Harold Strokes

Dreams can be deadly. Art can be a weapon. And love? Love is the most dangerous masterpiece of all. Arwyn Delacroix never knew his mother. All he has are the fragments of her life. And then there’s the gift his father left him: the power to bring his darkest fears and brightest hopes to life with the stroke of a pencil. Raised by a father who drowns his grief in silence, Arwyn aches to close the chasm between them. Every sketch he creates pushes him to a world called Terra Incognita, where countless of other artist's sketches bleed into reality. But, There were others that were present in this world. Kingdoms, landscapes, allies, friends, discovery. He meets a man, a living sketch who claims to know the truth about his mother’s death. Together, they unravel secrets his family buried. And so, Arwyn must choose: Become the weapon his enemies fear, or hold onto the boy his mother loved. In a world where imagination shapes reality, the greatest danger isn’t losing his life. It’s losing himself.

Author here: Thanks for picking this work of mine but I should apologize because there will be no new chapter due to revising the chapters before I'll do mass release after I finished with revision. Harold Golden shrine lived his whole life as a weapon just to neutralize monsters and demons. After so many years of fighting, he finally found peace and comfort but not all the things were as he dreamed of...

Every seven years, at the stroke of midnight, one of Lorynth’s ancient bells tolls. By dawn, someone is missing. No struggle, no trace—just an empty space where they once stood. Elya Mornshade, a relic hunter with a knack for uncovering forgotten truths, arrives in Lorynth on the eve of the next tolling. The city is a labyrinth of shadowed alleys, whispering doorways, and wary souls who refuse to speak of the disappearances. When she meets a man who claims to have been taken and returned—changed in ways he refuses to describe—Elya becomes obsessed with unraveling the mystery. But the bells are not just instruments of time. They are something more—something ancient, watching, waiting. As the night of the tolling approaches, the air thickens with an unseen presence, and the city itself seems to shift beneath her feet. When the seventh bell finally rings, Elya will have to make a choice: turn back, or follow the sound into the unknown… But not everything that vanishes is lost. And not everything that returns is human.

---WSA 2025 Entry--- Kyle Blade, the youngest Demon Hunter of the Golden Continent, was renowned as the nemesis of demons, and a protector of humanity. However, he was thrust onto a different path after being betrayed by the very humans he had sworn to defend. Kyle fixed his eyes on Harold, and chuckled darkly. "I make a promise to you fools. If I survive this night, I will witness the collapse of all three nations. And you, Harold, I will personally relieve you of your head and claim your father's throne for myself. I will forge a new kingdom from the ashes of the old, uniting the races under my banner. I understand that many will be innocent, but if they stand in my way, i will not hesitate to kill them. So..." He turned his gaze upon the assembled enemies, their eyes reflecting a mixture of fear and hatred. "Ensure you succeed in killing me." Kyle continued: "For if I survive, you will witness your kingdoms consumed by flames, and I will be the architect of their destruction." With his promise, he lunged towards the forces, who outnumbered him by thirty to one. __ Resurrected from death, Kyle moved on the path for revenge, and to uncover the truth behind the age-old blood feud between demons, elves and humans. Fully aware that his new path would draw the wrath of the humans, Elves and demons. Kyle pressed onward; for him, nothing was more important than his revenge... He will do whatever it takes, and watch the three huge kingdoms crumble before him. __ [First Conquest.] "These ignorant fools extinguished Juliet's life. I will ensure the entire continent pays the price. They are all complicit in this tragedy, and they will face my wrath together. This village… this is merely the beginning." An almost palpable wave of killing intent radiated from his body, a cold, invisible pressure that caused Gabriela and the assembled soldiers to instinctively take a step back. The air around him crackled with barely suppressed violence. * * * Welcome and please check it out, maybe 10 chapters, and then decide. You can check out my other books: _ Solo leveling: I am the Only Supreme With the cheating system. _ Reborn with the all seeing eyes _ Return of the Supreme Beast tamer. _ Thanks again for checking it out!

Xia Shishu was an ordinary 17-year-old high school student. With a certain stroke of luck, a System chose him as its Host. Xia Shishu had thought that his System is quite normal, but his mindset gradually changed as time passed. He was endowed with a miraculous system that allowed him to transcend the limitations of the human body! After his sister’s persistence in addition to the emergence of his System, Xia Shishu entered the newly released Virtual Reality game, Second Reality! To his amazement, the items he received in-game can also be taken outside to the real world and vice-versa! With a combination of his System & Second Reality, his life should become more amusing!

The daughter's severe illness hides a secret? Fortunately, a stroke of luck grants him unparalleled medical skills! Initially intending to investigate the mastermind behind his daughter's plight, he inadvertently becomes entangled in an even larger conspiracy...

Six years ago, his clan was annihilated, and like a stray dog, he was forced to flee. Six years later, he had achieved outstanding feats, his mighty name terrifying the universe. It was during the celebration of Lin Bei's countless victories that he unexpectedly learned his daughter had been cut open, and his wife persecuted. Enraged and on the brink of madness, Lin Bei led thousands of troops to rescue his wife and daughter…

Gu Shanhai witnessed this great world of numerous heavens and discarded his third life. The gods of the human realm forged an eternal utopia with blood and fire. The King of the Red Dragon led his knights, patrolling the never-setting empire. The scholar, with a smile and a sword stroke, depicted thousands of miles of rivers and mountains, while monsters opened their eyes and stretched forth claws, giving birth to all manners of demons. ... 'Everyone here is a player; you can't call me abnormal just because I haven't been digitized, right?'

For a long time, Malin always felt that Fate had been quite generous to him. Although he had to face that life-threatening job every day, as long as he had the lovely Leopard Girl cooking delicious food for him daily, and as long as there was meat to eat and cats to stroke, life wasn't too unbearable. Working a bit harder and facing some difficulties on the job weren't really an issue for a man. Moreover, being able to live two lives meant one shouldn't have too high demands, right, Mr. Different-Kind? Having said that, and without waiting for an answer, the young man snapped his fingers, and the white flame on his fingertip lit the tobacco in his other hand, then he flicked it towards the non-human entity on the stake. Welcome to Abield, to witness the last splendor of the steampunk era. And the madness.

Stroke of Destiny follows Aoi, a young artist haunted by strange dreams and cryptic clues that connect her to a past she doesn't remember. As she delves deeper into a mystery surrounding her family, Aoi discovers that the line between fate and free will is thinner that she ever imagined

Minos Stuart is a regular young nobleman with average abilities and limited prospects for his future. However, just as he was about to embark on his cultivation journey, he suffered a severe injury that left him on the brink of death! Nevertheless, a stroke of luck befalls Minos as a fragment of the soul from an ancient specialist recognizes him, giving him a chance of one in a billion. This opportunity will open up a new and exciting path for Minos, filled with risks and thrilling experiences, as he gathers the strength to keep a promise and pursue his own ambitions! *** Notice: This is a fantasy story and, as such, is not related to any fact of reality. Disclaimer: I don't own the cover; if its original creator wants me to take down or put credit, leave a message in any chapter, and I'll do it as soon as possible. https://discord.gg/4437dvvk9x

Harold Grayson, a 76-year-old widower with a creaky body but a horny soul, stumbles into a series of steamy flings across different spots in his small town and beyond. Each chapter’s a new chick

A kind girl falls in love with a vicious killer. Unhinged Yuri story set in Seoul. ------ “Like a prey waiting with a trap, I missed my predator. I missed her touch in the places I’ve never been touched. I wanted to hear her sing the songs that I’ve never heard.” ------ As the blood dripped off the knife she held firmly in her pale hand, I saw my reflection in the cold blade that had just taken the life of a man. I dreamed of magical moments like this every day. Something - someone to come and free me from the suffocating monotony of normalcy. She stormed into my life brandishing death, and in the moment of madness, my heart fluttered. Then she came to my place, uninvited. I treated her wounds and fed her. She slept on my couch like a cat. We started our lives together. Death bound us like the knot of tie I fixed for her as she left for work - to kill, kill, and to kill again. I spent countless nights sitting in darkness, on my couch hugging my knees, gripped with worry and excitement. I prayed for her safe return home, but I did not pray for the souls she’d be sending to hell. But she always returned, like a stray cat coming for food in the back alley behind a restaurant. I was the cook who put out the food for her, stroked her, and gave her shelter. A stray cat. A great feline predator. She was mine and mine alone. Together we laughed, alone I cried. Together we laughed, alone I cried. But I think we also loved. I think. ------ This is a dark and twisted psychological slice-of-life romantic comedy with a sprinkle of inspiration from the noir genre. If that doesn’t make sense, it’s because it doesn’t.

In a world filled with Ability users, Demons and Extraterrestrials, Damion Darkblade finds himself born there without any parent to care for him, or an Ability of his own. This rare deficiency causes him to get bullied by his peers always, and his life becomes a living hell in the academy. The bullying gets so consistent and terrible to the point where he almost loses his life one day. However, with the interference of fate and a stroke of luck, he is recognized by someone with unprecedented power, and Damion's quest for revenge and ultimate glory blooms. [Congratulations Host!] [You have received the Dragon God's Legacy] [You have unlocked the Ability: Shadow]

In a world full of Artifacts, Harold Etton struggles under the pressures of life until he encounters an Artifact that changes his life. discord: https://discord.gg/3VTG2JZPwt

When there were strange signs in the sky, there must be demons lurking. Li Mo, who had studied antiques since he was young, had a strange change in his eyes after being struck by lightning. With a pair of divine eyes, he gained the ability to see through things and sense objects. He bought a gourd bottle for 500 yuan at a flea market and sold it for 230,000 yuan. A painting he casually bought turned out to be a genuine work by Xu Beihong, worth thirty to forty million yuan. The black double-eared bottle that came with the purchase of a set of gold jewelry turned out to be a genuine possession of the Ming imperial family. Ancient bronze ware, exquisitely crafted porcelain, calligraphy and painting with bold and vigorous strokes, and thrilling gambling stones came one after another. From then on, Li Mo's life underwent a revolutionary change. "I have divine eyes, and there are no treasures in the world that can escape my sight."

When the world stood on the brink of destruction, consumed by the might of an all-powerful darkness, humanity prayed for salvation. They wished for the light—never realizing that their desperate plea would bring a curse far worse than the darkness itself. Seven hundred years ago, in its most desperate hour, the world summoned a group of legendary heroes from another realm. These warriors, blessed with extraordinary abilities, united under a single purpose: to vanquish the almighty Dark Lord. Through sheer determination, teamwork, and a stroke of fortune, they succeeded, delivering the world from its greatest nightmare. The kingdom rejoiced. The people celebrated their saviors with parades, songs, and endless praise. But victory had changed the heroes. Power, once a tool of salvation, had become an addiction. The taste of worship, the ease with which they could bend the world to their will—it was intoxicating. The heroes, who were meant to be symbols of hope, refused to leave. They crowned themselves rulers, shaping the world in their image. What was once light had become a deeper, more terrifying darkness. Now, centuries later, their descendants still reign—oppressive, immortal, and untouchable. No one dares to oppose them… until Mary, an ordinary young man with no talents, no abilities, and no destiny, does the impossible. By sheer accident, he kills one of the ruling heroes. Now branded a traitor and a threat, Mary is left with only two choices: run and die… or keep fighting and become something even more terrifying than the legends themselves. Because if one hero can fall, then so can the rest. And Mary? He’s just getting started. .......... Hallo! hope you Enjoy this novel I will also be posting this in royal road.com https://www.royalroad.com/profile/667834 Edit: Hallo everyone. I decided Rewrite all the three Chapters for the better, i think some of then didn't make any sense. And I also will post them in royal road instead, (for now it's not there since I'm trying to backlog more chapters) Anyway, it will take a while since I am quite a slow writer haha... anyway that's it I guess, have a wonderful day, bye bye!

Anastasia Harrison, a young woman abused by her cruel family, thought her life was over when they forced her to marry Richard, the sleazy black sheep of the wealthy Wallace family. Meanwhile, her favored younger sister, Michelle, was set to marry Xavier, the elder brother, who was a CEO. Yet, an error at city hall ended up swapping their names on their respective marriage certificates. "What is this?! How are you married to Xavier Wallace?" "You're not getting any food or water until you sign the divorce papers!" To add fuel to the fire, the old Mr. and Mrs. Harrison passed away, leaving all their assets to Anastasia and not the rest of the family. This drove the Harrisons to their breaking point. To trade for a peaceful life, Anastasia was willing to leave her inheritance and leave the family, but the Harrisons had other plans in mind. They wanted to get rid of her. Permanently. However, it was by a stroke of luck that Anastasia was found by her new husband, Xavier, before her family succeeded. Determined to get her revenge, she struck a deal with Xavier. "Continue to be my wife and I will help you get your revenge!"

Robin was raised to be the perfect omega son of King Harold Marcella of the Marcella Dynasty like his siblings. In a kingdom where Omegas were only good for breeding stock, Robin wanted to be more. He thought his life would have the same path as his two elder omega brothers but it had other things planned. Good boy Robin, who followed all the rules his entire life, will break every one of them for his Alpha. Alpha Thrall has never bowed down before another man, woman or omega. Every king shivers from his name. But for his omega he will bow, he will beg. He will worship the ground his mate walks on. A love story, a revenge story, and a story of self discovery. Knotting, MPreg, and Mating

follows Samuel Viddic, a detective burdened by loss, guilt, and an unrelenting past. When his beloved wife Charlotte dies unexpectedly, his world fractures, leaving him lost in a haze of memories and sorrow. But grief does not grant him solitude. An old acquaintance, Sir Harold, pleads for Samuel’s help—his daughter, a journalist, has vanished without a trace. As Samuel searches for her, he is drawn into a labyrinth of secrets, where truth is elusive, reality warps, and unseen forces seem to manipulate fate itself. His pursuit forces him to confront his own demons, his wife’s enigmatic final words, and the possibility that the world he thought he knew is a carefully constructed lie. With each step deeper into the mystery, Samuel finds himself at the precipice of something beyond mere human understanding—where faith and reason collide, where the dead whisper truths, and where destiny is not just written, but sealed. Can Samuel unravel the secrets buried beneath time itself? Or will he, like so many before him, become another lost witness to a fate he was never meant to escape?

[Handsome and Mischievous & Sweet and Soft Girl] [Unrequited Love Comes True + Sweet Pampering + Both Pure] Ryder once found a pink love letter in a math book. The handwriting of the young girl was elegant, with shyness and youth between the strokes. The content of the love letter was very short, unsigned, and only one sentence: "Today I saw you, and suddenly I wanted to take you to Laguna Beach to see the sea." ... Aria has done two out-of-the-ordinary things in her life. One was writing an unsigned love letter when she was young. The second was secretly loving Ryder for six years, then gritting her teeth and repeating a year to get into the same university as him. She is not smart, and this is all she can do. People who know Aria say she has a reserved personality, beautiful but like a handful of ice and snow in the winter mountains, gentle yet aloof. Only Ryder knows that aloofness is just her protective color, the girl is timid and vigilant, squatting by the roadside in the misty morning to feed the stray cats of the school. He witnessed Aria's fear and helplessness when she was trapped in a nightmare. He saw her, after drinking, clutching his sleeve, her apricot eyes wet, looking as if she had lost the whole world. The girl's eyelashes trembled as she confessed her feelings to him, her voice soft and helpless, choking on her words: "I, I turned back, but he is just very good..." He is not good. Ryder thought, as if bewitched, it was her. Once fallen, there is no cure. Later, he took her to see the sea of "Kekexili", knelt on one knee for her, and gently kissed her ring finger under the girl's slightly red eyes. At the age of twenty-two, in the morning, holding her hand, the other hand held their marriage certificate. In this book, we will witness the two-way journey of a wealthy, handsome, and mischievous young man and a sweet, soft girl, six years of life, from middle school to high school, and then to university, starting from secret love and running towards the marriage hall.

Jaden Rook, a 22-year-old gaming addict and master of min-maxing RPGs, dies in a ridiculous accident involving a vending machine and a runaway truck. Instead of heading to the afterlife, he gets isekai’d into Arcadia, a fantasy world with magic, monsters, and kingdoms at war. Excited to finally live out his power fantasy, Jaden is given a customizable system that lets him break reality. The catch? The system is a sarcastic, trolling AI that nerfs him for fun, gives him humiliating challenges, and forces him into absurd scenarios before unlocking his true power. SNEAK PEAK: I didn’t expect to die today. But as I lay on the cold pavement, crushed between a vending machine and an outofcontrol delivery truck, I had only one thought: This is the dumbest way to die. A moment ago, I had just been trying to shake loose a stuck soda. Then, BAM! Instant roadkill. As my vision faded, the last thing I saw was the smug grin of the vending machine, as if mocking me. When I opened my eyes, I was no longer on the pavement. Instead, I floated in a pristine, glowing void. Before me hovered an old man with a white beard, a golden toga, and the same deadpan expression as a DMV worker. “Oh, great,” I muttered. “I’m dead, aren’t I?” “Yes,” the old man said, stroking his beard. “And you have been chosen for reincarnation in another world.” My eyes widened. “Wait. Hold up. Are you telling me… I’m getting isekai’d? Like in the anime?” The old man nodded. “Indeed. You have been selected to wield a powerful system, one that will grant you abilities beyond mortal comprehension.” I fistpumped. “Hell yeah! Overpowered skills, here I come!” The old man coughed. “Yes, well… about that.” I narrowed my eyes. “What do you mean, about that?” “You see, we have too many reincarnators lately. We can’t just be handing out godtier powers like candy anymore.” I folded my arms. “Okay, so what are we talking? A slightly nerfed cheat? A balanced growth system?” The old man looked away. “You’ll… figure it out.” My stomach dropped. “Oh, hell no. You’re about to scam me, aren’t you?” “I would never!” the old man said, voice dripping with totally believable innocence. “Now, off you go!”

In the dawn of time, a family of ordinary sailors and fishermen unknowingly stumbles upon a fate that would forever alter their destiny. A goddess, angered by their alleged act of theft against her, cursed them to sail the seas eternally, plundering treasures and pillaging wealth. And they came to be known as the first pirates to ever exist. This curse, however, came with an unexpected twist; immortality. For centuries, the family navigated the treacherous waters, exploiting their newfound gift, to amass power and riches. They became the stuff of legend, feared and revered by all who crossed their path. Their dreaded name, "The Damned Ones," struck terror into the hearts of both men and gods. Years passed, and the goddess, seemingly capricious, lifted the curse, allowing the family to set foot on land once again. But this freedom came with a catch; their immortality remained, a double-edged sword that rendered them invincible and more formidable. And as the ages went by, the family's exploits became the tales told in myths and legends, but they themselves, lived among the humans. They built civilizations, sowed chaos, and reveled in their unparalleled power. Even the powerful rulers and other immortal factions trembled at the mention of their name. They were an overpowered, unkillable set of monstrosities that wanted nothing more than to have fun. After years of separation, the family reunites, only to discover that one of them had gone missing. But that was only just the beginning. A new enemy had emerged from the darkness, one who had in his possession a mysterious and terrifying power, one capable of killing even the unkillable family. The family, driven by a mix of concern and self-preservation, put aside their differences and join forces to vanquish the threat. Allied once again as one, their unyielding resolve and unmatched power would be tested like never before, but one thing was certain– they would not go quietly into the night. They had lived for tens of centuries and have gotten unaccustomed to death. The battle for their existence had begun, and the fate of the world hung in the balance. They fought against both old and new foes, in a world where the supernatural was nothing more than a fairy tale, living up to their mythical title as the... IMMORTALS Sneak peak! The sun dipped into the horizon, casting a bloody orange glow over the battle-scarred shore. The air reeked of saltwater, smoke and piles of dead bodies littered the battleground, their limbs twisted in unnatural poses. Amidst the carnage, a burly man stood tall, victorious over a defeated foe, he remained still, taking in the aftermath of the war. His side had emerged victorious, their enemies laid low. A sense of pride and satisfaction swelled within him, but it was short-lived. But his triumph was short-lived. A sudden sharp pricking sensation in his back prompted him to turn around, where he faced a young warrior, shaking with fear, clutching the hilt of a longsword whose blade had pierced through the man's back and was protruding from his gut. The man scoffed and with a swift motion, he reached around and grasped the hilt, pulling the sword from his body. The warrior's eyes widened in horror as the man withdrew the blade, the metal sliding out of his flesh with a sickening squelch. As the sword cleared his body, the man's wounds began to heal at an alarming rate. The gash in his back closed, the skin knitting together with an unnatural speed. The warrior stumbled backward, his eyes fixed on the healing flesh. "You... you're a monster!" The man's gaze locked onto the warrior, his eyes burning with inner fire. "You're right, i am a monster. Stab me a hundred times, decapitate me, entomb me, cut me up into a million pieces and incinerate the parts... I won't stay dead, I'm 'the' immortal, I can't be killed!" And with a swift, deadly motion, the man jabbed the sword into the warrior's throat, ending his life with a single, brutal stroke

[ Caution: High Heat Advisory ] “Harper, stop undressing me with your eyes. The plot isn’t going that way… YET.” Harper McKenzie, a newbie web novel author, has a problem — she struggles with romance scenes. As someone with almost nonexistent real-life experience in the matter, she can’t get the intimate chemistry right, and those chapters always come out dry and cringy. Fortunately for her, Harper finds a freelance editor willing to workshop her writing. But the surprise? That editor turns out to be her childhood friend and the very first crush of her life. What happens now when he offers her personal lessons on how to write the hottest romance … and love scenes? -------------- Note: this is a fun, cozy, sweet story with a low-drama plot. No love triangles, no misunderstandings, no memory loss / car accidents / terminal illnesses / etc.. Mature content abounds, starting out soft but heats up quickly. You’ve been warned! -------------- Sneak Peek: He slid her bra over her shoulders and, with impossibly quick and skilled work, tied the lacy garment around her wrists. “Spread your legs wider,” he ordered. Harper’s already faltering heartbeat faltered some more. The command in his tone was foreign, but it crashed over her like a heat wave, and even though she could barely begin to picture how salacious she must look, with her hands bound and thighs spread wide like an offering to be ravished, she could feel the scorching need coiling hotter and hotter in her core. Her body obeyed eagerly on its own accord, bringing herself fully open just like she was told. Eli grinned. Moving between her legs, he trailed hot kisses along her inner thigh, leaving sizzling little fires crackling in its wake. “Good girl. Now, what should your character say next?” A finger glided over her wet and wanting flesh in a slippery stroke, making her heart slam to a hard stop as a moan tore free. “Write the next line for me, what should I say before I unravel you with my tongue and make you scream my name?”

THE DEVIL'S SERIES:- The Devil's Hunt is the new title... Don't worry guys because of the cover. “Lilith Isha Romanio, you really think that’s who you truly are, my Queen? Or shall I say it? Hm… my cunning little fox, My beautiful wife…” I was the nightmare of many people but he thinks I am cute. He was not the person I carved for. Neither did I want him to be my salvation. My Shadows were loyal to him. He watched me, stalked me, and shoved me into the memories which I never knew I had. Yet he did it. Painted my canvas, the black chaotic ones with a contrasting deep crimson. Rudraveer Pratap Rathore… those sets of smoldering grey eyes, sinister grin of the Devil, and his aphrodisiac sinful voice made my killermind traspie into his webs of hell. And his flames of hellfire stroke something dark and forbidden within me… Was I Lilith Isha Romanio? Or who was I? He questioned it and I, fell into a pit of abyss to answer it. With the shivers of pleasure, passion, and twisted love. And I? I enjoyed it. This was our Fated Twist… ~*~*~*~*~

Felix Maxwell was destined to be a loser, born on one of the weakest races and on the least favorable of situations, he was forced to face adversity head-on as he traveled across the vast universe where dangers laid in every corner, one day traveling in hopes of riches he stumbled upon a ruin where a supreme being laid imprisoned, in a stroke of bad luck the being laid its eyes on him and tried to take over his body, forcing itself upon him. But fate hadn't given up on him! He woke up in his younger body, 20 years in the past with the fallen being trapped in his soul. In his past life he had been a loser, giving up on things mid-way and never striving for greatness, he was a side character who made the strong shine even brighter, but not on this life. He swore to himself he would strive for glory, he would take advantage of his knowledge and emerge as a supreme being! ...... Novel Discord: https://discord.gg/FTfXXYHnFT This is my Patreon, everyone is welcomed to drop by! https://www.patreon.com/MidGard_Author

Brushstrokes of Us *"Evelyn Sinclair, a sheltered heiress with a hidden passion for art, never expected her life to change the day she met Liam Carter, a struggling street artist with a heart as bold as his murals. When they team up for a city-wide mural competition, their connection sparks a love as vibrant as the colors they paint with. But their relationship is anything but simple. From the pressures of Evelyn’s wealthy family to Liam’s troubled past, every stroke of their journey is filled with challenges. When their story catches the eye of a reality TV show, their love is put under the spotlight, forcing them to confront their differences and fight for a future together. 'Brushstrokes of Us' is a heartfelt, dramatic, and sometimes hilarious tale of love, art, and the courage to create a life that’s truly their own."*

[Trigger Warning: Mature Content] They say the Silvermoonlight Masquerade changes fates. It did for Lydia Ashford too, but she lost more than she gained. In a world where strength defines worth, she was wolfless, but she refused to be weak. With beauty that shimmered like stardust in the midnight sky and a mind as sharp as a dagger, Lydia was a name spoken with both awe and envy. But admiration was never enough. She forged her own path, honing her combat skills, proving her intelligence, and standing beside Theodore Sinclair, the Alpha’s son, through every challenge. If she could not shift, she would rise in every other way. The Masquerade should have been another step toward securing her future. Yet fate had other plans. One sip of wine. One moment of weakness. One stranger’s touch. And everything she built turned to ash. The man she trusted turned his back on her. The pack that once praised her cast her aside. And the child growing inside her became her only reason to survive. Banished. Forgotten. A name only whispered in shame. Yet, Lydia did not break, she endured. Five years later, she returns—not as the girl they discarded, but as a woman ready to reclaim her life. But fate is not done with her. Because the man who marked her as his? The one who unknowingly fathered her child? He’s standing right in front of her. And this time, he’s not letting her go. ...... The glass hovered near her lips.  "Drink," Nickolas commanded, his voice rough with hunger.  Lydia obeyed, parting her lips as the rich, red liquid flowed onto her tongue. But before she could swallow, his mouth was on hers—hot, demanding, merciless.  The wine spilled between them, sliding over her lips, down her chin. But he didn’t stop. He deepened the kiss, his tongue sweeping inside, stealing the taste straight from her mouth, devouring every shaky breath she tried to take.  By the time he pulled away, she was trembling.  His fingers tilted the glass. A slow trickle of wine spilled onto her collarbone, rolling between her breasts, gliding down her stomach.  The moment the first drop touched her skin, his mouth followed.  His lips grazed the delicate curve of her neck before he dragged his tongue along the slick trail of wine, chasing every drop as it slipped between her breasts. His teeth scraped her skin, and before she could react, he latched onto her, sucking deep, his tongue flicking and teasing before his mouth sealed around her hardened peak.  Lydia arched beneath him, her hands fisting into the sheets as heat coiled low in her stomach.  "Nickolas," she gasped, her voice breathless, desperate.  He groaned against her skin, his grip tightening on her waist as he sucked harder, the wet heat of his mouth sending pleasure pulsing through her veins. He alternated between sharp, aching nips and long, slow strokes of his tongue, drawing soft moans from her lips. "Messy," he murmured, his voice thick with satisfaction as he pulled back just enough to watch her squirm beneath him. His fingers traced the path the wine had taken, slow, possessive.  Then his lips brushed lower, over her navel, his breath a sinful caress against her heated skin.  He smirked against her. "I thought your laughter was the most beautiful sound to my ears…" His fingers slid between her thighs, teasing, coaxing, pushing her to the edge without giving her what she needed.  Then, with a slow, deliberate bite against her inner thigh, he whispered, "Until I heard your moans."  A sharp gasp escaped her lips as he kissed her again, his hands gripping her hips, holding her right where he wanted.  "Nickolas," she whimpered.  He chuckled darkly, his lips trailing back up her body, lingering at her throat before he spoke against her ear. "I could get drunk off you."  Lydia swallowed, her body burning, her thoughts unraveling.  But deep down, she already knew—she was the one drowning. 

He held her hand placing it on his chest looking at his hand on top of hers. "I give you my heart Zillah, lead me" . " Stop" she finally bursted into tears. Still being able to hold her breath from making sounds. She was drooling all over and he drew her even closer to her and hugged her like never before. She cuddled underneath his arms crying seriously but he stroked her gently until she was able to calm down. How did he manage to bear all this type of pain. How much was he going through that leaves him to no other decision than to want to change from who he was. He called her name softly "Zillah…" "I love when you call my name" she spoke like a baby with a cracked voice because she cried a lot and her hands folded and he pulled her away and looked at her with a smirk. "But you… " he was ready to call her out for what she said earlier but she placed her finger on his lips knowing what he was about to say next. His smile widened when he observed something. He moved his fingers to her neck and felt where he pierced her neck and felt the injury and blood. He held her neck tenderly healing her slowly. "This part could be more painful" he warned while healing her. She winced lightly and he stroked her face. "You've got to dominate, and I don't care if you're the seventh mundane or not". She spoke with intense gaze rooted on him "Am I?...." "You are the Crown's Mundane". Alvah, the soul of Celestial, son of First Chamber Empyreal of Fire Deivigan Vimal because the first ever infernal who lived anonymously and as the Seventh Mundane. Zillah will be the mediator between Alvah and Tartarus. Costing her life will have to be the priority if Elysian has to be saved but what if Alvah takes the risk instead?. This is a realm of the conflict between Elysian and Tartarus.