Neal Stephenson Novels & Stories

Sweet, perfect Rosealba. Stephanie’s smile soured. A stain. A parasite. A soft thing pretending to be strong. “I’ll peel the sweetness from your skin,” Stephanie whispered, setting the glass down. Her fingers flexed against the wood, nails digging slightly. “Piece by piece. Until Alactor Merikh forgets your name. Until your ghost stops haunting his eyes. Until he is completely mine.” She turned from the mirror, the silk of her robe brushing against her ankles like a shadow that moved with her.

I’ll answer some of her questions tonight then we can start again tomorrow. I smiled, taking the notepad back to read her questions. It was primarily ordinary things to start with. The same kind of ice breaker questions most would ask. So a good place to start. “Well, you know my name is Stephen. My full name is Stephen Rhett Walterson. I was born and raised in Oregon. I’m from the Bloodmoon pack. My parents are Maxton and Edith. I have a ten-year-old sister named Suzanne, but we just call her Suzie.” I started answering her questions.

My wealth began to snowball, growing rapidly. … One year later. On an ordinary afternoon, I drove aimlessly through the city. By some twist of fate, I returned to that familiar intersection. I did not get out. I parked, peering through the tinted windows, quietly observing. Cars streamed by as crowds surged past. Students in uniforms walked across the crosswalk, laughing and teasing in small groups. Sunlight spilled over their young faces, filling them with hope and dreams for the future. I suddenly understood that the one who died in prison in my previous life was not truly my past self.

SALVATORE The marble steps were cool under my footwear as I crept down. I didn’t want to wake anyone. I couldn’t risk it. The mansion was silent, the kind of quiet that wrapped around you like a shroud. Morning hadn’t even broken yet. It was best to move on time before anyone got up and began to question me. My heart thudded heavily in my chest as I moved through the dim foyer. I kept seeing the note I had left close to Miguel’s pillow playing over and over in my mind. It was just a short “I will be back soon; love you.” and now that I was already halfway to redemption, I realised that it felt too simple for what I was doing.

If he couldn't give me that, he shouldn't take away my money. He didn't argue. Instead, he gripped my hand tighter and said softly, "I can give it to you... whatever you want." I yanked my hand away from his, a cold smile on my lips. "You don't want me working, do you? It's because you've made Crystal the spokesperson for the New Year's product line, isn't it? You really think I don't have my sources at the company? Do you have any idea how much penalty fees my department is going to face because of this?"

Neil had endured so much without even knowing the full extent of Roy’s control over his life. Indeed, everything was orchestrated by Roy to gain control over Neil. I hadn't realized that the identity of Neil Caster was also fabricated by Roy. I initially thought there might have been an overlap between Neil Wesley and Neil Caster, but it became clear that while Neil Wesley still existed, Neil Caster, though present, had no true identity. Could it be that the resurrection ritual gave this child, originally known as "Little None," a new identity as Neil? Did my decision alter the fate of Little None?

He stepped back. “Be down soon,” he said, walking away without a single glance back. Was I better now? Maybe. But the ache for more was louder. *AUTHOR’S NOTE* Hey lovely readers! 💕 Here’s a brand-new update for you all. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, so don’t forget to drop a comment below. Your feedback always makes my day! Until the next chapter ✨

I gave her a small smile, letting her know I was there for her if she needed me. “I’m sorry, Nathaniel. I know I’m not good company right now. I was just rereading Tim’s letter. It’s painful to know he’s gone, and the only thing he really thought of was me living out the rest of my days. The last thing he will ever say to me is for me to live my life and to live it with another man.”

Unless. "Alpha Grayson."

“I underestimated you, Stephanie. I never thought you would plan something like this with the director. I really underestimated you.” Stephanie threw her head back, a sharp laugh tearing through the woods. It was a sound of pure delight. "The Director? Oh, Nilah, you still think so small. You were always the 'brilliant' one, the researcher, the pride of the lineage, and yet you’re lying in the dirt like a discarded dog."