Fifthy Shades

Between the howls and wails, the screams and cries of women being raped, and the villagers being eaten and butchered like cattle, there was a middle-aged man who was desperately running away while yelling his lungs out. ''Why.... WHY!!! YOU ABSOLUTE FUCKERS!!!'' His clothes were in tatters and marred in blood, with his body being barely able to function. His state was simply beyond recognition. As for where he was running to... It didn't matter... He just wanted to flee the hellish scene that was unfolding behind him. His remote village, the one he had lived in his entire life, was now a fiery beacon illuminating the night. ''Whyyyyy areeeeeee youuuuuuuuuu runninnnnnnnnnnng awwaaayyyy froooooom usssssssss?'' Terrifying low growls and voices could be perceived behind him, and every time he heard them, his body released adrenaline to try to override its limits, but to no avail as his injuries were just too severe. The humanoid creatures pursuing him were like shadows, barely distinguishable through the cover of the night. Their eyes, akin to black holes, were fixed on their prey as it struggled for its pathetic life. Their faint and sinister giggles kept reverberating through the darkness... *** As blood rushed up his throat and leaked at the corners of his mouth, his sinister appearance aggravated to where he resembled a devil. During his maniacal laugh, his punctured lungs had finally given out, causing his whole body to collapse on the ground and dyeing it a scarlet shade. His mind went blank, while his consciousness left his battered body. *** After what appeared to be a few minutes, he suddenly woke up. He was startled at first, but he soon realized that he had indeed died. Everything around him was black, without an ounce of life in sight. He was basically a spirit floating in the absolute void. ''So this is what happens when you die... You just drift in darkness... That's actually underwhelming. I wonder if I'll just fade away'' When Derrick's thoughts started to drift, a prompt appeared in front of him. [Welcome to System Nemesis, Derrick Tarlin] [Would you like to seek revenge? Yes/No]

In a realm of mortals, a monster stirred into existence. Initially adrift in purpose, the creature resolved to guard its progenitors, the girl who came before, he intended to defend and protect all of them. As times unfolded, the monster adeptly concealed itself behind the visage of a mortal, humanoid in nature, he easily donned the guise, the mask of a human being. Yet, fear not, for the tale did not conclude there. A young man's agonized wail pierced the nocturnal silence, a lament for all he lost, for all he wished to protect, challenging the heavenly realms and defying the very essence of existence. In his rebellion, the world recoiled, deeming him unworthy of breath, a rejection that ushered his drowning into oblivion. Amidst the struggle for survival, an otherworldly entity took notice. "Perhaps…? Let's test the fortitude of his will!" As the youth teetered on the brink of unconsciousness, a voice resonated in his mind. [Notice: Legendary Skill Reincarnation Acquired!] [Reincarnation has been activated!] ... In a cosmos where gods, devils, humans, myths, and dreams converge into reality, the monster finds rebirth. Yet, navigating this new existence proved arduous, for the world demanded a toll for every breath he took and every moment of joy in it. And such a toll… it will be paid with his life once more. Will the human-masked monster triumph… Or will he fall just like a hundred times before? Let me see an end to it, but now… will you join me, Mortal!? ----------------------------------- The main story technically starts with Season 3. The first two seasons are something like a prologue to show what happened and kind of who MC is, so simply, if you want a faster experience, start with season 3; it won't be that much of a difference if you don't. Chapter Length: 1800-2200 words. The Mc is a kind of psychopath who wore a mask throughout his life, but I would not easily condemn him as neither good nor evil. (And before you ask. Yes, the MC is kind of a yandere obsession type as well.) There will be a harem, but it will be much later or until I start liking another girl character. There is some dark stuff, be it burning flesh, dissection, blood, extreme agony, or whatever else. I just want to say that if you don't like it, be prepared that they are not uncommon and are mostly detailed... A question that arose in me... When does someone become a monster? Where is the edge of humanity? I don't know the specifics either just yet, so let's find out together... And that's it. Have a nice read, my fellow humans. ;)

This red dragon came from the vast wilderness, coveting all the powers of the world. He has held countless titles: Mountain Fury, Purgatorial Calamity, Red Emperor, Ember Dragon… The world trembles under the shadow of the great dragon. He ignited the surge of the magical industrial revolution. In the empire he established, wyverns roar, cannon fire resounds, steel behemoths appear in the sky and on the earth, and disasters from other worlds run rampant. “Submit, or die.” Cassius spread his sky-shading wings, looking down upon the trembling humans, elves, and dwarves beneath him, and spoke thus. ……… A story of a red dragon with a built-in player template conquering, ruling, and transforming another world. (Pseudo D&D, Fourth Catastrophe, Red Dragon)

Blue Kent, also known as Ice King, is a Dominant Omega who despises Alphas. But for his new book, he needs an Alpha whom he can use as a model for his main character. Luckily for Blue, an Extremely Dominant Alpha, Winter Dumont, comes into his life and offers to be used as a model for his book character. This offer isn’t made without personal interest. Winter is a scumbag who likes conquering Omegas with fierce personalities. Blue just happens to be an Omega who fits perfectly into Winter’s ideal prey. With Winter relentlessly chasing Blue, will he be able to withstand temptation due to his hatred for Alphas or will Winter’s eccentric personality change his views about Alphas? To know, tune in to the chaotic story of this gloomy x sunshine duo.

When life throws you a curveball you need to smash an ace. Sumeet Singhania lost everything on the happiest day of his life. And now he will stop at nothing to serve a cold vengeance to the people involved. The only sin Chanchal committed was to be born. And she is going to pay hell for it. Ranjeet Oberoi knows the shades of grey but will he moves towards light or darkness is his choice? Rashmi Sharma will stop at nothing. To uncover the real truth.But will it burn her too? Life has already happened for them. All that is left now is to collect the pieces back.

Imagine if the world developed but the mindset of people was still backwards. The year 2056, the place post war America. where we have digital technology yet women are not allowed to rule. it's all upto our dear Miss Sullivan to prove that anything a man can do a woman does it a billion times better. Only she's not using reason to convince them but pure bloodshed.

Sixteen-year-old Watanabe Saya is a dreamer trapped in the confines of a mundane life, longing for an escape from the weight of expectations and the harsh realities of high school. Her days are filled with sketches of fantastical worlds where she wishes she could belong—worlds that seem to leap from the pages of her imagination and beckon her closer. When a rumor about an abandoned factory on the outskirts of her town surfaces, saying it’s haunted, curiosity ignites within her. Seeking adventure and an outlet for her restlessness, Saya and her friends venture into the enigmatic ruins, only to be thrust into chaos. In a blinding flash, Saya is transported to Vesper, a twilight realm pulsating with magic and ancient secrets. Here, she meets Ronan, a strikingly handsome and enigmatic boy, who reveals that she possesses a rare ability to reset time upon death. But each death brings her closer to the terrifying Shade of Dusk, a malevolent entity threatening to engulf Vesper in darkness. As Saya battles formidable enemies alongside Ronan—each with tragic backstories and the power to challenge her very existence—her repeated deaths force her to confront emotional scars and shape her into an unexpected hero. Yet as their bond deepens amidst chaos, so too does the risk of losing everything she’s begun to care for. Navigating a world where every choice has dire consequences, and trusting her instincts could mean the difference between life and death, Saya must uncover the truth of her purpose in Vesper. With the fate of realms hanging in the balance, will she find the courage to embrace her destiny, resist the encroaching shadows, and forge a new legacy anew? In "Re: Vesper," the journey of self-discovery, love, and resilience unravels in a gripping tale where every heartbeat could lead to a new beginning—or a tragic end.

Shades of the Unseen is a story about the ones left behind. In every grand tale, some figures exist only in passing-side characters in someone else's narrative, their lives reduced to brief mentions and fleeting appearances. But what happens when the curtain shifts and the spotlight turns to them? This is a novel about those who were once overlooked. The ones who stood on the edges, whose voices were drowned out by larger stories, whose struggles, victories, and quiet moments never had the chance to be seen. Through intertwining lives, fractured pasts, and uncertain futures, Shades of the Unseen brings their stories to light. Some seek closure, others redemption, and some simply wish to be acknowledged. But in a world that moves forward too fast, do the forgotten still have a place? A novel about remembrance, about voices long unheard, and the weight of being unseen.

Zou Yue jumped to the side, dodging an extended claw of a growling zombie. A pair of warm hands gripped his small waist from behind and pulled him over to a sturdy chest. The same pair of hands slowly groped his chest. “Brother fan w—what are you doing?!” Zou carefully looked up at him. Fan Xui smirked mysteriously at him and removed the huge shades stylishly. A clear pair of eyes met Zou’s challengingly. “since I saved you just now, why don’t you give me a kiss?” “you... you can see!!! Aren’t you blind!!!” Zou Yue glanced in shock. He pushed himself for of his body. Fan Xui laughed out loud, gently caressing Zou’s long black hair. “are you gonna leave me now?,” he continued groping his barely their chest through his girly tank top. “Fuck yeah!! Let go you poser.” he pushed him away and started shooting the zombies outside with renewed passion. Fan suddenly caught his wrist. “You bastard, what are you doing, let go of my hand. The zombies are coming!!!” “Hmm okay,” Fan Xui let go. He swiftly snapped a fluffy handcuff snugly on his wrist, tying them both together. “Now we are tied together for live and death,” “FAN. XUI!! Get this off of me!” Zou growled at him, but the young man just laughed happily. “Sigh, you are beautiful even when you are angry, dear,” Fan Xui whispered and pulled him up for a passionate kiss. He gently bit those soft lips and moaned. “Delicious,” Letting go, he slowly waved his hand towards the upcoming zombies and they are reduced to ashes.

Gaius is no chosen one. Born in the shade, hidden away from the world, he is a son of strife, shaped by the scars of survival and the searing heat of ambition. While chosen ones bask in the favor of fate, Gaius carves his legacy in the marrow of empires, one bloodied step at a time Revised.

Prologue Kolkata, a city that never sleeps, where the past and present walk hand in hand, where power and justice often blur into shades of gray. It is here that fate entwines the lives of two individuals who could not be more different-yet are destined to collide. Ritwick Chaterjee, at thirty-two, has carved a name for himself in the force. As the Deputy Commissioner of the Central Division, he is a man who commands respect and fear in equal measure. Ruthless in his pursuit of justice, unwavering in his morals, and relentlessly in his battles, he walks the fine line between duty and danger without hesitation. To criminals, he is a nightmare; to his department, he is a legend. Then there is Shrirupa Mukherjee-young, vibrant, and full of life. At twenty-two, she has just completed her master's degree, standing at the crossroads of her future. She dreams of independence, of carving her own path, yet she is bound by the weight of expectations. The dutiful daughter of an influential family, she is caught between proving her worth and fulfilling the responsibilities thrust upon her. If the world sees her as delicate, they fail to notice the quiet storm brewing within. Two souls-one forged in the fires of duty, the other flowing like a river seeking its course. He, a man hardened by experience; she, a woman untouched by the world's cruelty. When their worlds collide, it is neither gentle nor expected. For some, destiny is a whisper. For them, it arrives like a thunderstorm. Neither of them knows it yet, but their story is about to begin. And once it does, there will be no turning back.

The sugary sweet life of the beautiful young Miss Asher. Plunged into wealth and riches, while growing under an umbrella shade from the stench of poverty and struggles. The Riechard family's lovely little Miss, who grew absent from her parents love; from a young age living under the Reichard family household. She waxed quickly older with time. Becoming a woman of noble virtues and good characters. Graduating from a top institute of medicine and a perfect fiance who loves and pampers her along with his family. Her world came to crash, when false news flies all over the city. Showcasing her life; painted as immoral and loose virtue, tarnishing the perfect image and reputation once built. Pushed from the once family that raised her, canceling her engagement proposal and left devastated. ----- A rainy night in Tyle city. The silhouette of a petite woman walked under the rain in the empty street, amidst the heavy beating and showering droplets. She dragged her weary herself through the cold and judging streets fully drenched as a lifeless corpse pushed around. Her clothes stuck to her from the rain, with eyes devoid of an actual sight. Crossing the deserted roads across the street, when a car collided into her, falling unconscious on the wet road. Asher opens her eyes, slowly to the soft warmth around her, feeling like death had taken her; only to see an intravenous inserted in her hands and beside her bed a man stood there holding a paper. " Miss, my boss saved your life. In exchange he wants a marriage contract with you. "

When humanity teetered on the brink of extinction at the hands of the strongest Demon King, Four Humans were chosen by the Gods to help them liberate the world from his tyranny. Yet, "the world" is no simple tale of black and white—its truths are painted in shades of grey. Betrayed by his own people, the Demon King falls, only to be reborn in a new life. Fuelled by vengeance, he seeks to reclaim his throne and punish those who wronged him. But will he ever be able to change his fate—a fate that takes everything from him, no matter how many times he tries?

Fatal Lullaby (Revised Edition) by Jenni Teel Tara Stele wakes in the ruins of her childhood home, her hands slick with blood, her mother's lullaby echoing in the hollow silence. She doesn't remember killing her parents, but the world is certain she did. Banished to the Shade Territory-a decaying prison where exiled supernaturals fight to survive-Tara is forced into hiding among the notorious Shades of Orphan crew. But secrets don't stay buried for long. Hunted by the Division of Non-Human Affairs and a bounty hanging over her head, Tara must unravel the truth behind her own existence. As her powers awaken, so does something darker-whispers of gods long thought dead, fragments of war and prophecy twisting through her veins. With a past she can't trust and a future she can't escape, Tara is faced with an impossible fate. Will she become the weapon she was made to be, or will she forge a new path before the world burns around her? This is the revised edition of Fatal Lullaby by JenniferLayneTeel on Wattpad. I lost access to my account, and since it's nearly the ten-year anniversary, I decided to rewrite, revise, and re-give-it-a-go!

In a distant future world, where advanced technology overlaps with ancient magic, humans live in cities fortified under the grip of a dictatorial regime known as "integration". This system was formed after the collapse of ancient civilizations, as humans were forced to submit to technology and absolute control in their daily lives. With the progress of time, some dark forces began to appear, including magic creatures and people trying to restore the forces that humans have lost in the past. At the heart of this chaos, the hero of the story appears: "Arian", a poor young man who lives on the outskirts of the city. He grew up in a harsh environment full of injustice and poverty, which is missing memory and does not know his past. One day, he discovered a mysterious stone that gives it uncomplicated super powers, to start a dangers fraught in an attempt to discover his true identity. While Arian begins to discover his capabilities, he also discovers a complex network of betrayals and conspiracies, as a group of individuals and organizations compete to control the power of stone, which may be the key to the return of missing magic or destroy the world itself. He meets on his journey with unexpected allies, including a fighter from an ancient dynasty called "Ellen", and a mysterious wise knows the secrets of the past. But with the progress of events, Arian begins doubting the loyalty of those around him. Is it just a tool in the hands of the major powers, or does it have a greater role in determining the fate of humanity? Events continue and conflicts escalate between good and evil, while a decisive moment is approaching, the world may change forever.

"'I don't care, Sarah. I despise you. I despise the whole of you." Xavier's growl sent shivers down her spine. His piercing blue eyes locked onto hers, seeing right through her. Tears welled up as he sneered, "I'm Xavier Adrian. Your feelings mean nothing." Sarah's heart shattered as his words pierced through her innocent heart. "Then who am I to you?" she trembled. Xavier's whisper sent fear coursing through her veins and he slowly let out his usual sinful smirk "I'm the Devil and you're my prey." "When darkness reigns, survival is luxury." Sarah Parker, a 19-year-old aspiring journalist, once dreamed of uncovering truth and making a name for herself. But when tragedy struck, her world shattered, leaving her with emotional scars. Now, she's forced into the dark world of the Sin-Nation Empire, where Xavier Adrian reigns. Xavier Adrian, the CEO of Nexus Tech by day and the leader of Sin-Nation-Empire at night, hides a tortured soul behind his piercing blue eyes. The son of Andrew Adrian, his blood comes with power and violence, and Xavier knows that the shades of a father’s sins are something one cannot run away from. When the two broken souls meet, Sarah is confronted with a side of her own darkness as twisted as nightmare and Xavier faces a bigger nightmare . In a world where loyalty is luxury and survival is a constant battle, can Sarah and Xavier find a way to overcome their demons, or will they become each other's destruction?

"You, boy, shall take on my power and hide it," the beautiful woman declared, her white hair flowing like a cascade of silk in the wind. It was almost the same shade as the snow crunching beneath my boots—yet hers shimmered with a majesty that made it seem otherworldly. It wasn’t until I found myself flat on my back, sprawled in the snow, that I truly understood the weight of her words. I stared up at the woman, her piercing blue eyes now blazing with an eerie, glowing red. Fangs glinted as they protruded from her lips. Her cold, pale hand gripped my neck, pinning me down, while her other hand pressed firmly against my shoulder. I could feel the weight of her power, suffocating and undeniable. — Sebastian Gray is a vampire. Yeah, that pretty much sums up his life. A vampire pretending to be human—it’s easier that way. After all, who would believe him if he told the truth? Things were fine, mundane even, until Silas Gael showed up. The new transfer student claimed to be a “High-Class Mage from Scotland,” loudly announcing his purpose to anyone who would listen: to find the pureblood vampire hidden in Portland.

Shades are demonic creatures that feast on human flesh and drink human blood. Humanity fights back with supernatural abilities known as Esters which gives them a chance against the Shades.

Once upon a time, in a quiet little village nestled between rolling green hills, lived a young girl named Lila. She had a heart full of dreams and a soul that danced with curiosity. But what made Lila special was her ability to find beauty in the simplest of things. Every morning, she would wake up before the sun rose and run to the meadow behind her cottage. There, she would sit by the old oak tree, watching the sky change colors as the sun painted it with shades of pink and gold. She listened to the whispers of the wind and the cheerful songs of the birds, feeling as though the world was speaking to her in a language only she could understand. One day, as she wandered deeper into the forest, she stumbled upon a wounded little bird with shimmering blue feathers. Its tiny wing was broken, and it chirped weakly. Without hesitation, Lila gently scooped it up and carried it home. She tended to its wound with care, feeding it and keeping it warm until, day by day, it grew stronger. During this time, Lila and the bird formed a special bond. She named it Azul, after the color of its feathers. Azul would perch on her shoulder as she sang to it, and in return, it would chirp melodiously, as if thanking her for her kindness. Then, the day came when Azul was strong enough to fly again. Lila knew in her heart that it was time to set him free, though the thought saddened her. With tears in her eyes but a smile on her face, she carried Azul to the meadow and opened her hands. "Go on, Azul," she whispered, "the sky is yours." Azul fluttered his wings and took flight, circling above her as if hesitating. Then, with one last chirp, he soared high into the sky, disappearing beyond the horizon. Though Lila missed him, she felt a warmth in her heart, knowing she had given him a second chance at life. From that day on, every time she sat under the oak tree, a shimmering blue bird would appear, singing the sweetest song. And Lila knew—it was Azul, coming back to remind her that kindness always finds its way back home.

Lisa, a young orphan, finds love in the arms of Menzi, a brooding war veteran shrouded in secrecy. Their whirlwind romance is filled with passion and excitement, but also marked by Menzi's cryptic warnings and furtive glances over his shoulder. As their relationship deepens, Lisa begins to uncover the dark truth about Menzi's past. His past was filled with enemies who would stop at nothing to destroy him. Tragically, Menzi's secrets ultimately prove fatal, leaving Lisa alone and pregnant with his child. With no one to turn to, Lisa must navigate the treacherous landscape of Menzi's past, confronting his enemies and uncovering the secrets he took to his grave. Can she protect herself and their child from the dangers that lurk in the shadows, or will she become the next target?

The battlefield was alive with echoes—phantom blades clashing, spectral shields forming in the air. Kai gritted his teeth as his Resonance Construct flickered, his emotions unsteady. The shadow at his feet rippled, whispering to him, urging him to let go. To surrender. His Psyche Alchemy burned hot, anger twisting into raw energy, but if he pushed too far, his soul’s frequency would spiral into chaos. Across from him, Sienna’s melody rang through the air, her Soul Chords weaving a defensive harmony that pulsed against his attacks. He had to stabilize. Had to match her rhythm before the Shade consumed him whole.

Rav is a prophecy child. Of course he doesn't know that yet, but his destiny is still coming, and as a member of the big Crescent Tribe, Fallen Angels who take prophecies more seriously than the other tribes and kingdoms, he always had it coming for him. But what exactly is this prophecy about..? Notice: This is for my own enjoyment.

Ren Asano always dreamed of exploring the vast landscapes of his world, but life had other plans. As a forest officer, he spent his days navigating familiar woodlands, never able to chase the adventures he longed for. That is, until the day he died. When Ren wakes up beneath the shade of an unfamiliar tree, in a body younger than his own, he quickly realizes one thing—this isn’t his world. The towering forests, the crystal-clear lakes, and the distant villages seem untouched by modern civilization. But more than that, the air itself hums with an unfamiliar energy. Magic. Alone, lost, and unable to understand the language of the people around him, Ren is faced with a choice: struggle to survive in an unknown world or embrace the journey he was never able to take in his past life. With nothing but his wits, his knowledge of survival, and an insatiable curiosity, he sets out to explore this new world—one step at a time. A slow, immersive journey through a vast and mysterious land begins.

HIDDEN TRUTH Series ( Part 1) COLLUSION: secret or illegal cooperation or conspiracy in order to deceive others. ----------------------------------------------------------------- This is a Story of Raisinghania Brothers and How they get caught up in a storm?️ they haven't had any connections with...As the conspirers realise they are the ones being trapped into something way more dangerous☠️ than they ever realise...But now it's way too late to back off. Come join their journey filled with Secrets, Conspirers, Manipulations , Obsession, Hatred , Jealousy , Enemity and Find out if they could Finally Find Love and cherish it or will they lose it all because of the Conspiracy that is being played or as the deepest and darkest secrets being exposed. Who are the Conspirers? The ones who think they are or the ones that are actually in the darkest shadows knowing all the buried secrets ? Will the Mafia Brothers find a way out of it or will they be stuck in it with no way out or will they wanna be stuck willing? ❤️PEEP IN TO KNOW MORE❤️ ----------------------------------------------------------------- ⚠️Every character is going to have a dark side to themselves.... Nobody Is going to be Fully perfect even when it's The Main Characters. All Characters in Grey Shades⚠️

The clock ticked past midnight, each second echoing like a hammer in the hollow silence of the apartment. Rain lashed against the windows, the storm outside mirroring the tempest brewing in Emily’s chest. She sat rigid on the couch, her fingers digging into the upholstery, eyes fixed on the door. David’s keys jingled in the lock, his laughter—warm and carefree—seeping through the wood before he did. He stumbled in, tie askew, the sharp tang of bourbon on his breath. But it wasn’t the alcohol that made her stomach churn. It was the cloying sweetness of jasmine perfume clinging to his collar—a scent that didn’t belong to her. “Where have you been?” Emily’s voice trembled, though she’d rehearsed the question a hundred times in her head. David froze, his smile dissolving. “Work ran late. You know how it is.” “Work ends at six, David. It’s *midnight*.” She stood, her legs unsteady. “And since when do you wear lipstick to the office?” His hand flew to the smudge of crimson on his white sleeve—a shade too bold, too *alive* for the muted tones of their marriage. His face hardened. “You’re imagining things.” “Am I?” She stepped closer, the jasmine scent now suffocating. “Or is it *Jane* from accounting? The one who ‘just needs your help’ every time I call?” His laugh was a cold blade. “You’re paranoid. Always picking fights—” “Paranoid?” Her voice cracked. “You haven’t touched me in months! You come home smelling like *her*, lying to my face—” “Enough!” He slammed his fist on the table, a vase rattling. “I’m tired of your nagging! What do you even do all day? Sit here and wait to accuse me?” The words struck deeper than any slap. Emily’s breath hitched. “I gave up my career for you. For *us*—” “Us?” He sneered. “There *is* no ‘us.’ Just you, digging through my things like a desperate—” She didn’t see his hand move. The crack of his palm against her cheek split the air, her head snapping sideways. She stumbled, clutching the wall as the taste of copper bloomed on her tongue. David loomed over her, his eyes wild, foreign. “You… you pushed me to this,” he hissed, grabbing his coat. “Clean yourself up. You’re pathetic.” The door slammed. Emily slid to the floor, tears mingling with the blood on her lip. Outside, thunder roared. But beneath the pain, a spark ignited—a flicker of defiance. Her gaze landed on the shattered vase, its jagged pieces glinting in the lamplight. *Pathetic.* The word echoed, twisting into a vow. She would rise. Not for him. Not for “us.” But to make him regret the day he underestimated the woman he’d reduced to ashes. -**Chapter One: The Scent of Betrayal (Continued)** The air hung thick with venom. David’s chest heaved, his earlier bravado fraying at the edges. Emily wiped her bleeding lip with the back of her hand, her eyes blazing. “You think Jane *wants* you?” she spat, her voice a razor. “Or does she just pity the man who needs to steal confidence from a bottle and affairs to feel alive?” David’s jaw twitched. “Shut up.” “Why? Because it’s true?” She laughed, cold and sharp. “You’re a cliché, David. A middle-aged fraud in a tailored suit. Even your *precious* promotion—did you earn it, or did you cry your way into it like you did when your father called you a disappointment?” He lunged forward, but she sidestepped, her words relentless. “Jane must be desperate. Or blind. Tell me, does she know you couldn’t even—” “I said *shut up*!” he roared, his composure crumbling. “Couldn’t even *what*?” she taunted, stepping closer. “Finish a sentence? A marriage? Or is that why you’re so bad in—” The slap exploded like a gunshot. Emily’s head whipped sideways, her body crumpling to the floor. The world blurred—a kaleidoscope of shattered glass and spinning shadows. Her cheek burned, but worse was the silence that followed, broken only by her shaky breaths.

Once, he was Sentinel—Guardian City's beloved protector. A hero in every sense. But when his family was brutally murdered by the crime syndicate he once swore to fight, something inside him broke. Justice wasn’t enough anymore. He needed revenge. Now, he walks a darker path. Rebranded as Shade, he operates outside the law, hunting the city's worst like a predator in the night. But vengeance is a slippery slope, and the deeper he dives, the more he questions if he's truly fighting evil—or becoming it. As he battles crime bosses, corrupt officials, and former allies who now see him as a threat, a new danger looms. Someone is pulling strings behind the scenes, orchestrating chaos on a level even he can’t comprehend. And amid the bloodshed, an old flame re-enters his life, challenging the last shred of humanity he has left. Will he find redemption, or will he burn everything down with him?

In the depths of the Buried Terra, where human life clings beneath a dying world, the surface is nothing but a place shrouded in darkness. The sun has lost it's heat, and with it's death came the rise of dangers that emerged from the darkness. In this isolate and dull world, where lights separates life and death. "This story contains intense horror elements, including graphic descriptions of body gore, unsettling imagery, and psychological horror. Reader discretion is advised."

Lucifer chuckled, hiding his earlier annoyance in a heartbeat. "You've grown so much" he said. "I'm sorry I haven't come to see you sooner, it's very hard to leave a place you've been confined to for eternity, but I've made sure my demons watched over you, you've become quite the Phantom" Phantom. The ghost is here. "What did you call me?" Sal asked. "That's right I nearly forgot, you have no idea who you are, much less what you are, and so you consider yourself to be nothing more than what others tell you to be" said Lucifer. "But don't worry, I'm here to change that, I keep my promises Salome, well sometimes that is" ................ Sal was many things. A weirdo yes. A dealer absolutely. A warrior? Definitely not. But all that changes when the Council of Elders, a combination of gods, angels and demons, asks him to go on a hunt, to find and kill a necromancer whose plans might cause a rip in the fabric of reality. Sal agrees and though he is powerful he needs the help of five Shaded beings from the Other World to help him. Little does he know that this one task has the potential to birth many things. Love leads to loss, loss leads to pain and pain leads to regret. Will he be able to complete his task? Will he die before he gets his chance? What sacrifices would he have to make? And what did it truly mean to be a Phantom?