Moving Forward

[Vincent Black]

He listened intently as she discussed shared trauma and the intricate dynamics of trust within their community. "Indeed, shared trauma forges a bond, but it doesn't ensure trust. Trust must be cultivated and earned. Your encounters with the Dread Lord were undoubtedly terrifying, yet they have also endowed you with wisdom that aids us all. Your mix of caution and openness is priceless."


Vincent's gaze softened as Seraphina recounted times when her urge to escape prevailed. "That feeling is familiar to me – the rush of fear, the compulsion to run. It's a fundamental reaction, one that has preserved us for ages. Yet, like you, I've learned to control it, to let my reasons for fighting ground me in those pivotal moments."


He paused, contemplating his own experiences. "Certainly, there were instances when my instinct urged me to flee. Those instances were common before I broke free from the True Fae. But now, whenever I confront peril, I recall what I'm defending – our Freehold, our kin. This determination enables me to hold fast. It's challenging, and fear never vanishes completely, but our actions in the face of that fear define us. I am sure your former mate would agree."


Vincent offered a slight, empathetic smile. "Our pasts have molded us, making us more resilient. United, with our collective experiences and instincts, we are equipped to meet any dangers ahead. It's a tribute to our tenacity and our dedication to safeguarding those dear to us."

[Seraphina]

“Actually, I was never terrified when I was with him, if that’s what you mean. But he did teach me that I cannot always see the best in others, that caution is needed to survive. It goes against who I am at my core, seeing the best in those around me, but I understand the flaws in it. I think that’s why I find it so valuable to try and understand the emotions of the other Courts. It allows one to be receptive to a different way of thinking.” Maybe it was just a valuable way of thinking to her.

Nodding, “I also believe it’s important to not be ashamed of giving into it. It’s there for a reason, and like you said, it’s one that has preserved us over the ages. Yet some will tell you it’s a sign of weakness, but I will never see it as one.” Especially if you are faced with a Gentry.

“It will always be challenging, overcoming self-preservation to defend what you hold dear.” Thinking about what she learned from Rhodes, “I learned many things from him. One being to confront and face Fears, then use them for my own benefit, turning them to be used against another. I still have my own fears that I fight with, but yes, I learned to not let them define me.” But they were still there, and maybe always would.