A Forest Of Vanity And Valour Novels & Stories

Carlo's face turned even paler with every word I said. "You thought I was never good enough for you. You thought I was a stain on your otherwise perfect life. You treated me like a dog, calling me when you needed me and tossing me aside when you didn't. For the sake of your lover, you humiliated me and hurt me again, and again, and again. "Carlo… Do you still think you have the right to ask me to return to you? Do you honestly think you deserve me?"

"You really are different. Most people hear the name Jerald Vortigan and they run. You hear it and you talk about women and children." "Maybe I am stupid." "Maybe." Ren claps me on my shoulder. "But stupid and brave look the same from a distance. Just be careful which one you turn out to be." He walks away, leaving me standing at the edge of the forest. I run. The path is familiar now, every root, every rock, every turn. My body moves without thought. The pain in my hand fades as my blood pumps harder. I felt pain on my bruises, but I ignore them.

Meanwhile, I felt completely invisible and left out, standing exactly where Papa had ordered me to stay — always behind him, always following his will. “Milady, may I offer you a jacket?” I looked up to see Zeb standing right behind me, holding a coat in his hands. I turned my head slightly and raised an eyebrow. “Do you honestly think I need a jacket?” I asked, my voice dripping with sarcasm. He nodded gently. “Only to cover the bruises on your back — they are exposed for everyone to see.” “I don’t care. I don’t need it. I look good in this dress; why would I hide it under a coat?”

I was certain it hadn't been there this morning. A strange feeling settled in the pit of my stomach as I walked over and picked it up. There was no name on the front, no indication of who had left it there. Slowly, I unfolded the paper inside. *After everything I sacrificed for you, you left me over some cheap accusations that slut fed you. I gave you everything you ever wanted, and what did you do? You spat in my face and branded me the villain. If you think this is over, you're absolutely wrong. If I can't have you, Liora sure as hell isn't going to have you either. Mark my words, Everett. This isn't the end.*

Callista My heart beats fast in my chest as I pursue Valencia through the snow-laden forest. The tall trees loom around me, stripped off their leaves unless they are evergreens. I'd lost sight of Valencia's distinguishable red hair for a while, but the prints of her footsteps are still clearly visible on the snow. I don't know if I should be following her right now. Maybe I should've stayed with the wolves and taken them to Theon before going after Valencia. I had to tell him about what happened and see if he was okay after being dragged into the castle with Ophelia’s vines.

The air over the Shadow Vale was thick with ash and despair. A gray pall clung to the jagged peaks, and the ground itself seemed to shudder under the weight of countless undead souls. Selene stood on the precipice of the valley’s entrance, her silver eyes reflecting the devastation below. Before her lay the amassed legions of the Revenant—fallen warriors, corrupted beasts, and spectral phantoms—stretching as far as the eye could see.

Strong rushing winds lifted us off the ground, roughly hurling us towards a massive tree. Before impact, Valen manifested in front of me to take the brunt of my plummeting body, slamming into him. His stocky arms were tight and protective as he seemed to be hunched around me. Even though I felt so safe, I knew I didn't belong there. The tree shook upon collision, cracking its trunk, but determined to stand tall, and a multitude of red leaves and orange blossoms cascaded down with us. “I got you, sweet mate,” Valen’s abomination uttered. His eyes were inky pools, wrapping chains around my soul to drown me in their encroaching storm.

CHAPTER 27 As you brave your way in this evil forest, you must stay alert. Keep your eyes open for the signs that others do not see. You will likely become lost, and doubtless you will find yourself getting deeper into the secluded parts of this evil haunted forest, a forest with all kinds of ghosts, black sucking creatures, they are all hungry, hungry and angry for revenge. Hungry for your fresh brain, yes, hungry for your warm blood, soft tissues from your body, but take heart, as this is only bringing you closer to your goal.

The night bled thick through the forest, every branch and shadow alive with whispers. Valerius strode at the front, his black coat snapping in the wind, his eyes glowing faintly with hunger and fury. The cursed trees leaned close as if to choke their path, roots snaking across the ground to trip them, thorned branches reaching out like claws.