Chapter Eleven: Show of Strength | Part 8 Thirtyx had discussed his concerns with Rhea and Benn, but while their trust in Arova was guarded, it was still trust. They knew her as a person and friend, after all, rather than some distant diplomat. They also didn’t know about the Veriths’ hearty tradition of brainwashingContinue reading “Resilient as Always”
Author Archives: Calley Jones
If the Worst Should Happen
Chapter Eleven: Show of Strength | Part 7 More clamoring from the crowd. Grimmary’s eyes sparkled purple, a move Thirtyx thought was for intimidation until the king pointed at a reporter. “You! You seem to have a question unrelated to the species of my attacker.” The reporter cleared her throat. “Yes, well, it’s funny thatContinue reading “If the Worst Should Happen”
No Mercy
Chapter Eleven: Show of Strength | Part 6 “Was I so wrong to have wanted something better for my children than the suffering endured by Lamiakk’s older generations?” Grimmary continued. “Prior to my rule, virtually every childhood was ruined or cut short by political turmoil. I am not saying this to sing my own praises.Continue reading “No Mercy”
King Grimmary
Chapter Eleven: Show of Strength | Part 5 Purple light and smoke swirled inside the orb. The sigils faded, replaced by a white glow that grew larger and brighter before morphing into an inverted trapezoid that reached nearly to the ceiling. Colored wisps danced inside the field until a scene took shape—a podium atop aContinue reading “King Grimmary”
Projection
Chapter Eleven: Show of Strength | Part 4 Inside the dining hall, the main buffet table had been replaced by a stage. The tables were stacked neatly against the far wall, and the chairs now stood in neat rows. The twins strode confidently up the center aisle and took seats at the very front ofContinue reading “Projection”
Penance
Chapter Eleven: Show of Strength | Part 3 “Speaking of the press conference, Rhea and I are expected to attend the school’s projection.” Benn sat up to look Thirtyx in the eye. “But I can stay here if you’re not comfortable being alone yet. I don’t care what Grimm wants—Rhea can go for both ofContinue reading “Penance”
Old Enough
Chapter Eleven: Show of Strength | Part 2 “No one’s getting expelled once Grimm is done with her.” Rhea’s eyes glimmered with satisfaction. “We had a little chat with him earlier. He’s furious. If Azirenne still has a job when she leaves the palace, I’ll eat a grimoire.” “Grimmary doesn’t have enough on his plateContinue reading “Old Enough”
You Need Rest
Chapter Eleven: Show of Strength | Part 1 Classes were canceled the next day. It was dawn by the time Rhea and Benn got Thirtyx back to the dorm. They put him in his bed, where hey lay in unmoving silence, Rhea seated by his head and Benn by his waist. Thirtyx knew he hadContinue reading “You Need Rest”
Is That a Threat?
Chapter Ten: Under | Part 10 “Thirtyx!” Benn was shaking him again. “Oh, man. I can’t go without you. I can’t leave you like this.” “Hmm?” Thirtyx was lying down again. He struggled to sit up. Why did his body still feel so wrong? Benn pulled something heavy off Thirtyx’s head. “Your helmet had aContinue reading “Is That a Threat?”
Glittery Glimmery Magic
Chapter Ten: Under | Part 9 Thirtyx could scarcely inhale enough air to breathe his reply. “You don’t care about the twins. You want a bargaining chip!” The malice in her grin sent an uncomfortable shudder down Thirtyx’s spine. “It’s cute that you think a single person in this school would hesitate to turn onContinue reading “Glittery Glimmery Magic”
Calley Jones 