The Ones We Wait For Novels & Stories

“We don’t know.” “But it’s more than we expected.” Silence settled over us. Darius rested his sword against his shoulder. “When will they move?” “Soon.” “Today?” “I don’t think so.” Orion looked toward the sky. “They’re waiting.” “For what?” I asked. Before Orion could answer, Cassian walked into the training grounds. “They’re waiting for someone.” Everyone turned toward him. “Who?” Cassian’s eyes met mine. “You.” A chill ran through me.

I vaguely remembered that the code to the door was my birthday date, but now, it wouldn't open no matter what I did. I texted Nathan and asked, "I need to pack. Can you tell me the code?" Just like always, there was no reply to my message. It wasn't until my whole body had gone numb from the cold that the door lock finally clicked open. The passcode was Nathan and Lily's wedding date. A woman's soft, flirty voice spilled through the gap in the door. "Nate, feel this rosary. Isn't it smooth from all the work I've done on it?"

Waiting for the next take. Forever.

Change rarely announced itself with certainty. More often, it arrived quietly, disguised as routine, woven into ordinary moments until one day it became impossible to ignore. For Lily and Aaron, that change had been unfolding for weeks now—softly, patiently—like a tide that never rushed but never retreated either.

"Linkon High School strikes back! Female student admitted into Hareford University following false accusations of cheating!" "Bottom feeder to Hareford candidate in just one year!" "Riveria High School eats their words! Riviera's principal initiates emergency crisis management measures!" My phone was ringing nonstop due to the sheer number of notifications I was getting. Classmates, teachers, relatives, and even elementary school classmates I hadn't been in touch with for years were reaching out to congratulate me. After ending a call with my aunt, Diana Mayfield, I sent Jack a message. "See you in Clock Square."

"I've been busy lately. I haven't had the chance to really spend time with you." He slowly leaned in, his warm breath brushing against the sensitive spot behind my ear. My body tensed up involuntarily, and I heard myself speaking in a cold and distant tone. "Let's not. Francesca has just returned and isn't accustomed to everything. She'll need you there for her soon, won't you?" Ian frowned. His phone rang just as he was about to reply. With a conflicting look, he answered the call. Even as he hurried out the door, he still turned back to defend Francesca. "Don't be so petty all the time. Just wait for me here—I'll be back soon."

And knowing we would be closing on this great traditional brick four-bedroom house on a quiet street was the cherry on top. It was tough to focus the rest of the day and even harder to keep the news from mom. I know this will make her year. We’d been talking about having kids but always like a future thing. And bam, not trying, we get one. We were about halfway to the waterfront even when we realized we had forgotten to get the ultrasound to show our friends. So we ended up getting there late. The park was, of course, busy. It would take hours if we were looking for anyone other than the Frost family in this sea of people. But it was easy to spot them, mainly because their cousins Clay and R

Far away, beyond wards and borders, I feel it again— That pulse of dark anticipation. The Unbound knows we’re coming. And this time… He’s waiting.

the ones who had attended his funeral, who had sent handwritten notes, who had voted against Mason's last three executive compensation packages with the quiet persistence of people who were waiting for a reason. She typed the same message to each. Clean, direct, no preamble. I have documentation and a strategy. I'm moving within the month. If you're in, I need to know now. There is no redemption later for those who wait. She put the phone down. Picked up her coffee. And waited.

After Damian abandoned Noah and me for Sofia and Luca yet again, we finally learned to stop asking. He took them to family dinners and interviews, even let Luca sit in the seat that had always belonged to Noah. I stopped arguing. So did Noah. He gave the gold pistol that marked Noah as his heir to Luca as a birthday gift, and Noah simply nodded obediently and wished Luca a happy birthday. Three days later, Noah fell down the stairs and struck his head against a step. He lost consciousness and was taken to the hospital with a mild concussion. Damian arrived after I had already spent the night outside the emergency room. “Elena, why didn’t you call me? I’m Noah’s father too.” “It’s nothing ser