Foreigner On The Periphery Novels & Stories

It was only when one of the women had three of her fingers sliced off that she screamed in agony and showed us her transaction records. The other party used a foreign account. They'd only informed the woman of my whereabouts and the likely places I would be. They'd also reminded the woman to discard my phone and destroy my identification. I fell deep into thought at the conversation. I didn't know who the mastermind was, but one thing was for sure—they knew me well. They knew I was Lysander's fiancée and that I'd always dreamed of being a model. They also knew where I would be. Thirdly, they were no stranger to using foreign accounts and had plenty of money to buy these people over.

The absence of my presence these past few years had made me accustomed to compromising in front of Sophie and her family. Even when Julius replaced me in the family portrait, or when every New Year's dinner table was filled with dishes Julius liked, I endured it. I even comforted myself by telling myself that things weren't so bad if someone could stay by their side in my place. I thought that as long as the family was happy, nothing else mattered. But today, a single apple gave me a wake-up call. If they already saw me as an outsider, why was I still trying so hard to belong?

"Likely to indicate outside the walls." Beyond the Grayson estate signified outside U.S. territory. Outsider assistance. Increased risks. I remained standing, tucking the tablet beneath my arm. "Ensure they remain confined." "Refrain from involvement." "They possess backup," the voice remarked. I became immobile. Not due to fear. Since I had already figured out who it was. "Charles?" I inquired. "Negative." Another person. A female individual. "Unknown." I concluded the call. The elements moved once more.

But there was a low hum of voices drifting from the training yard, and curiosity prickled at me. I crept closer, careful not to be seen, and froze when I recognized Ivan’s voice. “…found outsiders near the northern borders,” one of the soldiers said, tension cutting through his words. Ivan’s voice was calm but razor-sharp. “How many?” “Three. They were armed, but unprepared. They turned back when they caught our scent.” My stomach tightened. Outsiders? Close to the borders? The hairs on my neck stood on end, half from fear, half from that strange surge of excitement I never thought I’d feel in a situation like this.

I smirked despite myself at her and said mockingly while looking at her “No prostitutes in Canada? You had to import one through our town?” “Not a lot of virgin prostitutes willing to take the offer in Canada. They all know how unstable the boss is and how many enemies he has. No one is willing to risk their lives, we had to improvise. And let me be clear on something here, we weren’t passing through your precious little town. So you have no business stopping nor questioning us. How about you let us be and go back to leading in your own territory” said the man in exasperation.

he shook his head as if dismissing whatever thought passed him. “So not a vampire?” I frowned. “No. Not this time.” “Maybe a rogue?” I offered because he seemed quite troubled. “It was outside the pack boundaries, anyway. Perhaps a lone wolf passing by.” Though something at the back of my mind denied those possibilities. Because it was something else. A wolf, but not a rogue or just some wolf passing by. “Could be,” he shrugged. “I guess we will have to monitor the perimeters closely for the next few weeks.”

“As long as you two aren’t involved in my case, I won’t cross into your lane.” “You’re camping out near my wife’s studio.” Durante lit up a stick with a faint crackle. “Coincidence. Like I said, I prefer the quiet.” He exhaled a plume of smoke. “We can agree you two are simply a young couple looking to start a new life on this island—" He gave a thoughtful shrug. "Like most foreigners who decide to live here.” Was this his way of saying he'd be willing to turn a blind eye? “A peaceful life, we hope,” Gildeon said, emphasizing ‘peaceful.’

Ding Hao nodded and said, "You seem to be very familiar with the foreign land." The young man said respectfully, "I've been very interested in the world outside. Since our Golden Wind Tribe doesn't have strong comprehensive strength, we can only rove around the periphery of the Ocean Forest. As a result, we frequently encounter foreign adventurers and caravans. I've come into contact with them for a long time and have got much information, so I know something about the foreign territories." Ding Hao nodded secretly. "This young man is an observant and conscientious person."

He opened his mouth, but no words came out. I pulled my wrist free from his grip and took a step back. “Mark… the person you love isn’t me. The person you love is someone called ‘my wife,’ a shadow who waits for you at home every day, cooks for you, worries about you. That shadow went with you abroad five years ago. She was alone in a foreign country, afraid to go out because of the language barrier, and wanted to continue her photography career but didn’t dare pick up the camera… because she was afraid of embarrassing you.”

Another sound came from deeper in the trees. Low voices. My heart began to beat faster. These voices were not familiar. They did not belong to Blackridge. I moved slowly behind a large tree, peering through the darkness. Three figures stepped into the small clearing ahead. Warriors. But not from this pack. Their scent drifted through the damp air. Foreign One of them spoke quietly. “We’re close to their borders.” Another laughed softly. “Blackridge wolves are arrogant. They won’t expect visitors tonight.” Cold fear slid down my spine.