2nd-glance Novels & Stories

The first one lifts my face toward me and smiles without joy. One mirror hesitates at the edge of the formation. Not mercy. Recalculation. It is still the first human-looking pause I have seen from them. Above her, the relic tube swings again. Cracks spider across the glass.

Once more, her helpers approached her, this time carrying a golden jug that was full of milk. One of the assistants poured the milk over Golder's head with a sad look, letting it to fall down her body as it sparkled in the candlelight. Golder appeared to be in deep thought. She was engulfed in a clean, milky cascade that the milk, which had been laced with therapeutic herbs and flowers, had created. This cascade represented a new beginning and the washing away of old grudges.

First Date *************** Narrators pov *************** He stood at the cafe door patiently waiting for her, she was already 10 minutes late. Anthony made up his mind that even if she doesn't come, he would understand. Their meeting each other had been a coincidence and whatever spark he felt they both had must have diminished for her.

I lean back against the pillows, my wolf stirring uneasily. Something tells me my life has already changed forever. NEXT DAY The room feels smaller when the Alpha King arrives. His presence is heavy, pressing down on my chest until it’s hard to breathe. Everyone bows instinctively, but I can’t take my eyes off him. Alpha Allen holds a sealed scroll, his hands trembling. “This is ancient,” he says quietly. “A law we hoped would never be needed again.” The Alpha King’s gaze lands on me. “The Law of the Second Mark,” he says.

Just as Caspian was about to nod and agree to the deal, I spoke up. “Wait,” I said in fluent Russian. Ivan froze and turned to look at me, so startled that his glasses nearly slipped off his nose. “This code is outdated.” I walked over to his laptop. Under Caspian’s puzzled gaze, I pointed at a specific section of the screen. “There’s a fatal flaw right here.” Ivan’s expression sank instantly. Sweat broke out on his forehead as he said, “What are you talking about? This is the latest encryption technology–”

Once she brought back the supplies, it was time for all business and forget about everything else from earlier. “Alright guys, let’s get started. Just open up you presentation deck to the first slide. Project Second Chance is ready to start.”

I pondered while stepping out of the shower. I thought about it for a while until I slept off. _______ The morning flickered through my window as I rubbed my blurry eyes and got off the bed. When I checked the wall clock, I realized it was a few minutes past 9 am. I yawned in fatigue and stretched my hands in the air. I had no idea how I slept for too long even when I wasn't drunk last night. I checked my phone and saw the numerous missed calls from Paul. It could only mean one thing; he's ready for our second mission.

The words stab my throat the second they leave my mouth. After the call ends, I return to the couch. The laptop’s still glowing, but I don’t see anything. I stare at my own reflection in the glass. Tara Anasthassia De Carrillo, 25. Architect. Math minor. Independent woman with her own apartment and a decent enough portfolio to pitch to Singapore next year. And still....can’t let go of a man who was never even hers. I set the laptop on the table. Grab the wine. Take another sip.

“But remember, Lady Elowen. Second wives don’t get to rewrite the story. They only get to accept the ending.” Elowen held that gaze for one long moment, then turned slightly - just enough to show she was aware of the dais and the court beyond it. The banners fluttered faintly with the movement of air through high doors. The sound of distant bells - announcement bells, ceremonial bells - threaded through the hall, low and inevitable.

Scarlet's POV I started with cleaning the hallways this morning. I didn't want to have any awkward encounters with the Alpha and his friends. I was sure they were still sleeping. It was still very early so most of the pack members were sleeping except for those on patrol. I was done with the first floor, so I navigated my way through the house and started heading to the second floor. As I was about to take the first step, I heard Sharon call me. I froze.