Not every soulmate is destined for romance. There are familial soulmates, often apparent in the matching birthmarks of twins, and platonic soulmates, those who are meant to share their lives with one another, but lack the romantic feelings that couples have. Darryl Noveschosch never expected to get a soulmark. Even before he turned eighteen, which felt like ages ago, he didn't think it would fit his lifestyle. He realized early on that he was different - for a while, he thought that maybe he was broken. He was twenty when he discovered the terms aromantic and asexual, and twenty-three when what felt like a feather brushing gently against his arm caught his attention. But he didn't feel butterflies. He didn't feel anything romantic. He didn't feel as though he was one step closer to meeting the love of his life. Because he wasn't. [] Takes place within the timeline of "Asshole" [] [] Somewhat inspired by "Unspoken Rules" on ao3 []

In the secret Seelen Society seele boy James is set to fall. Every year a group of soulmates are read off a list and taken to the falling. James has his misgivings about the ceremony. For the past few years, James has been living under the assumption that he just didn't have one. Honestly he thought that he was incapable of having one. It's not like he wanted one Still, James decides that he would make his parents proud and set out to his falling with grace or as much grace as this clutzy boy can manage. James is willing to do whatever is necessary to be viewed normal though and that meant playing his part. Even if it makes him sick to his stomach. Yet when James is inevitably paired up with the half-seele girl Sara, who knows nothing of Seelen Society, problems arise. And not the ones James had thought would. Sara is determined to leave Seelen Society and return to her mother, but dark secrets shadow her past and staying is the only option allowed of her. At least until her 18th birthday anyway. Having custody signed over from her mother to what she perceives to be a cult, she isn't entirely happy to be here. Getting paired with James isn't the worst thing she can think of though. He was nice-ish. Still, she wasn't about to make it easy on James especially since everybody seems to assume they are going to be married. Something she has no intention of ever doing with anybody.

We were a dying race. They have tainted our world and destroyed our people. Every year our numbers dwindle, and I can only fear for the others elsewhere in the ocean, for soon, I worry our species will fade into oblivion. My father tells me of a time long before his own when hundreds of children were born per year. When sickness did not encompass all who did not die before birth. When our population was as great as those above and we were free to swim for hours without fear, without the risking of our welfare and of our lives being cut short by having the breath stolen from our lungs. I often find myself yearning for those times, wondering what life would be like if those on land had left the sea alone. But I must push aside these trivial fantasies, for dreaming will not make life any easier. They cannot constitute for the struggles we have endured, and those we will continue to suffer until we are no more. For no matter how much we try to mask this offensive reality, we all know the bitter truth. Soon everything and everyone will be gone. ●-----◦◉◦-----● Character design inspired by Mermaids: The Body Found. ●-----◦◉◦-----● WARNING! Due to the graphic nature of this book, it is recommended readers are at least 15 years old. ●-----◦◉◦-----● Updates will be sporadic as I am writing this for mostly myself and want to enjoy taking my time writing it.