Marie and Derek by Katie Cross | A Network Series Companion Short Story

A standalone companion short story in the world of The Network Series.

This short story contains major spoilers for Miss Mabel’s School for Girls and is best read after the novel.

The forest is still.

The fog is thick.

And Marie Monroe is watching her daughter walk toward destiny.

Bianca.

Isadora.

Fate.

Marie knows hardship and loneliness well. Life as Derek’s wife has rarely been simple, and sending Bianca into Miss Mabel’s School for Girls feels like an impossible choice no mother should have to make.

But if this is their only chance, Marie cannot look away.

Hidden near the old Watcher’s cottage in Letum Wood, Marie waits in agonizing silence, terrified that one wrong breath might shatter everything. Then a twig breaks behind her.

Derek.

He knows her too well to believe she would sit at home and wait. Whatever imperfections Derek has carried into their handfasting, he has always returned. Always proved himself. Always shown up when Marie needed him most.

And in the quiet forest, as their daughter steps into a dangerous future, Marie and Derek must face the grief, love, fear, and devotion that have shaped their family.

Marie and Derek is a standalone companion short story in the world of The Network Series by Katie Cross. Originally written as part of the Deluxe Illustrated Edition of Miss Mabel’s School for Girls Kickstarter campaign, this clean YA fantasy story offers a deeply emotional glimpse into Bianca Monroe’s parents, their marriage, Letum Wood, Isadora’s Watcher magic, and the painful moment that sends Bianca toward her destiny.

Perfect for readers who love clean YA fantasy, emotional companion stories, parent backstories, clean romance, magical forests, Watcher magic, The Network Series, Miss Mabel’s School for Girls, and no-spice fantasy set in Alkarra.

Perfect For Readers Who Love

• YA fantasy companion short stories
• Clean fantasy with no spice
• The Network Series
• Miss Mabel’s School for Girls
• Bianca Monroe’s family history
• Marie and Derek Monroe
• Parent backstories
• Clean romance
• Emotional fantasy
• Letum Wood and magical forests
• Watcher magic and Isadora
• Stories about love, grief, sacrifice, and devotion
• Alkarra worldbuilding
• Standalone fantasy stories

Format Options

This product is available in multiple formats, depending on the edition selected:

• Ebook
• Audiobook
• Paperback

Please choose your preferred format before checkout.

Series Placement

Marie and Derek is a standalone companion short story in the world of The Network Series.

It contains major spoilers for Miss Mabel’s School for Girls and is best read after that novel.

The Short Stories

The Short Stories are standalone companion stories set throughout the world of Alkarra. They take place across different points in the timeline and can be read independently, depending on the book.

FAQ

Is Marie and Derek part of The Network Series?

Yes. Marie and Derek is a standalone companion short story in the world of The Network Series by Katie Cross.

When should I read Marie and Derek?

Marie and Derek is best read after Miss Mabel’s School for Girls because it contains major spoilers for that novel and offers emotional context for Bianca Monroe’s story.

Does Marie and Derek contain spoilers?

Yes. This short story contains big spoilers for Miss Mabel’s School for Girls.

Is Marie and Derek connected to Bianca Monroe?

Yes. Marie and Derek focuses on Bianca Monroe’s parents during a pivotal moment connected to Bianca’s journey toward Miss Mabel’s School for Girls.

Is Marie and Derek appropriate for young adult readers?

Yes. Marie and Derek is a clean YA fantasy companion short story written for young adult readers and adult readers who enjoy emotional fantasy, family backstories, magical forests, and no-spice stories.

Does Marie and Derek have romance?

Yes. Marie and Derek includes clean romantic elements centered on Marie and Derek Monroe’s marriage, devotion, imperfections, and hard-won love.

Is there spice?

No. Marie and Derek is clean YA fantasy with no spice.

What tropes are in Marie and Derek?

This story includes clean romance, parent backstory, emotional fantasy, magical forest, Watcher magic, hidden grief, family sacrifice, companion short story, standalone fantasy, and deeper Network Series worldbuilding.

What formats are available?

Depending on the edition selected, Marie and Derek may be available as an ebook, audiobook, or paperback.