71 Results in the "A Weave of Ambition" category
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Chapter
Chapter 50 – Old Acquaintance
Valentina turned the precious vials in her hands. The Essence shimmered in them like liquid moonlight, two vials that might get her through the next two weeks if she used them sparingly. But then what? "A worryingly low supply," Vyxara remarked. "Especially given the fact that your usual sources have dried up." "I know," Valentina thought grimly. Barnaby was in the Illumination's dungeons, and even if he was still free, after their last encounter, she wouldn't have visited his store anyway. Professor Horne…-
428.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 51 – Possibilities
Valentina stood outside an elegant townhouse in one of Bridgewater's better neighborhoods. The Violet Delights seemed to be very different from the usual brothels in the city. There were no glaring lanterns, for one and no drunken men standing around outside the door or lurking in the shadows. Instead, the three-story building made of solid brick exuded a refined, discreet elegance. Well-crafted Essence patterns shimmered in the high windows, carefully woven defensive patterns that Valentina looked at with…-
428.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 52 – Decisions
When Valentina entered the library the next morning, she immediately sensed that something had happened again. The already very subdued atmosphere was now full of nervous tension. Students whispered in the corners, but fell silent abruptly when someone walked past. "Did you hear that?" A first-year student leaned across the table to his friends. "They arrested another two last night. Essence Weavers from the city." "If he keeps this up, all the Essence Weavers will leave the city," another muttered…-
428.5 K • Ongoing
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The second day of the new semester began with a flood of students streaming into the main hall for course registration. Valentina made her way through the crowd, a list of the courses she wanted to attend this year firmly in hand. She had chosen to focus on medical applications of Essence Weaving, inspired by her time at Greystone Hospital. "All those looks," Vyxara murmured, amused. "You'd think you were an exotic creature from the Scorched Lands or the Far West and not just a student in a new…
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428.5 K • Ongoing
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The time after her birthday was characterized by great busyness. Her days consisted of court duties, research work and a lot of time with the duke. He was particularly attentive and affectionate, as if to compensate for the harshness of that night. His touches were gentler, their conversations more profound, his gifts thoughtful. He made her small gifts, like rare books, or exquisite hair clips that he had brought to her bed in the morning. "He's really trying," Vyxara remarked with amusement one evening…
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428.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 35 – Deals and Illusions
In the evening, the inner circle had gathered as usual. Valentina leaned relaxed in the duke's arms while he gently played with a strand of her hair. They had found their way back to a new, cautious familiarity over the last few weeks. The rest of the inner circle also lounged about on the divans. Baron Sebastian shared a couch with Lady Vivienne, while Lady Celestine snuggled close to Master Bloomfield. Master Amadou and Countess Rosamere were engrossed in a whispered conversation. The doors opened and…-
428.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 36 – A Different Touch
Lady Celestine's townhouse was situated in one of Dusktown's most elegant streets, surrounded by manicured gardens. Music drifted softly from the open windows. Valentina hesitated outside the gate, her heart beating faster at the thought of what she was about to do. "Nervous, little Weaver?" Vyxara's voice sounded amused. "Yet you weren't usually so shy with a little tenderness in your illustrious inner circle. Not even at the beginning with Master Bloomfield." "This feels a bit different," thought…-
428.5 K • Ongoing
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Her days in Dusktown were coming to an end. Late summer was already turning the leaves in the palace gardens the first golden hues, and the morning mists drifting up from the sea were getting thicker. Valentina felt the approaching change like a slight tingling under her skin. On the morning of the day before her departure, Jenny brought her a message from the duchess, handwritten on the finest paper with a subtle scent of lavender. The duchess wished to speak to her in her private chambers. "Quite…
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428.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 38 – A Perfect Memory
After her last time with the duke for the time being, Valentina couldn't sleep, she still felt far too agitated. She slipped into a silk night robe and slipped out into the palace garden. The moon was high in the sky, its silvery light making the artfully trimmed hedges look like frozen ripples in Essence. "A wonderful night for one last walk," Vyxara murmured in her head. "Though I have to admit, his way of saying goodbye was... interesting." "He really made an effort," whispered Valentina as she…-
428.5 K • Ongoing
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The wheels of the carriage rattled over the cobblestones as Valentina pulled herself up from her exhausted lethargy. After days of traveling, she finally saw Bridgewater's city gate in front of her. A tingle of excitement and nervousness ran through her body. "Ah, we're back," Vyxara whispered in her head, the demon's voice sounding amused. "Where it all began. Where we met. Where we 'tied the knot' so to speak. Isn't it nice to be back?" "Yes, it is." Valentina murmured as her eyes involuntarily…
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428.5 K • Ongoing
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