I absolutely loved this! Wonderful writing!

Great story! I absolutely love these boys. Can't wait for the new book in March.

As always, this was fantastic. I liked how your portrayed Niko-not quite as Zen as he is now, but that makes complete sense because Cal being taken triggered a lot of Niko's super healthy, super centered, super vigilant persona.

My only suggestion would be to maybe cut a few adverbs. They're hard to get rid of, but you really don't need them very often. Like, "Niko's heart clenched painfully"-'clenched' by itself conveys that it's painiful, so you're good without it.

Anyway, great job with this.

Another wonderful story! The aftermath of Cal's return is one of the scenes that I think most of us would like to see, and it's the one that RT's not given to us as yet. Not in full, anyway. That's why I really enjoy reading speculation pieces like yours.

I like the details you include. Things like Cal's skin being so white, his reaction to Niko's question of where he's been, and his violent indigestion. Your writing is lovely. You always capture the tone and voice of the books.

I'll be looking for more! :)