Elaine Carlson

Scared by Blood – In a world where beast tamers hold great power, Samuel, a young tamer with an extraordinary and forbidden ability, embarks on a journey that will shape the fate of the continent. Unlike ordinary tamers who control living monsters, Samuel can tame the souls of dead beasts, gaining their powers and even commanding their bodies. The Beginning: Samuel lived a peaceful life in a small village until his mother revealed the truth about his father and his hidden power on her deathbed. Determined to grow stronger, he left home, trained in secret, and eventually registered as a beast tamer in the capital Zoria. There, he met his closest friends—Elaine, Marianne, Sylvia, and his childhood best friend, Lancelot. The Attack on Zoria & Awakening of Power: While on a job in the capital, Ezekiel (Vox Sanguinis), an infamous beast tamer, led an invasion using monstrous creatures known as the Malugna. In the chaos, Lancelot was killed before Samuel's eyes, breaking something inside him. Fueled by rage, Samuel swore revenge and awakened his Soul Tamer abilities. He summoned Bahamut, the Legendary Dragon, forcing Ezekiel and his forces to retreat. Rising Fame & New Challenges: As Samuel continued his journey, his power grew: He fought and tamed a Leviathan, gaining the ability to breathe underwater. He traveled with his party and Jason, a warrior from the neighboring nation of Sylphora. His abilities spread across the continent, catching the attention of kings, nobles, and enemies alike. He formed complex relationships, including a growing rivalry and romance with Lyra, a noblewoman who served the king. A World in Conflict: Samuel’s increasing power brought both respect and fear. Some saw him as a hero, while others saw him as a threat to the balance of power. The King of Zoria summoned him and his party for high-stakes missions, including investigating a leviathan threat in the city of Lorigna and defending the kingdom from external and internal enemies. But beneath the surface, a greater danger looms—a secret war between powerful factions, hidden forces that manipulate events from the shadows, and the mystery of Samuel’s own past. As he continues his journey, Samuel must face betrayal, loss, and the burden of his abilities. He will be forced to make difficult choices, knowing that every beast he tames, every enemy he defeats, and every soul he claims will shape his destiny. Is Samuel a savior, or will he become a monster feared by all? The world will soon find out.

It all started with an innocuous-looking email. The subject line read, "Important Update: Verify Your Wallet Activity," and the sender ostensibly seemed to be my wallet provider. I clicked the link without any second thought, being in a haste to make sure everything was fine. What followed was nothing short of a nightmare. It took me to what seemed like a similar website to my wallet's login page. I didn't overthink it and quickly punched in my credentials. Then, in a few seconds, I knew that this was a scam. The site disappeared, and I sat staring at a blank screen in a panic. The $75,000 Bitcoin wallet was gone, just like that. The weight of my mistake weighed me down, and the only thing that replayed in my head was that moment, over and over, with me berating myself for being so careless. Scrolling through forums and online discussions, I came across many horror stories of similar scams, but amidst the despair, one name kept cropping up Trust Geeks Hack Expert I called them, as I had nothing to lose and my money was on the line. From the moment they received my call, I had hope. Their team was very calm and professional in articulating what needed to be done to document the incident and secure any remaining digital trails. They assured me their specialty was handling cases like mine, but even with all this conviction, I still had a small amount of comfort. Over the next few days, they worked tirelessly, keeping me updated every step of the way. They explained the technical aspects in simple terms, helping me understand how they were piecing together the puzzle. It was clear they were not only skilled but also deeply committed to their clients. Then came the call I had been praying for: they had recovered my $75,000. I felt so relieved that I could finally breathe again. But beyond just recovering my funds, they took the time to educate me about phishing scams and how to avoid them in the future. Thanks to Trust Geeks Hack Expert, I learned a very hard lesson without permanent consequences. Now, I give every email extra scrutiny, and I think twice before clicking on any link. They didn't just save my Bitcoin; they restored my peace of mind. Talk to Trust Geeks Hack Expert Web-site: https://trustgeekshackexpert.com/ E-mail : trustgeekshackexpert@fastservice.com Tele gram : (Trustgeekshackexpert)

Shay the Demon Slayer meets Elaine the Witch after fighting the 125th wave of demons in his curse in hell. Then after beating all 250 waves the are brought to the outside world.

Selena Elaine Montreal is a bank employee ready to move on from a broken heart. Tired of being alone, she takes a chance and signs up for a dating company, hoping to find someone who can help her start anew. Herman Leonardo Aragon was once her schoolmate-and secretly, her biggest admirer. Back in their university days, he was the campus crush everyone adored, but Heleon's heart had always belonged to Selene. When he found out she had a boyfriend, he left the country to escape the pain. Years later, Heleon returns as the apprentice to the president of Dallas Bank, where Selene also happens to work. Their unexpected reunion takes an even more surprising turn when they cross paths at the same dating company. The spark between them ignites quickly, leading to a secret marriage known only to their parents. But in a company that forbids office romance, they must keep their relationship hidden at all costs. As they navigate secret meetings, career ambitions, and old feelings, will their love survive the pressures of their double lives? Or will their hidden truth come at a cost they never expected?

In a world that is torn between light and shadow, Kael Deryn is the notorious Eclipse Sovereign, who has accepted his fate as the villain who evokes throughout the empires. His cold and calculating pursuit of revenge against the gods who betrayed him is a chorus of destruction and manipulation, and he plays every single note with merciless accuracy. But when a hasty act of magic—an instant of absolute boredom—saves the life of a child, Kael’s life starts to spiral around. He is mistaken for a humble savior by the rising saint, Elaine Varess, every dark deed he commits is ridiculously branded as heroism. Soon, the factions from all over the empire come together under his unintentional banner, all proclaiming him as the prophesied savior that’s destined to destroy a tyrannical god, who is quite ironically Kael’s sworn enemy. Being caught in net of devotion, betrayal, and divine plots, Kael must steer through the chaos his new reputation brings him. As the boundary between identity and deception starts to fade, Kael has to face the ultimate irony: the villain who desired to destroy the world may actually have to save it. In the midst of hushed whispers of rebellion, ancient artifacts, and truths that can break reality, this is a tale of dark humor, high risks, and the pull of destiny. How do you destroy a system that has marked you as its hero? What does it mean to fight to gain you freedom when you yourself don’t believe in it? Dive into the shadows, where nothing is as it really seems and every choice comes at the price of humanity or maybe something even darker.

The story tells about a woman named Elaine who has not had a beautiful life since childhood and tries to change everything and she meets Nick the man she hates and Elain’s vows are often interrupted by Nick who tries to ask for forgiveness as well as love but comes another man tries to get Elaine from nick will it succeed or will Elaine can forgive all nick's actions against her?...

When Elaine inadvertently crosses paths Ethan during a chance encounter, sparks fly but not the romantic kind. Ethan's disdain quickly turns into a fierce professional rivalry, setting the stage for a battle of wills. However as they navigate the turbulent waters of competition, unexpected emotions begin to surface revealing a complex dance between hatred and desire. Just as the icy walls of animosity begin to thaw, Ethan's longtime friend and fellow CEO, Mark appears on the scene. Unbeknownst to Elaine, Mark harbours his own feelings for her, creating a tangled Web of emotions. As the love triangle unfolds, choices must be made and alliances tested Will Ethan and Elaine overcome their tumultuous start and embrace the unexpected love blossoming between them? or will the entrance of Mark, complicate their budding romance, turning the delicate balance of emotions into a high-stakes game with the hearts of all involved, hanging in the balance.

Elaine was CURSED that her shield would never be opened, but the Sorcerer who cursed her did not tell her how to remove her curse. "I swear to you, that shield will never open until you find a solution." How does she want to get rid of her cursed?

Dr. Elaine Kastor, a brilliant yet reclusive theoretical physicist, never imagined her life’s work would end her life. In a catastrophic experiment that defied explanation, Elaine’s death marked the beginning of a far stranger story. Awakening in a fragmented multiverse held together by the mysterious Veilshard Nexus—an ancient, sentient system governing countless realms—Elaine finds herself bound to a new existence, both gifted and cursed. Inhabiting a foreign body with inexplicable abilities, Elaine discovers she is now reliant on the Nexus to survive. This vast, enigmatic network assigns her cryptic “Divergence Mandates”—missions that tether her to the Nexus’s fractured worlds, each brimming with political intrigue, arcane constructs, and alien logic. Her first destination, Liradelle, is a medieval realm where magic and ambition clash, yet hidden beneath its complexity lie whispers of a far-reaching conspiracy connected to the Nexus itself. But Elaine isn’t the only one entangled in the Nexus’s chaotic threads. Rivan, a reserved wanderer with an unexplainable bond to the fractures, and Ardyn, a fierce warrior caught between loyalty and survival, are also players in this cosmic game. Together, their paths converge, revealing threads of betrayal woven by the Nexus’s creators—the Custodians—who shattered their own creation in a misguided bid for control. As Elaine grapples with the rules of her rebirth, she discovers the fractures are alive, their chaotic energy holding memories, purpose, and hidden dangers. To unravel the truth of her resurrection, she must master not only the Nexus’s arcane class systems and magical sciences but also the unstable mechanics of the Multiform Divergence, an ultimate skill that bridges fractured realities and alters the laws of existence itself. However, the Nexus is no benevolent guide. Its secrets are veiled in riddles, and its stability depends on sacrifices that demand more than strength or intellect. Elaine’s memories grow increasingly unreliable, leaving her to question whether she is a pawn in the Nexus’s game—or a catalyst for its unraveling. In this sprawling journey of survival, power, and identity, every step through the fractures leads Elaine, Rivan, and Ardyn closer to a singular truth: the Nexus doesn’t simply connect worlds—it redefines the meaning of existence. But at what cost? Combining intricate worldbuilding, relentless intrigue, and high-concept fantasy, Veilshard Nexus immerses readers in a multiverse alive with questions of purpose, identity, and the fragile balance between chaos and control.

Mantan tentara pasukan khusus Peter Wang bertugas sebagai penjaga keamanan di salah satu firma top Golden City untuk melindungi majikannya yang cantik, Bella Song. Sebagai seorang pejuang yang selamat dari kehidupan yang melelahkan di militer, dia menganggap pekerjaan itu kasar dan sederhana. Sedikit yang dia tahu, dia salah perhitungan. Di jantung kota yang tampaknya damai, Peter terperangkap dalam situasi berbahaya melalui geng-geng yang kejam dan kepribadian yang licik. beberapa wanita cantik hadir di sepanjang hidupnya. Ada wanita cantik bernama Bella yang sulit ditangkap, Amelia yang terhormat, Elaine yang manis, Shelly yang muda, Lisa yang lembut, dan banyak lagi. Siapa yang bisa mengalahkan Raja Prajurit Perkasa kita? Bacalah untuk mencari tahu.

[TERMINÉ.] [Contenu mature.] Chloé Carlson, 35 ans, était une femme mariée vivant avec son mari infidèle— Vincent Gray, et leur fille— Mackenzie. Son mariage en échec l'a amenée à demander le divorce après 10 ans, mais son mari a refusé de le signer. "Je sais ce que tu veux Chloé, tu veux mon argent après notre divorce. Tu veux tout prendre de moi et je ne laisserai pas cela se produire !" Vincent accusa. "Je n'ai pas besoin de ton argent, Vincent ! Je veux juste emmener Mackenzie avec moi et partir !" Finalement, elle quitta son sale mari sans prendre un centime de lui. Elle allait se frayer un chemin dans la vie et offrir le meilleur à sa fille. Cependant, les choses ne vont pas si bien pour une mère célibataire comme Chloé. Il était difficile de trouver du travail parce qu'elle avait été femme au foyer sans qualification pendant longtemps. Ainsi, en désespoir de cause, car elle devait s'occuper de sa fille, elle n'avait qu'une seule solution. Elle a contacté son beau-frère— Vernon Phoenix Gray, 25 ans, un jeune séducteur sans cœur, qui était également le PDG d'une entreprise en plein essor, lui demandant un emploi en cette période difficile. "Un travail? Ce n'est pas un problème. Tu peux travailler comme mon assistant personnel et t'occuper de tous mes besoins quotidiens." Vernon sourit et se rapprocha. "Surtout au lit", murmura-t-il à son oreille. — Chloé tombera-t-elle entre les mains de son méchant beau-frère et deviendra-t-elle l'esclave de ses caprices ? Ou retournerait-elle chez son mari minable et abusif pour l'avenir de leur fille ?

The death of Karl Smith – owner and founder of Smith Tech had a huge impact on his entire family. His enormous wealth must be distributed fairly, especially to his two grandchildren – Jonas and Nicholai. Nicholai, who at that time was relaxing and enjoying his life, was shocked when he heard the reading of his grandfather’s will that arranged for him to marry the granddaughter of the Bell Family – a girl he did not even know. The obligations he has to do in order to maintain his throne as a young CEO stress Nicholai out. Nicholai is too depressed and chooses to go to the club. There he finished several bottles of vodka and drunk. Nicholai was shocked when he woke up naked with a strange girl beside him. Nicholai left after throwing a few bills in the girl’s face. However, as if they were destined to be together, Nicholai and Elaine – the girl he was sleeping with at that time actually met. Nicholai is surprised to find out that Elaine has babies as a result of their one-night stand. Nicholai tries to make amends and looks for them. He even gave up his position as CEO which was revoked because he could not marry the granddaughter of the Bell Family as written in his grandfather’s will. After Nicholai was so complicated trying to get Elaine and their baby, Julia – his stepmother – the woman he had hated all this time suddenly came and revealed all of Jonas’ rottenness after he was appointed as the new CEO of Smith Tech. Julia pleads with Nicholas to reclaim Smith Tech. The woman even facilitated so that Nicholai could seize Smith Tech. What Julia did made Nicholai realize that the woman he hated all this time was honest with his family, Julia was a good person. Nicholai returns, brings several police teams to arrest Jonas and reclaim Smith Tech.

New link- https://www.webnovel.com/book/nanny-to-the-cold-billionaire_29112880300718105 In the cutthroat world of tech empires where nothing is as it seems, Colin Anderson, a billionaire tech CEO, whose life seemed like the epitome of perfection, spirals into chaos when his wife reunites with her ex-lover and elopes while pregnant, thus triggering a cascade of disastrous events orchestrated by his cunning rival in the tech industry, Enzo Romano. Amidst the chaos, Colin finds unexpected comfort in Rosie Smith, the new feisty nanny with a past as troubled as his own; a development which both surprised and terrified him, as he had vowed to never fall in love again after his wife's betrayal. As Colin lived in denial of his developing feelings for Rosie, he discovers, a little too late, that she had slipped through his fingers as she became romantically involved with Enzo, blinded by his charms, and oblivious to his schemes, leaving Colin to grapple with regret and longing. Things take a turn for the worse as Elaine's past choices come haunting her and she becomes entangled with Enzo Romano, becoming a pawn in his ruthless game to destroy Colin's life. With love tested, loyalties questioned, and dark secrets revealed, Colin and Rosie must navigate a dangerous path to find love amidst the ruins of their shattered lives. Will the cold billionaire and his nanny defy the odds to forge a future together, or will their destinies be torn apart by the echoes of vengeance and rivalry? Find out in this captivating story of love, deception, revenge, and redemption.

Conner has spent his intire life hiding. hiding the abuse off his adoptive parent's hiding that he's gay. but most Importantly hiding the fact that he is not fully human. until one day he decides to escape. alpha prince Carlson was walking along the border of his territory when the sent hit him but can the skittish young man he see really be his true mate?

Elaine was groomed and perfected in the Leon Del Rio Academy to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. She's not ready to submit to anyone just because they own her. However, Caesar isn't a man to be played with. He's a killer and he's cold and ruthless and won't fall to his knees for anyone. Can Elaine dominate him? Or will she end up ensnaring Caesar's brother Issandro?

Life is a game only fate knows how to play and Elaine knows that all too well as she has experienced it first hand. In this universe, one gets three lives. Making a mistake in one life can be corrected in another life. It is also easy to change the course of fate, if you don't like the outcome of the previous one. But not everyone gets lucky, as their fate remains the same no matter what they tries. In this situation, the unlucky one has to be Elaine. Having one last life to live, she gives up on her quest and decides to reside to fate. Although she has yet to live through the ending of one life, she hopes things will end differently.

[COMPLETED.] [Mature content.] Chloe Carlson, 35, was a married woman living with her cheating husband— Vincent Gray, and their daughter— Mackenzie. Her failing marriage led her to file a divorce after 10 years, but her husband refused to sign it. “I know what you want Chloe, you want my money after we divorced. You want to take everything from me and I will not let that happen!” Vincent accused. “I don't need your Money, Vincent! I just want to take Mackenzie with me and leave!” At last, she left her bastard husband without taking a cent from him. She was going to carve her own path in life and give her daughter the best in the world. However, things aren’t working so well with a single mother like Chloe. It was difficult to find job because she was a housewife without qualification for a long time. Thus, in desperation as she needed to care for her daughter, she only had one way out. She contacted her brother-in-law— Vernon Phoenix Gray, 25, a young, heartless playboy, who happened to be the CEO of a skyrocketing company, asking him for a job in this tough time. “A job? That's not an issue. You can work as my personal assistant and take care of all my daily needs.” Vernon smirked and leaned in. “Especially in bed,” he whispered in her ear. — Would Chloe fall into the hands of her evil brother-in-law and become a slave of his whim? Or would she return to her abusive scum husband for their daughter’s future? — Note: There is an age gap in this story, Chloe is 35 years old. Vincent is 35 years old. Vernon is 25 years old. -- Official commissioned cover. — Contact me: Instagram: @ForeverPupa Discord: https://discord.gg/m2XPfdmwde --

James Lee is a quiet person. Ever since his mom and dad died in a car accident, He always blamed himself inside his heart and in order to forget about everything he shuts off his heart and never opened it again. Since then, he never talked frequently unlike his old self when his parents were still alive. One day, he was sitting inside his classroom when a transfer student came together with his teacher. [ Okay class we have a new student. Hurry now, introduce yourself ] And the girl introduced herself, [ Pleasure to meet ya, the name's Elaine ] But at the moment James Lee doesn't know, what the impact of the girl's influence towards his personal life!

“Screw them! Everything needs to be screwed!” It was the last Sunday that she'd spend at the restaurant where her hopes of starting her culinary career rested on. Elaine slumped at the table in a mess, surrounded by empty beer bottles and once filled plates. The aftermath of her closing down party was nothing short of uneventful — until the clock approached the crack of midnight. A frightening curiosity that touches fantasy, she heard a bellowing knock coming from outside of the door. Who could it be roaring at this hour on a miserable end of a diner? Panic-stricken, Elaine drew her weapon — a pan — and gradually dragged herself closer to the door. Upon opening, what surprises is not a man to steal the meager coffers she had, but a big black creature. “Woof!” “...” “Woof?” The frightened Elaine: “Please, someone. Wake me up from this fever dream!”

Lost hope in love. Elaine moved into a new state in search of a new start. To pursue her dream job. To find love? Torn between two unrequited love interests. At the end chooses the one after her heart. As they spend more time together, Elaine realizes her feelings run deeper than just friendship. They embark on a sweet, romantic journey and build a beautiful life together, facing the ups and downs of life with unwavering support for each other. Through it all, their love only grows stronger. Until life but them into an ultimate test?

Warning: strictly 18+ Matured content A princess.......forced to marry a man known to be to be a monster for the sake of her father on an undercover mission unknown. He is dangerous, devilish....he is a monster She is a dangerous warrior who will never allow anyone to bully the people she cares about, not even her husband. What happens when the man she thought would be cruel and cold towards her is actually nice and sweet, she starts unknowingly developing feelings towards him Will she still fulfill her promise to her father? Or will she rebel? Find out on this story about Elaine and Alexander

Two book series. Book one <Long Story Short>, Book two <Nothing Last Forever> ------------------------------------------------------Book One ‘Long Story Short’ is the prequel to ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’. These are the only books in this mini book series. (if you would even call it that) Genevieve James is a seventeen year old girl pretending to be a twenty year old guard for the Royal Family of Aurora. She has been fed up with the traditional mindset of Aurora for awhile now. With this new mindset she decided to tryout to be a bodyguard for the Royal Family, undercover of course. She ended up being so good at the tryouts that she was promoted to be Princess Elaine's personal bodyguard in less than a month, thus beginning her rigorous training and secret keeping abilities. Princess Elaine Beckham is Aurora's upcoming Queen with her coronation being in a mere two weeks. With her mother constantly on her tail about ruthlessly rejecting Princes left and right she decides to take things into her own hands, approving of an arranged marriage between her daughter and a well known Prince. Prince Bane is what you would call 'a wolf in sheep's clothing'. He craves power, yet due to his family's tree he will never be allowed to take the throne. This persuade Bane into agreeing on Queen Beckham's arranged marriage. When Elaine finds out that the two of them plotted this behind her back she is very happy to say the least. Does Elaine go along with the arranged marriage out of fear of disappointing those around her or does she throw the traditional rules out the window and marry her childhood crush?-----------------------------------Book Two<Nothing Last Forever>Delaney Carson is currently one of the most famous singers globally to date. She first rose to prominence when she was only ten years old singing covers on YouTube. At the peak of her YouTube rise she was discovered by a talent scout who recommended that she sign with them and branch out to other ventures, acting being one of them. Hunter 'McKenna' King is currently one of the most famous actresses in America to date. She first began acting when she was only seven years old as a solution to helping her Mother meet bill deadlines. Albeit Hunter acting at seven years old, she did not officially hit her rise until she was ten years old. Delaney and Hunter had no clue of each other's existence until the both of them ran into each other on the set of a powdered milk commercial. The two of them were immediate friends, I would go as far as to say they were the closest on set. All of this friendship came crumbling down the second Delaney accidentally spit her strawberry milk out on Hunter during their last taping. In response to this Hunter poured her chocolate milk over Delaney's head, solidifying her hatred for the girl.

When Ellen, a hardworking university student had died due to an accident, she was reincarnated to an romance novel! She is now Elaine Castelle the villainess of the story. If she wanted to live, she must prevent the heroine from getting the Prince. Can she do it? Snippet : It was a normal day. A day like any other I suppose. Except I was dying, lying on the ground, bleeding out from the head. As I laid there on the ground bleeding out, I had a thought. People said that your life flashes before your eyes when you're about to die. So I thought of all the things that had happened in mine. Left on the orphanage door at about 6 months old. Grew up in a poor orphanage where we had to fight for scraps. Then I studied hard enough to get a scholarship in a local university that gave me a stipend for cheap housing. Just as my life was improving, I had to get mugged and left alone to die with no one who cared about me by my side. Today is my last day as Ellen Rose.

This is a story of a little witch named Elaine as she grows takes up both good and evil magic and goes to a witch school. As she turns 18 her life beings to change when she meets a handsome warlock. Elaine's not so little anymore. MATURE PARTS INCLUDED!!!!!! 17+

Time stone tells the story of 4 Teenager, Raymond, Jamie, Jenny, Ethan and the girl they Rescued from the man who would do almost anything to get the time stone in his hands. Elaine’s father worked as an Archeologist. But then in one day he discovered an Ancient neckless, which in the past was possessed by the Chief Lector. The stone had the power of time. The discovery of this ancient stone was a great breakthrough, but in the wrong hands it could do great harm. The Government wanted the stone and so did others, But Dr. Weston wasn’t going to hand it them. He had to run away with his family, to protect himself, his family and the stone. No matter where he went, they still managed to track him down up until he settled in the Bronx, New York. Ethan had always faced bullies, but it became more worst when he got into trouble with one of the most notorious gangs in Bronx, the Dragon brothers. He had to pay for his freedom, a payment he could not afford and because of this he and his friends decided to Steal a couple of jewelry from the Weston’s family house. It was going all smoothly until, The wicked man struck, killing the Weston’s after getting the information that the stone was in the house. Ray managed to save Mr. and Mrs. Weston’s only daughter, Elaine from almost being killed. they managed to escape with all the Jewelries they took. Amongst the Jewelries was the time stone. And now they are being hunted for something they know nothing about. The 5 teenagers are now on the run. The Time stone in Ray’s possession. Unknowingly one night, Ray triggers the stone, and in a bid to stop it from glowing bright, they are all sucked into a worm hole and taken into the past. What will happen if they find out how powerful the stone is?

After seeing her fiance cheating on her with her bestie, Elaine had solidified her resolve. No longer she will be the "Elaine the naive " but better " the ruthless king". What is better to defeat the reigning ruler is to impose a greater competitor to their throne. And that is why sweetheart I'm new.

'It’s not over, I can do this!’ Alex Jackson is an ordinary man enjoying life when the world is thrust into the chaos of the apocalypse where every encounter is a struggle to survive. As the light flickers from his eyes, he realizes that hope is lost—when a mysterious voice presents a choice. Allowed to continuously resurrect to a save point in the past, he must do only one thing in exchange. Save Elaine! ------- I do not own the cover art. Will take it down upon request.