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The River and sea

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Summary

The Smoldering Embers Genre: Romantic Drama / New Adult Romance Blurb: One college trip. Three distinct couples. And a web of unspoken desires, intense jealousy, and slow-burn tension that is about to ignite under the summer sky. Meet Thatcher and Kellan—where dangerous possessiveness clashes with a desperate need to escape. Thatcher’s dark, suffocating gaze follows Kellan everywhere, but when the lines of control blur under the influence of the night, a single, uninvited touch changes everything. Step into the quiet shadows with Reid and Jude—where an aloof senior watches over his defenseless junior in absolute silence, protecting a hidden warmth that he refuses to voice aloud. And by the shimmering shore, watch Julian and Alaric—two mature souls playing with fading sparklers, lighting up the dark with a silent, unspoken connection that destiny is slowly weaving together. Amidst lavish dinners, private beach bonfires, and bitter confrontations from the past, these six lives collide in a whirlwind of emotional aftershocks. Will they give in to the heat, or will the secrets they keep burn them to ashes?

Status
2mo ago
Chapters
13
Rating
n/a
Age Rating
16+

The Chapter1: The Fateful Encounter

Scene 1: The Rhodes Garden – Afternoon

‎Visuals:

‎The sun is beginning to set, casting a warm glow. Kellan Rhodes enters through the main gate. He looks relaxed in a loose, light sky blue shirt and half-shorts. In his hand, he carries a tote bag filled with his artist tools—brushes and paint tubes peeking out from the top.

‎Action: As he walks in, he sees his father in the garden, humming a tune while watering the plants with a hose.

‎The Kitchen Window: To the side, the kitchen window is open, facing the garden. His mother is visible inside, busy preparing the meal, the steam rising from the stove.

‎Kellan: (With a bright, tired but happy smile) "Hello! I am home!"

‎

‎Rhodes "So, Mr. Artist... you’ve finally back!" he says, giving a warm, knowing smile.

‎Action: Kellan offers a soft smile in return. He glances at the kitchen window where his Mother (Elena) is standing; she smiles back at him. Kellan heads inside the house.

‎Scene 2: The TV Lounge – Playful Teasing

‎Action: Kellan enters the TV lounge. His Younger Brother joy is sitting on the floor, completely absorbed in his own little world, focused on his toys.

‎The Tease: Kellan can’t resist. He sneaks up behind him and playfully teases him—perhaps messing up his hair or moving a toy out of place.

‎joy: The little one huffs in annoyance, and Kellan lets out a lighthearted laugh as he dashes toward his room before he can get caught.

‎Scene 3: The Call for Dinner

‎Action: Just as Kellan is putting his tote bag away in his room, his Mother’s voice echoes through the house.

‎Elena: "Everyone! Come to the table quickly. Dinner is served!"

‎Scene 4: The Dining Table – Night

‎Visuals:

‎The dinner table is fully set, with steam rising from the fresh food. Elena Rhodes is busy serving everyone while Kellan and his father are engaged in conversation.

‎Father: "Kellan, tomorrow is a big day for you. Your first day of college... Are you excited?"

‎Kellan: (With a smile) "Yes, Dad, I’m really excited. New people, a new environment—I’m a bit nervous, but I can’t wait."

‎joy (9 years old): (Chiming in proudly) "I’m growing up too! My brother is amazing at painting; I know he’s going to be the best one there!"

‎Clara smiles and places Kellan’s favorite dish in front of him. After dinner, the family exchanges "Goodnights" and retires to their rooms.

‎Scene 4: Kellan’s Bedroom

‎Visuals:

‎Kellan is sitting on his bed. The room is dimly lit, with his blank canvases resting in the corner. He is lost in thought about tomorrow—unaware of how much his life is about to change.

‎Action: There’s a soft knock on the door. Elena stands at the entrance.

‎Elena: "Kellan? May I come in, son?"

‎

‎Scene 5: Kellan’s Bedroom – Late Night

‎Visuals:

‎

‎Kellan is sitting quietly on his bed, perhaps looking at the palms of his hands or at his old paintings scattered around the room. Elena stands at the doorway, her eyes filled with immense love and a hint of motherly concern for her son.

‎Action: Elena walks in and sits beside Kellan on the bed. She places her gentle hand on his head, stroking his hair.

‎Elena: "I see that same sparkle in your eyes that was there when you first held a paintbrush. Don't be nervous, Kellan. Remember, every artist has their own flow... you will find your path, just be yourself."

‎Kellan: (Taking her hand in his) "Thank you, Mom. I just hope everything goes well tomorrow."

‎Elena gives him her blessings, turns off the light, and leaves the room. Kellan lies down, but his eyes aren't filled with sleep—they are filled with dreams of tomorrow.

‎

‎Scene 6: The Morning Departure:

‎

‎The Rhodes house is a blur of morning energy. Elena is in the kitchen, quickly packing breakfast while the 9-year-old brother finishes his milk, already wearing his school bag.

‎As the sun rises, the family steps out together. Elena heads to her cafe, the father leaves for work, and the youngest brother heads to school. They exchange warm smiles and "good lucks" before heading their separate ways. Kellan watches them leave, takes a deep breath, and starts his walk toward the college.

‎Scene 7:

‎The Encounter at the Gate:

‎

‎Kellan stands before the massive college gates, looking up at the building. He is quietly reflecting on his future when an energetic student rushes past and accidentally bumps into him. The boy is struggling with a heavy stack of textbooks.

‎He looks at Kellan with a wide, friendly grin.

‎New Friend: "Whoops! Sorry about that. I’m in a bit of a rush and honestly, I’m totally lost. Are you here for the Art Department too? Could you help me out?"

‎Kellan smiles, and the tension of the first day begins to melt away.

‎Scene 8: The First Lecture

‎Kellan and his new friend enter the classroom and find seats together. The atmosphere is buzzing with the energy of the first day. Soon, the professor arrives and begins the session. Since it’s the first day, there are no heavy lessons—only attendance and introductions.

‎The students mingle, laughing and sharing stories. Kellan and his friend sit side-by-side, officially marking the start of their bond.

‎Scene 9: The Conversation

‎As they settle in, they start sharing details about their lives.

‎Kellan: "I live nearby with my parents and my younger brother. My family is quite close-knit. What about you?"

‎New Friend: "That sounds nice. My family is around too, but I prefer living a bit differently... more on my own. I like my independence."

‎They continue talking, realizing how different yet compatible they are. Kellan finds his friend's independent nature intriguing, while the friend is impressed by Kellan's warmth. It’s clear that this is the beginning of a deep, lifelong friendship.

‎

Let Elysian know what you thought about this chapter!
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author

I like the summer and the 1st chapter.💛

3 months
author

meant summery

3 months
author

Great Work!

2 months

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