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Gilded

Defy The Alpha(s)

Two centuries after the Great War, peace between humans and werewolves was finally achieved, or so everyone believes. Werewolves reign like gods, and humans remain blissfully unaware of their true place in the new world order. To maintain this fragile balance, each year, a handful of "lucky" humans are selected from various districts to attend Lunaris Academy, a prestigious institution that promises glory, status, and a chance to mingle with the elite. Those chosen are hailed as the lucky few, destined to marry powerful alphas and rise as luna. This year, Violet Purple is among the chosen, much to everyone's surprise. For an orphaned girl adopted by a disgraced prostitute, this is a golden ticket to a better life or so she's told. But Lunaris Academy isn’t the paradise it’s painted to be. Everything Violet and her fellow humans have been taught is a lie. Humans are far from equal; they're pawns in a much larger game. The academy is nothing but a gilded cage, and the students are lambs led to slaughter, playthings for the alphas to toy with in their ruthless games. To make matters worse, Violet catches the attention of the most dangerous players in this game, the Terror Four: the Alpha of the North, Alpha of the South, Alpha of the East, and Alpha of the West. Each one is more dangerous, more twisted, and more powerful than the last. But even among themselves, the alphas are divided, each with their own deadly ambitions. Yet, they all have their eyes on her. They expect Violet to play along, to fall in line like the others who worship at their feet, to break under their games. But Violet isn’t like the others. She refuses to bow. She’ll defy them all.
Glimmy · 1.3M Views

THE CHOOSEN ONES

In the glittering, snake-infested court of Ignis, where power was a double-edged sword and loyalty a rare gem, Selanthia Amaris Nyxveil stood as a legend cloaked in infamy. Known by many names—*The Hound of the Emperor*, **The Cursed Sword*, **The Witch of Nyxveil*, and *The Abandoned One*—she was a weapon forged by duty and sharpened by betrayal. For forty long years, she served as the Emperor’s blade, cutting down threats to the throne with ruthless precision. Yet, behind the cold steel and the icy gaze, Selanthia harbored no love for the crown or the vipers who surrounded it. She was a woman bound by fate, not choice. At 48, weary of the endless machinations of the court, Selanthia chose to retire. With no family to call her own, she left behind the gilded cage of Ignis for the simplicity of the countryside. Her dreams were modest: to bake sweet treats, tend to chickens, lose herself in books she’d never had time to read, and find solace in the quiet rhythm of church prayers. A peaceful, ordinary life—a stark contrast to the blood-stained path she had walked for decades. But fate, it seemed, had other plans. Just 28 hours into her newfound tranquility, Selanthia’s life was brutally cut short. Poisoned and attacked in the dead of night, she breathed her last beneath a cold, uncaring sky. Her final thoughts were not of vengeance or regret for the life she had led, but of the life she had never known. She wished for love, for a kind and handsome partner, for children whose laughter might have filled the void in her heart. She wished she had never taken up the sword, that she might have written a different ending to her tale. Yet, death was not the end. Selanthia awoke not in the afterlife but in a world both familiar and strange. Perched high in a cherry blossom tree, she was greeted by the voice of Rina, her long-dead confidante. Now, thrust into a bewildering new reality, Selanthia must unravel the threads of this strange second chance. Is this a cruel jest of the gods, a dream spun from her dying regrets, or something far more sinister? And why, of all people, THAT MAN—who disappeared without a word— is acting all weird? As the petals of the cherry blossoms fall around her, Selanthia finds herself caught in a web of mystery, romance, and perhaps, redemption. But in this enchanted new life, where nothing is as it seems, can she unravel the twist of life brought forward by THAT MAN? Or will the shadows of her past rise to claim her once more?
Erlyyy · 3K Views

Outlawed Desires: Beyond the Chains

Asher Carter has spent his entire life hiding his true self. In Eldermire—a city ruled by the iron grip of the Council of Purity—being different is dangerous, and some kinds of love are a crime that can cost you everything. Orphaned young and raised under the council’s suffocating laws, Asher has learned that survival means keeping his head down. By day, he works as a waiter at The Gilded Spoon, an elite café where the city’s powerful gather. By night, he dreams of a life where he doesn’t have to pretend. Then there’s Malcolm Hayes—the mayor’s son. Wealthy, charming, and engaged to the daughter of a high-ranking council member, he is everything Asher can never have. To the world, Malcolm is the perfect heir to Eldermire’s legacy of purity. But beneath the polished facade, he's living a life that isn't truly his—while being irresistibly drawn to the quiet waiter he just can't stop thinking about. One moment, they were just two men living separate lives. The next, they are fugitives. Hunted by a city that sees their love as an abomination, Asher and Malcolm’s only hope is to escape beyond Eldermire’s borders—to a place where love isn’t punished. But running won’t be easy. The city’s reach is long, its enforcers ruthless, and freedom comes at a price. In a world where their love is forbidden and betrayal is inevitable, the question isn’t just whether they can escape—but whether their love is strong enough to survive. --- Trigger Warning: This story explores dark and intense themes. Please proceed with caution if you are sensitive to: Graphic violence Vigilante justice Homophobia Fear and persecution Life-threatening situations Explicit sexual scenes
Linda_Wilyuhm · 1.1K Views

Captured by shadows

(WARNING; R18+/ Matured Content) In the dazzling world of haute couture, Alessandra Ricci reigns supreme. A supermodel adored by millions, she commands runways and magazine covers with effortless grace. But behind the glamor lies a woman trapped in gilded chains, bound by duty to marry Luca Corsini, her family’s golden son and a billionaire untouched by their mafia ties. Matteo Corsini, the dark horse of the Corsini family, thrives in the shadows of the underworld. Ruthless and unapologetically dangerous, he’s carved his own empire within the mafia, far removed from Luca’s pristine world. Yet when Alessandra enters his life, she disrupts the order Matteo clings to. Her fiery independence and unapologetic spirit ignite a forbidden passion he cannot deny. For Alessandra, Matteo is everything she shouldn’t want—a man steeped in darkness and danger, the opposite of her safe, predictable fiancé. But the intensity of his gaze and the unspoken understanding between them pull her into a world she’s tried to avoid. As tensions rise, Viktor Castellano, Matteo’s closest ally and confidant, becomes both a voice of reason and a mirror to Matteo’s struggles. Their bond, forged in the fires of loyalty and shared battles, is tested as Matteo’s obsession with Alessandra threatens to blur the lines between family loyalty and personal desire. In a world where alliances are fragile and betrayal is deadly, Matteo must choose between his devotion to Alessandra and his loyalty to the Corsini name. Will their love be worth the price of war, or will it destroy them all? Captured by Shadows is a seductive tale of ambition, betrayal, and a love too fierce to resist, set against the backdrop of high fashion and mafia intrigue.
Sienna_voss · 3K Views

Deus Necros

Brought to you by the same author of "Rise of the Undead Legion" Biako. -If you are reading this anywhere that's not Webnovel.com then please stop doing so. those are websites that have stolen this work and using you the reader to earn money from ads. Please do not encourage theft. You can read this almost freely on webnovel by doing simple stuff like watching ads or reviewing the story. Please don't participate in stolen work. Disclaimer: Be patient with this one there are a few... 1st -This is a story where there will be some hot scenes (later down the line) 2nd- As for the start of the story, it is an Academy setting, but it's not the main premise, it's a full world to explore, with continents and dungeon crawling and battles A LOT of battles,. But this academy is the starting point. So please don't judge it poorly 3d- There will be no filler chapters! Not a single one there will be nothing but pure plot, any flashback in the story will have purpose and have incredibly important information regarding future events. 4th The story is slow, but once it picks up, you'll need to buckle up. 5th, There will be no info dumping or overly lengthy fight scenes. Fight length will depend on the opponents the MC is fighting, I'm not gonna write 10 chapters where the mc is fighting some third rate character or 5 chapters explaining a single spell that's not me. 6th last but not least, I'm not the type to make the MC overpowered or give him random abilities just for the sake of winning a fight, fights are meant to be exciting, thrilling and most of all, feel hard-earned when winning. Our MC will not have any easy gifts that aren't earned. Ludwig Heart, the heir to a vast fortune and a life of luxury, craves only one thing: freedom from his gilded cage. But when a plane crash catapults him into a world of magic and danger, he awakens not as the hero he dreamed of, but as a victim in a twisted ritual. Trapped between the ambitions of dark necromancers and the wrath of vengeful gods, Ludwig must navigate a deadly new reality where his life is no longer his own. Stripped of privilege and resurrected as an undead pawn, Ludwig’s fight for survival will determine whether he reclaims his destiny—or becomes a mere footnote in a world of shadows and deceit.
Biako · 569.1K Views

Living a fairytale: Permitted to cheat on my billionaire husband?

When a high-powered divorce attorney, Moira Astor marries her childhood savior, a handsome tech billionaire, the world expects her to live a modern fairytale, believing Moira would wake up everyday surrounded with flowers and kisses and care. But in reality, she is an unwanted wife whose bed remained untouched since their wedding night. Her husband—once her closest confidant—has become a stranger who treats her like an unwanted trophy. Desperate to salvage her marriage, Moira exhausts herself trying to win her husband's affection, only to receive an outrageous proposition from him: "You are free to cheat on me, dear wife." Moira is thrown into confusion and disbelief. While still trying to find means to win his heart, she discovers a bestselling web novel, "Tale of an Unwanted Wife," that mirrors her life with uncanny precision—including secrets she has never shared. When the novel predicts a client's tragic death, Moira is convinced that it is about her life and tracks down its mysterious author, Xavier Grey, a troubled writer whose words literally shape reality during blackout episodes he can't control. What starts as a confrontation with Xavier becomes a race of fate as Moira discovers that the writer has written a death scene for her in his unpublished chapters. As they work together to prevent that, Moira finds herself getting undeniably attracted to the mysterious writer. Meanwhile, what she doesn't know is that Xavier isn't the person he seems to be. He is more than a writer-- he is an unawakened vampire whose future is chaotic and Moira is entangled in it. When she finally finds out, what will Moira choose? Is she going to remain in her safe, gilded cage or risk everything to fight for a love that is likely to ruin everything she has built and even end her life?
Jimoh_Maryam · 1.1K Views

Abyssal Awakening

Having spent her childhood confined in chains, Alice was a child who knew neither love nor joy. Scorned by her family while being tortured in the name of the greater good for years, she grew numb to all feeling and thought. That is, until one day, a man in black offered her a chance to escape. There were once rumours widespread of an endless hell, a land of glorious death and dreadful opportunity. Fools went in search of it, and the clever never ventured into it. Only when its baleful mysteries spilled unto the earth did all hear its name — the Abyss. A single drop of its blood could give someone the power to control shadows, move faster than sound, or strength greater than the strongest man. Yet, it all came at a cost; the blood would always make sure those who consumed it became part of the Abyss, with one exception — Alice. Cast away by her own blood, it was her destiny to rot in a gilded cage. But, that fateful day changed everything. Gifted a second chance at life, a chance to turn her life around and claim vengeance against her family, a chance to dive deep into the Abyss and gain the power to govern her own fate, Alice took his hand, unaware of the destiny unfolding before her. Discord: https://discord.gg/vrdTSkj8Va Author Notes: This is my third book, going to take what I learned from before to improve. This book will be focusing on plot, action, depths of character bonds and overall a darker tone/take on this cruel fantasy world I've cooked up for this book! If you give this book a try, I hope you enjoy! A very different experience and tone to Nanomancer Reborn.
Reili · 1.5M Views

Yue’s Journey: The Soft Flames of Shanghai

Historical Fiction | Adventure | Action | Romance | Intrigue | Coming-of-Age | Drama In the turbulent shadows of 1930s Shanghai, where war brews and power struggles simmer beneath a gilded surface, Liang Yue is a force to be reckoned with—fiery, fearless, and unwilling to bow to anyone. Born the daughter of a powerful Chinese official, she lives in luxury, but her sharp mind and biting words leave no room for submission. When her father forces her into a marriage of convenience, Yue’s rebellion ignites. She flees, determined to forge her own destiny. As the world teeters on the brink of war, Yue stumbles upon a conspiracy that could shatter not just her life but the fragile peace of Shanghai itself. In a city where loyalty is a luxury and truth is a rare commodity, Yue’s quest for justice puts her in the crosshairs of those who will do anything to protect their secrets. In the midst of this volatile landscape is Rei, a man whose loyalties are as murky as the waters of Shanghai’s underworld. Their connection is undeniable—magnetic and dangerous—but it’s also fraught with desire and peril. One fateful night, as the storm clouds gather and the city's lights flicker: "You think you can play in this game without consequences, Liang Yue?" Rei’s voice is a low growl, his fingers brushing her cheek as if daring her to back down. Her eyes lock with his, unwavering. "I don’t play games, Rei. I burn them to the ground." As war draws closer and Shanghai’s fate hangs in the balance, Yue must decide—will she let herself be consumed by the flames of conflict, or will she rise from the ashes as a force too powerful to deny? Between a forbidden love and a city on the edge of destruction, the stakes have never been higher. Yue’s Journey: The Soft Flames of Shanghai is a tale of rebellion, danger, and a romance that could either save or destroy them all. With every betrayal, Yue must confront a burning question—what is she willing to sacrifice for freedom?
S_M_Orin · 466 Views

His mafia queen

Kyla Santori had her life mapped out—until her father gambled it away. Trapped by his insurmountable debt, she’s thrust into a forced marriage with the most feared Mafia leader in the country— Damien Moretti. Ruthless, calculating, and dangerously irresistible, Ace is a man no one dares to defy. To the world, Kyla is now the Mafia Queen, the wife of a man drenched in blood and power. But behind closed doors, she’s a prisoner in a gilded cage, vowing to escape the clutches of a husband she never wanted. Yet, as she peels back the layers of the monster she married, she uncovers secrets darker than she ever imagined Ace may have claimed her, but Kyla isn’t the fragile doll he expected. She fights him at every turn, igniting a battle of wills that sparks something neither of them saw coming—passion. But in the world of crime, love is a weakness, and enemies are always lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike. When betrayal threatens to destroy them both, Kyla must decide: will she run and reclaim her freedom, or will she embrace the darkness and rise as the queen of the Mafia underworld? One thing is certain—Ace may have been forced into this marriage by his father , but he never expected to fall for his Mafia Queen experts 'you are my wife, and you will listen to me . I bought you with my money I can do whatever I want with you' he said 'no I'm not a property or dog that can be pushed around. But you said one thing right I'm your wife treat me like one' I retorted He took a step close to me and I took one step back, the more he came close the more I moved back carefully looking at the door for escape 'why so scared' he said 'I'm not afraid of you 'I replied Taking another step towards me I quickly took one big step back 'You are my wife ,I want to treat you like one ' 'stay away from me ' I screamed 'La mia coraggiosa e piccol moglie' he said then went into the bathroom
Chiamaka_Maryanne · 389 Views

The General’s Unknown Bride

Princess Arianne has spent her life trapped within the gilded walls of the palace, overshadowed by the ambitions of her five half-brothers who battle for the throne. Despite their rivalry, they love her unconditionally. But Arianne craves freedom—not power. When she and her youngest brother, Prince Kael, secretly escape the palace to explore the world beyond, their adventure turns into exile when their father, the king, discovers them. As punishment, they are sent to the kingdom’s harsh border, stripped of their royal titles, and forced to train as common soldiers. There, Arianne meets General Rian, the kingdom’s most revered warrior—and the man unknowingly betrothed to her. Loyal to his unseen princess, Rian has sworn to love and protect her, but he finds himself irresistibly drawn to the mysterious new recruit, Ari. Unaware of her true identity, Rian struggles between duty and desire, torn between the princess he has never met and the soldier who challenges and captivates him. As Arianne fights alongside him, she begins to see the man behind the legend, and against her better judgment, she starts to fall for him too. But secrets cannot stay hidden forever. When the truth comes to light, will love be enough to bridge the gap between them? Or will duty, betrayal, and the weight of the crown tear them apart? A tale of forbidden love, hidden identities, and the battle between destiny and desire—where the heart must decide what truly matters.
sweety_k_9348 · 6.3K Views

The Runaway Moon

The Runaway Moon Evelyn, a young woman trapped in a loveless engagement orchestrated by her greedy adoptive parents, escapes her gilded prison on her wedding day. Fleeing into the dark forest, she encounters danger in the form of rogue wolves and is saved by Alaric, a mysterious and powerful man who harbors secrets of his own. Unbeknownst to Evelyn, her life is about to change forever. Drawn to Alaric’s secluded estate, Evelyn discovers a hidden world of werewolves and begins to uncover truths about her identity. She learns she is the last descendant of an ancient and powerful werewolf bloodline, whose lineage holds the key to uniting the divided packs. As she grows closer to Alaric, the undeniable bond between them sparks an internal struggle, especially as she grapples with her newfound powers and role in this supernatural realm. However, danger looms in the form of Darius, a ruthless rogue alpha determined to exploit Evelyn’s bloodline for his gain. He allies with her treacherous adoptive parents and unleashes chaos across the werewolf world. Evelyn, alongside Alaric and other allies, must unite the fractured packs to confront Darius and free them from his tyranny. In a climactic battle, Evelyn discovers the strength of her heritage and fully transforms into the true alpha she was destined to become. With courage, love, and sacrifice, she defeats Darius, breaking the chains of an ancient pact that bound the werewolf packs to his rule. Now a leader and symbol of hope, Evelyn begins rebuilding the werewolf community alongside Alaric, her fated mate. Together, they embrace a new era of unity, love, and healing, leaving behind the shadows of the past to forge a brighter future. Runaway Moon is a tale of empowerment, destiny, and love against all odds.
Page_Holland · 10.3K Views

Forced To Forever

In the world of high society, where power and wealth reign supreme, Alexandra "Alex" Widget finds herself trapped in a gilded cage. Her parents, eager to secure their family's future, have arranged for her to marry Rian Musk, the billionaire CEO of Musk Industries. Rian, known for his ruthless business tactics and charismatic charm, is the last person Alex wants to spend her life with. But with her parents' reputations and fortunes at stake, she feels powerless to resist. As the wedding day approaches, Alex's anxiety grows. She's always dreamed of making a name for herself, not simply being a trophy wife. Rian, too, has his own reasons for agreeing to the marriage. His grandfather, the founder of Musk Industries, has made it clear that Rian's inheritance is contingent on his marriage to Alex. Despite their initial reluctance, the two are drawn to each other during their honeymoon. Rian's polished facade begins to crack, revealing a complex and vulnerable individual beneath. Alex, too, finds herself torn between her desire for independence and her growing attraction to Rian. However, their newfound feelings are threatened by the secrets and lies surrounding their families. Alex's parents are hiding something, and Rian's business dealings are shrouded in mystery. As they navigate the treacherous waters of their families' expectations, they must also confront the darkness within themselves. Will Alex and Rian be able to overcome their differences and find love, or will the forces of power and greed tear them apart?
Yogita_Kamble_0168 · 2.8K Views

Seven Flowers For You (Filipino)

The Meeting of Kiara and Miah 
Kiara and Miah’s first encounter is surreal—they are doppelgängers from entirely different worlds. Kiara, a privileged heiress, and Miah, a resourceful former detective’s apprentice, quickly form a bond. Miah senses hidden darkness within Kiara’s family, especially concerning her enigmatic half-brother, Vrix. The Life Swap 
To uncover secrets about her family, Kiara proposes a life swap. Miah will impersonate Kiara to investigate the Zhi mansion, while Kiara takes Miah’s place, tasting freedom from her gilded cage. The plan excites and unsettles them as they step into each other’s lives. Miah and Vrix: Love in Disguise 
As Miah lives as Kiara, she unravels Vrix’s complexities. Vrix, noticing “Kiara’s” warmth, starts to doubt her real identity. As he discovered the truth, Miah’s also has uncovered Vrix’ biggest secret, about his rare disease in which he only had 6 months to live. Beneath his aloof, bitter exterior lies deep pain and vulnerability, which Miah finds deeply moving, making her fall in love not regarding their hidden mission. Kiara and Tobias: A Chance Encounter 
While living as Miah, Kiara meets Tobias Fuente, a blind man her father once tried to match her with. Mistaking Kiara for Miah, Tobias is drawn to her resilience. Kiara, in turn, is captivated by Tobias’s strength and clarity despite his challenges. Their connection grows, though it is built on mistaken identities.
MissKc_21 · 12.8K Views
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