Meditations Marcus Aurelius Novels & Stories

The Utterance was trying to communicate. The room went quiet. "So the entity that's been imprisoned as the foundation of all reality for nine billion years," Marcus said slowly, leaning against the wall with his shield propped beside him, "is trying to have a conversation with you. By turning you into a computer." "That's about the size of it."

Morning is a private religion when you live in love’s hush, and today the altar is our bed. Marcus wakes before me, as if the world has trained his body to arrive early wherever I am. He watches me with that look that first made me forget how to breathe — like I am the best decision he’s ever made and he wants to memorize me all over again.

“You’ve returned. The dagger… it’s time.” ​The grove shifts violently around us. The shadows lengthen like grasping claws. The glowing runes carved into the ancient oaks crack and splinter with a sound like breaking bones. Marcus steps closer, his boots heavy on the dead leaves. The medallion in his hand pulses rapidly, its violet light reflecting in his dark eyes, turning them unnatural, glassy, and completely compelled.

Aurora’s POV As I got ready for bed, I could still hear movements around the house. It was still quite early. As I glanced around I felt a sense of being stifled, restless. I couldn't simply sleep. Then I recalled Elder Miriam’s words. ‘When you find yourself unable to rest, then meditate. It would give you clarity and ease, Luna.’ I sat on the floor, cross-legged, and straightened my posture while letting my breaths fall into that familiar, calm routine. It was the same technique I had long learnt when I was a child, and had been taught to me by Elder Miriam.

She closes her eyes and we do the same. Five minutes later, the Warriors say nothing as they march from the room. No one meets my eyes. If they had, we would have broken down in laughter. That would put a very angry Nova Warrior in our path, and we can't allow it for reasons of self-preservation. Silence wins the day, at least when it comes to meditation. I stretch my arms over my head and yawn. "You're feeling relaxed because of the mediation," Marinah says, coming up behind me and placing her hand on my back.

There’s not enough wine in the world for that mess. So now, I’m alone in the woods. No Lucian to storm off to—because apparently, I punched him into a different personality. No Ruby to roll her eyes at me. Elisha’s probably too busy cleaning up Lucian’s broken ego to bother. Just me. And the trees. And the thick silence pressing down like a weighted blanket made of dirt and regrets. 'You could try meditating,' Nrah says lazily in my mind. 'Oh, sure,' I mutter aloud. 'Let me just center my chakras while the universe continues to screw me sideways.'

Marcus admitted with a soft smile, his thoughts momentarily drifting to Juliana. He could still remember the conversations they had—her concerns, her reminders to focus solely on medicine, and how she worried that teaching might steal precious time from his studies. But there had been something about passing on knowledge, about standing before a class just like his own mentors once did, that Marcus couldn’t resist. It wasn’t just a job; it was a calling that resonated with him deeply.

His entire life was dedicated to the stability and growth of the pack, leaving nothing left for himself. Deciding that he was not going to be able to think well enough to get any work done until he took a break, Marcus started to mind-link his Beta and Gamma. He figured that together they could get something to eat and relax some of the stress of the day away. Just as he started toward the kitchen, he heard the unmistakable sound of his private email alert on his phone. His chin fell to his chest as he turned back toward his desk, letting out a quiet growl of frustration at the interruption.

"You mock him." "How dare you suggest such a thing? I would never." Marcus moved past her, reaching for a book from her stack. He thumbed through the pages, back turned to Sidia. She was about to try and press him further but stopped as he started reading out loud. "I heard a thousand blended notes, while in a grove I sate reclined, in that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts bring sad thoughts to mind. To her fair works did Nature link the human soul that through me ran; and much it grieved my heart to think what man has made of man."

I muttered, hoping he didn’t notice how shaky my voice was. “Lie down,” Marcus said, his tone firm, leaving no room for hesitation. “We’re starting with stretches.” I lowered myself onto the mat, lying on my back. My chest rose and fell too fast, nerves and heat mixing together. Marcus crouched beside me, one large hand hovering over my knee. “Relax,” he said, his voice dropping lower, almost a command. “Let me guide you.”. I nodded quickly, biting my lip, relax? How the heck am I supposed to relax?