Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale ` 7 Summary
In Chapter 7 of “Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows,” Margaery reflects on her tumultuous past, particularly her unrequited love for her brother Avery, which led her to betray Craig, the healer who once wanted to mentor her. Her attempts to win Avery’s affection involved stealing potions from Craig, which he generously offered her, only to see Avery rise to prominence while she was left feeling abandoned and shamed. This realization of her misguided devotion to the Wallens weighs heavily on her, highlighting her emotional turmoil and regret.
As Margaery visits Craig, she is greeted with warmth and playful teasing, but her intentions go beyond seeking potions. She admits to suffering from rheumatism and expresses her desire to become Craig’s apprentice in the art of healing. This moment marks a turning point for Margaery, as she seeks to reclaim her sense of purpose and honor Craig, contrasting her previous actions driven by desperation for Avery’s love. Craig’s acceptance of her apprenticeship signifies a new chapter in her life, filled with hope and the potential for growth.
Inside Craig’s home, the atmosphere shifts from the coldness of Margaery’s past to the warmth of a supportive environment. As they discuss her burdens, including her father’s oppressive influence as Chancellor, Margaery finds solace in Craig’s unwavering belief in her innocence regarding recent accusations. His trust reassures her, providing a stark contrast to the doubts cast by her family, particularly Avery and her father.
Craig’s confidence and dismissive attitude towards her father’s power embolden Margaery, allowing her to express her fears about the consequences of their relationship. The chapter ends with Margaery pondering Craig’s humble lifestyle despite his exceptional healing skills, hinting at deeper complexities in his character. This conversation foreshadows a journey of healing and self-discovery for Margaery, as she begins to forge her own path amidst the challenges that lie ahead.
Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below
**Chapter 7**
In the life that Margaery once lived, there was a time when Craig had yearned to take her under his wing, to mold her as his apprentice in the art of healing. But back then, her heart was ensnared, tangled in the desperate quest to regain the affection of the Wallens. Every potion and remedy that Craig generously imparted to her was secretly funneled to her second brother, Avery, as she sought to reclaim the love he had so easily bestowed upon Tessa.
It was maddening, the way Avery had the audacity to demand Craig’s soothing elixir for Tessa, as though it was his birthright to receive such gifts. The remedies she had stealthily pilfered from Craig’s stores, slipping them to Avery with the hope of winning his heart, had not won her any gratitude. No, Avery took her sacrifices as if they were owed to him, and if she dared to refuse him even once, his fury would erupt like a tempest.
Yet, with those very same remedies, Avery ascended swiftly, claiming the prestigious position of head of the Royal Infirmary. Meanwhile, Tessa flourished into an enchanting beauty, while Margaery found herself cast aside, wandering the streets, shunned and reviled by all.
Reflecting on her past, Margaery felt a wave of shame wash over her. How foolish she had been, so blindly devoted to a cause that had ultimately led her to ruin.
From the courtyard, Craig’s voice rang out, rich with warmth and playful teasing. “Well, bless my soul—has the sun gone and risen in the west? You, coming to visit an old codger like me?”
Before the light-hearted echo of his words had a chance to dissipate, a tall, wiry figure appeared at the threshold. His face was sharp yet kind, his eyes sparkling with a gentle mischief that made Margaery’s heart flutter.
When Craig’s gaze fell upon Margaery’s roughspun linen dress, his eyebrows shot up in surprise. “What’s this, now? With the bond we share, you don’t need to dress like a pauper to tug at my heart for a potion, do you?”
He folded his arms, tilting his head with a playful grin that made her cheeks flush with guilt. She sank to her knees, the weight of her burdens pressing heavily on her. “Mr. Eastwick, I’m not here for potions this time.”
“Oh?” His eyes sparkled with a knowing light, as if he could peer straight into her very soul. “Then what brings you to my door, lass?”
Margaery understood that Craig was no ordinary man. The scandal that had erupted at the Chancellor’s manor had spread through the city like wildfire—surely, he had heard the hushed whispers that followed her like shadows.
Drawing a steady breath, she steeled her nerves. “I’ve come for two things. First, I’m tormented by rheumatism, and I need your expertise with the needles to ease my suffering.
“Second, I wish to become your apprentice. I yearn to learn the art of healing and the ways of combat, so I can care for you in your later years and honor you always.”
A softness crept into Craig’s expression, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Seems you’ve finally opened your eyes.” He reached down, gently lifting her to her feet. “Come inside, lass.”
“Thank you, Mr. Eastwick,” Margaery replied, rising, her heart swelling with gratitude.
As they stepped inside, the warmth of the hearth enveloped her, contrasting sharply with the chill that had settled in her bones. Craig moved about the room, gathering his tools, his movements fluid and practiced. “The needles next, lass. You’ll learn to use them with precision, as the cold will come to rack your body if you’re not careful.”
He handed her a cup of steaming herbal tea, eyeing her with concern as he continued, “You’ve dampened your spirit these past few days, haven’t you? You want to cut ties with your past, but it’s not just the weight of the Wallens that burdens you. It’s deeper, isn’t it?”
Margaery nodded slowly, her heart heavy with unspoken truths. “It’s not just the Wallens. My father—the Chancellor—he’s like an old fox, cunning and shrewd. I want to break free from his grasp.”
Craig’s brow furrowed, his tone turning serious. “This chill you carry runs deep, lass.”
Margaery froze at his words. Craig’s bluntness was expected, but to hear him speak of her father with such disdain was a new experience. For a fleeting moment, she sensed a hidden rift between them, an old bitterness that lingered like smoke in the air.
But such matters weren’t hers to probe. She sighed, deciding to share the events of the past few days in a succinct manner, then looked up at him, her voice steady. “Craig, I didn’t push Tessa down the hill. Do you believe me?”
“You say you didn’t, and I trust you,” Craig replied, his eyes warm yet firm. “I know your heart, Margaery.
“But Raul? He’s blind to the truth. A Chancellor who cannot discern truth from falsehood will bring ruin to the realm.”
Margaery felt her heart swell with gratitude. Even when her own kin doubted her, Craig stood steadfastly by her side.
“Your trust means everything to me,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.
She hesitated, the weight of her father’s power looming large. “But my father’s influence is vast. Speak freely here, but outside, do not cross him for my sake. I could never forgive myself if he turned against you.”
Craig snorted, his confidence unwavering. “He may be high and mighty, but I’m no pushover. Let Raul try me—he’ll regret it.”
He waved a hand dismissively. “Ease your mind, lass. I’ll prepare you two tonics. Rest well, and return in three days.”
Margaery nodded, settling by the hearth to study the intricate acupuncture charts that adorned the walls.
A question lingered in her mind, one she had held for far too long. “Craig, your healing skills are unmatched. Why do you choose to live so humbly? Why not open a practice and share your gifts with the world?”
Craig chuckled, a sound rich with warmth. “A practice? I’ve no time for that, lass.”
Margaery blinked, her curiosity piqued. “No time? What keeps you so busy?”
Craig paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face, as if weighing the gravity of his next words. The air around them crackled with unspoken possibilities, and Margaery felt the promise of change, a whisper of distant tomorrows shaping before her very eyes.
Conclusion
In the embrace of Craig’s warmth and wisdom, Margaery began to shed the layers of her past, the weight of her misguided devotion to the Wallens and the bitterness that had festered within her. The journey she had embarked upon was no longer about reclaiming lost affection; it was about rediscovering herself and her purpose. In her heart, she felt the stirrings of hope as she expressed her desire to learn the art of healing, a path that would lead her away from the shadows of her family’s expectations and towards the light of her own aspirations. Craig’s unwavering support ignited a spark within her, and for the first time in a long while, she felt the possibility of forging her own destiny.
As they stood together, surrounded by the promise of healing and growth, Margaery understood that the road ahead would not be without its challenges. Yet, with Craig by her side, she felt emboldened to confront the ghosts of her past and step into a future defined by her own choices. The whispers of distant tomorrows echoed in her mind, a reminder that she was not bound by the chains of her lineage but rather empowered by the strength of her newfound resolve. In that moment, she realized that the true art of healing extended beyond the physical; it was also about mending the soul and reclaiming one’s identity amidst the chaos of life.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
In the upcoming chapter of *Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows*, Margaery stands at a pivotal crossroads, her newfound determination to embrace healing and combat intertwining with the shadows of her past. As she delves deeper into Craig’s world, readers will witness her transformation from a heartbroken girl seeking approval to a fierce apprentice ready to reclaim her agency. The tension between Margaery and her father, the cunning Chancellor Raul, will escalate, as she grapples with the weight of his influence and the implications of her choices. With Craig by her side, a mentor whose wisdom runs deeper than mere healing, the stakes are set to rise, igniting a fire within her that may just challenge the very foundations of her family’s legacy.
But the path to empowerment is fraught with peril. As whispers of Margaery’s past actions swirl through the city, she will face not only the judgment of those around her but also the specter of her own guilt. Will she find the strength to confront the Wallens and the consequences of her blind devotion to Avery? And what secrets lie hidden in Craig’s past that may hold the key to understanding her own? Expect unexpected alliances, heart-wrenching revelations, and the stirring of a rebellion that could change everything. As Margaery steps further into her apprenticeship, the line between healing and vengeance blurs, setting the stage for an exhilarating clash of wills that promises to shape the destinies of all involved.
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.
