no choice but to go out with him. Maybe he’d get bored of you quickly and move on. Or maybe not. You had no way of knowing. All you knew was that your average life was upheaved by the owner of The 107th.

And you were going to be his girl whether you liked it or not.

Bucky isn't wasting time. Where is he taking you on your first date? Love and thanks for reading! ❤️

Masterlist ⚓ Bucky Barnes Masterlist ⚓ Ko-Fi

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing References: Tips & Advice

Some Tips & Advice for Writing Fiction

Active Reading ⚜ Hook ⚜ Outline ⚜ Summary ⚜ Wordiness

Allegory ⚜ Food ⚜ Horror ⚜ Humour ⚜ Memoir ⚜ Mystery

Beginning & Ending ⚜ Chapter Ending ⚜ Last Line ⚜ The End

Conscious Language ⚜ White Room Syndrome ⚜ Writing Style

Creative Writing ⚜ Journal Writing ⚜ Speculative Biology

Fight Scene Part 1 2 ⚜ Plot Twist ⚜ Subplot

Procrastination ⚜ Rejection ⚜ Vocabulary ⚜ Your Audience

Writer's Block: Part 1 2

Your Character: Hero ⚜ Likable ⚜ Morally Grey ⚜ Well-Rounded

Writers on Writing

Anaïs Nin ⚜ Andrew Motion ⚜ Annie Proulx

Elmore Leonard ⚜ Ernest Hemingway ⚜ Friedrich Nietzsche

George Orwell: Motives for Writing ⚜ On Poetry ⚜ On Nonsense Poetry

George Orwell: The Prevention of Literature ⚜ On Good "Bad Books"

George Orwell: Describes A Writer

H. P. Lovecraft ⚜ Henry Miller ⚜ Italo Calvino

Jack Kerouac: Are Writers Born or Made?

James Baldwin ⚜ John Rechy ⚜ John Steinbeck

Joyce Carol Oates ⚜ Ray Bradbury ⚜ Ronald Knox

Kurt Vonnegut: The Shapes of Stories

Margaret Atwood: On Plot

Rick Riordan: On Character ⚜ On Dialogue ⚜ On Plot

Rick Riordan: Some Common Problems in Unpublished Manuscripts

Stephen King ⚜ Ursula K. Le Guin ⚜ Vladimir Nabokov

Virginia Woolf: On Censorship ⚜ On Words

W. H. Auden ⚜ William Strunk Jr. & E. B. White

Zadie Smith: Dance Lessons for Writers

More: Worldbuilding ⚜ Plot ⚜ Character ⚜ For the Poets ⚜ Prompts Notes & References ⚜ Templates ⚜ Word Lists ⚜ Writing Basics

[horrortalecomic]

The rest of Chapter 2, Aliza in Waterfall, will be released as a fully playable webgame instead of a comic in October. I understand this is quite different from past installments, but the truth is, Aliza's adventure actually comes to me much more clearly as a game for this chapter than a comic series. 

Chapter 2 of Book II has already been released to Patrons before I made this decision, and is very different from what the official story of Horrortale is to be. For $5 a month All of Chapter 2, Book II can be read here, along with a few more goodies about the upcoming game.

Amazingly, I have found the means to re-visit Horrortale as the game I had always envisioned it to be. You might remember what I mean; as in this popular mini web-game where Aliza ventures through Snowdin (you can try playing the flash game here) Most of my fans discovered me through that very webgame, and I feel it is time to re-attempt and answer the many, many calls to release another chapter in this medium.

As I busily work on this webgame, a future update will be released September 1st. I aim to complete this project completely by the month of October. 

I cannot thank you all enough for your interest and patience in the telling of this story. I am very aware of the wait in store for you after such a brief return. That is the way of truly independently-run passion projects created and released publicly by one person alone. Should the game fail, please know that I will absolutely return to telling the story in comic form ASAP.

Another big thank-you for your patience on this wild ride!

--

Commissions are closed. Read the rules here

The SAS pin is available! Buy it on Etsy

Navigate the comic on DA here.

New? View the first page here.

Read the FAQ here.

Read the archives here

Patrons have access to more in-depth updates and have questions answered ($1) as well as screenshots/details on this upcoming game ($5).

[dinasilvertongue]