Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale ` 21 Summary
In Chapter 21 of “Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows,” Tessa expresses her deep regret and concern for her brother Avery, wishing for his happiness and lamenting the chaos caused by Margaery. Her voice trembles as she pretends to wipe away tears, revealing her internal struggle and pain. Joshua, observing Tessa’s discomfort, tries to comfort her while expressing frustration over Margaery’s reckless behavior. He emphasizes the need for Margaery to learn the significance of family ties, hinting at the possibility of sending her to the Laundry Bureau as a consequence of her actions.
As the conversation unfolds, Avery admires Tessa’s character, declaring her his only sister and pledging to help her heal. Raul, too, supports the idea of sending Margaery away, believing that she needs a lesson to prevent further damage to their family’s reputation. Tessa, however, feels a mix of excitement and guilt, contemplating the idea of allowing Margaery in to apologize, despite Raul’s anger at her suggestion. The tension rises as Tessa feigns concern, revealing her inner conflict between familial loyalty and the desire to rid herself of Margaery’s disruptive presence.
The situation takes a dramatic turn when Astrid announces that Margaery has vanished, leaving everyone in shock. Raul’s fury escalates as he realizes Margaery has left without seeking forgiveness, a tactic that had previously worked on her. He commands Astrid to fetch Margaery, determined to teach her a lesson. When Margaery is brought back, she displays an unexpected calmness, defying expectations and challenging the authority of those around her. Joshua confronts her about her reckless actions at the Royal Medical Hall, reminding her of the consequences she faces.
The chapter ends with a poignant moment between Margaery and Joshua, highlighting their complicated relationship. Margaery recalls the pain inflicted by her brother in the past, a reminder of the deep scars their family dynamics have left on her. This emotional weight underscores the tension in their interactions, revealing the complexities of love, loyalty, and the desire for acceptance within a fractured family.
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**Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 21**
Tessa’s voice trembled as she spoke, her gaze dropping to the floor, a wave of regret washing over her. “It’s just so unfortunate for Avery. If I had a brother like him, I would plead for a thousand remedies to ensure his happiness.” The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions, as she pretended to wipe away nonexistent tears.
Joshua turned his attention to her, concern etched on his face. He noticed the sheen of cold sweat on her brow, a testament to the pain gripping her stomach. Yet, despite her discomfort, she continued to advocate for Margaery. It was a bittersweet sight that made him sigh deeply.
“If only Margaery had half your sense,” he said, his voice laced with frustration. “We wouldn’t be forced to consider sending her to the Laundry Bureau. Keeping her confined in the lumber room didn’t yield any results, did it?” His tone softened slightly as he continued, “Today, she had the audacity to create chaos at the Royal Medical Hall. Tomorrow, she could very well disrupt the King himself. She needs to learn a lesson about the weight of family ties.”
He placed a reassuring hand on Tessa’s shoulder. “Don’t let her troubles weigh you down. Your recovery is what truly matters right now.”
Avery, observing the exchange, felt a swell of admiration for Tessa. It was clear to him that she was far superior to Margaery in every way. With newfound determination, he turned to Tessa and declared, “From this moment forward, you are my only sister. I will do everything in my power to help you heal.”
Raul, standing nearby, cast a fond glance at Tessa, his expression resolute. “What you’ve said only strengthens my resolve to send Margaery to the Laundry Bureau. She requires this lesson; otherwise, she could end up ruining our family’s reputation entirely.”
“Should we let her in now?” Tessa’s heart fluttered with excitement. Finally, it seemed she might rid herself of Margaery’s presence for good.
Though she had little familiarity with the workings of Sinderin, she recalled her tutor’s warnings about the Clan Court, where royal descendants were dealt with harshly. For ordinary people, entering such a place often meant a fate worse than death.
Even if Margaery managed to survive inside, she would emerge to a life of servitude in the Laundry Bureau. The thought of her struggling in the biting cold, perhaps not making it to spring, sent a shiver of satisfaction through Tessa.
If fortune truly turned against Margaery, she could find herself in the Labor Division, where mere survival for ten days would be a daunting challenge. Even if she endured it all, her reputation would be irreparably tarnished. No respectable official would consider marrying a woman with a criminal past; not even a lowly county magistrate would look her way.
Tessa’s mind swirled with the possibilities. ‘In the end, Margaery would be left with nothing but a commoner, groveling and calling me “Miss Wallen” to my face!’ The thought filled her with a sense of triumph.
“Please, Daddy, can we allow Margaery to come in?” Tessa’s voice was weak, laced with feigned concern. “It’s so cold outside today.” She lowered her head, allowing tears to spill forth. “It’s my fault for planting the seeds of rebellion in her heart. If I hadn’t come along, she would have cherished Father and her brothers. After all, they are such remarkable men. Others would envy having brothers like ours.”
Raul’s heart ached at her words. “You’ll have a father of your own one day, and your brothers will always look after you.”
Joshua chimed in, attempting to soothe her. “That’s right, Tessa. Focus on your recovery. We’ll find a way to get her to deliver the medicine for your stomach. Once you’re back to your old self, brighter days will surely follow.”
Tessa looked up at him, her eyes red and glistening with unshed tears. “Maybe we should let Margaery in so I can apologize. After all, she is my sister. If I can just get her to yell or hit me a little, she might vent her frustrations and calm down. As long as she doesn’t cause any more trouble for Avery, I’ll do whatever it takes.”
“What are you apologizing for?” Raul’s temper flared at her suggestion. “Leave her outside! She should be the one apologizing!”
Just then, a voice broke through the tension. “Sir, Lady Margaery has left,” Astrid announced, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief.
“What?” Raul’s surprise was palpable.
Astrid stepped inside, her brow furrowed. “When I locked the door, she should have realized what you wanted and started banging on it, crying for you to let her in, just like always. But today, there was nothing—no noise at all.”
“I found it odd and went outside to check. It turns out she’s completely vanished, like smoke in the wind.”
“I asked the snow sweepers, and they said she bolted the moment she arrived, not even lingering long enough to catch a chill.”
Raul’s eyes widened in fury as he stood abruptly. “She left? After all the chaos she caused, how dare she just walk away like that?” His frustration was palpable, nearly driving him to madness.
In the past, this tactic had always worked on Margaery. Growing up without a mother, she had feared losing him more than anything else. Whenever he distanced himself, she would throw tantrums, refusing to budge, leaving him with a pounding headache.
It was amusing how quiet she was today, he had thought just moments ago.
He had assumed she had finally matured—or perhaps was too frightened to throw a fit after her own misdeeds. But it seemed she had simply turned and left.
‘How dare she?!’ Raul seethed with rage, directing his ire at Astrid as if it were her fault that Margaery hadn’t come begging him to open the door.
Astrid lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. “Yes… she did return to her own yard.”
“Fetch her here at once! I’ll teach her a lesson today that she won’t forget, or I’ll dishonor her mother’s memory for bringing her into this world!” Raul’s command was sharp and immediate, fueled by his anger.
Astrid nodded, leading Paige and two other maids to the Gracewind Garden, marching with the confidence of those who believed they had the upper hand.
Moments later, they returned, dragging Margaery along with them.
To everyone’s surprise, Margaery did not resist. She had anticipated this and was prepared for the confrontation.
“Once we reach there, you’ll see what’s in store for you!” Astrid glared at her, feigning authority. “Hurry up!”
Margaery ignored her, stepping into the courtyard with a calm demeanor, her eyes scanning the faces of those gathered inside.
“Margaery, Father called for you. Why did you leave so abruptly?” Joshua emerged from the door, his expression grim as he scrutinized her.
In that moment, the transformation in his sister struck him. She had changed dramatically in just a few days.
This was the first time Joshua truly observed her, his brows knitting together in concern.
“Astrid locked the door. I assumed Father didn’t wish to see me,” Margaery replied, her voice cold as she met her brother’s gaze with a defiant smile. “I can’t fly, after all. I figured Father wouldn’t expect a rational person to scale the walls?”
“It’s been a while since we last saw each other, and you’ve certainly sharpened your tongue,” Joshua remarked, his tone turning serious. “So tell me, why did you go to the Royal Medical Hall? Are you aware of the consequences your actions may bring?”
His authority was palpable, a subtle but undeniable presence that made those around him uneasy.
In her past life, Margaery had relied on him the most, yet also feared him deeply. With their mother gone since her infancy and their father buried under the weight of state duties, Joshua had been her guiding figure, her protector in all but name.
As a child, she had followed him like a devoted duckling, her sweet voice calling out “Brother” over and over again.
Back then, Joshua had cherished her more than anyone else, spending his free moments playing with her and saving any treats from the King or the palace ladies just for her.
But it was this very same brother who had ultimately cut her down to size to save Tessa, a memory that haunted her. The pain of his hand dislocating her jaw and the blade slicing through her mouth would forever be etched in her mind.
Margaery’s gaze fell to his hand, and she clenched her fingers slightly, recalling the agony that had once been inflicted upon her.
Conclusion
In the aftermath of Margaery’s sudden departure, Tessa felt an unexpected lightness wash over her, a sense of liberation that she had longed for yet never fully embraced. The weight of familial expectations and the burden of Margaery’s chaos had clouded her existence, but now, with the prospect of a future unshackled from her sister’s influence, hope flickered in her heart. She realized that the whispers of discontent had transformed into a song of resilience, urging her to focus on her healing and the bonds that truly mattered. As Joshua’s hand remained on her shoulder, a silent promise of support and protection, Tessa understood that her journey of recovery was not just about her physical well-being but also about reclaiming her identity and strength.
Margaery’s absence, though initially a source of anxiety for the family, became a catalyst for change. Raul’s fury turned to reflection as he grappled with the consequences of his daughter’s actions, while Joshua’s newfound authority hinted at a shift in familial dynamics that could lead to healing for all. Tessa’s resolve solidified, and with Avery’s declaration of sisterhood echoing in her mind, she embraced the possibility of forging a new path. The echoes of their past would no longer define them; instead, they would shape distant tomorrows filled with understanding, compassion, and perhaps even forgiveness. As Tessa wiped away her tears, she felt a sense of empowerment, ready to face whatever lay ahead, knowing that the whispers of the past would only serve to guide her toward a brighter future.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**
As the tension mounts, readers can anticipate a dramatic confrontation between Margaery and her family in the upcoming chapter. With Raul’s fury still simmering and Joshua’s authority looming over Margaery, the stage is set for a clash that promises to reveal the depths of familial loyalty and betrayal. Will Margaery stand her ground against her father’s wrath, or will she crumble under the weight of her past mistakes? The stakes are high, and the emotional stakes even higher, as the fragile dynamics within the family threaten to unravel.
Moreover, Tessa’s precarious health and her evolving relationship with Avery will take center stage. Her newfound determination to support her brother while grappling with her own recovery adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. As she navigates her feelings of guilt and responsibility, readers will be left wondering: How will Tessa’s actions influence the fate of Margaery? Will her desire to mend fences lead to unexpected consequences, or will it further entrench the rift between the sisters? The unfolding drama promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how these intertwined lives will shape the future of the Wallen family.
With whispers of rebellion and the looming threat of the Laundry Bureau, the next chapter is poised to explore themes of redemption, power, and the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones. As loyalties are tested and secrets come to light, the reader can expect a whirlwind of emotions that will leave them breathless. What choices will Margaery make in the face of her family’s expectations, and how will Tessa’s resolve influence the outcome of their turbulent saga? Prepare for a chapter that will undoubtedly shape the distant tomorrows of these characters in ways they could never foresee.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
