Throat

“You’ve been researching for years with nothing to show for it. Why not try something else?” Samia’s tone was sharp, but there was a thread of concern beneath it as she leaned against the doorframe. The room smelled faintly of sterilizing agents, and the rhythmic clicking of keys filled the silence. Dr. Elias didn’t respond immediately. Dressed in his lab coat, he stared at the screen with unwavering focus, his fingers flying over the keyboard. When he finally turned to her, a slow, almost unsettling smile spread across his face. For a moment, he looked like any other scientist lost in his work—until he blinked. The motion was unnatural, his eyelids sliding horizontally across his eyes like a lizard’s. “Samia,” he said, his voice calm but electric with excitement, “I’ve figured it out. This time, it will work.” She opened her mouth to respond, but he was already on his feet, moving past her with an urgency that demanded she follow. They made their way through the sterile corridors of the facility, the fluorescent lights overhead casting a cold glow on the walls. The reinforced chamber was a stark contrast to the rest of the building. Thick steel doors hissed as they opened, and the hum of machinery grew louder as they stepped inside. In the center of the room stood a massive contraption—a web of wires, tubes, and blinking monitors surrounding a sleek, cylindrical core. “What is it this time?” Samia asked, her arms crossed tightly against her chest. Dr. Elias didn’t answer. Instead, he moved with practiced precision, attaching cables and adjusting dials. The air felt heavier here, charged with the anticipation of something monumental—or catastrophic. “Get your goggles,” he said at last, stepping behind the protective glass. He tapped the side of his goggles, the lenses catching the faint blue glow of the machine. Samia hesitated. She had seen him fail before. Years of promises and miscalculations had made her wary, but there was something different in his demeanor this time—something unsettlingly confident. Reluctantly, she turned and jogged back to the lab to retrieve her goggles. The first explosion hit when she was halfway down the hall. The floor bucked beneath her, and she stumbled, her heart leaping into her throat. A deep, resonating boom echoed through the building, followed by a blaring alarm. “Dr. Elias!” she shouted, spinning around. Smoke and dust billowed toward her, and the acrid scent of burning wires filled the air. Part of the ceiling had collapsed, cutting off her path back to the reinforced chamber. And then she saw it. Through the swirling haze, a glowing orb hovered in the wreckage, pulsating with a light that seemed alive. It started small, no bigger than her fist, but it was growing—expanding with an eerie, deliberate rhythm. The hum it emitted was low and bone-deep, vibrating through the air and into her chest. “No, no, no,” she muttered, backing away. Every instinct screamed at her to run. She turned and bolted for the exit, her shoes skidding on the slick floor as she raced against the inevitable. She had barely reached the stairwell when a second explosion ripped through the building. The force of it threw her forward, and she hit the ground hard. Her vision blurred as heat and light engulfed her. Somewhere in the distance, she heard the structure groan as it gave way entirely. Then, everything went black.

Nate’s POV: The Beast Awakens The burning started in my chest—subtle at first, like a dull ache, but it quickly spread like wildfire. My vision blurred, and every nerve in my body screamed. Not now. Not here. I stumbled back, gripping my arms as the pain intensified. It felt like something inside me was tearing free, clawing its way to the surface. My breath came in ragged gasps, and the world around me dimmed. "Nate, stay with me!" Leona’s voice barely registered through the storm raging in my head. The heat surged, and with it, a primal force I couldn’t contain. My skin prickled, muscles twisting and bones cracking as fur erupted along my arms. My hands... no, claws now, dug into the dirt. My nails were black, curved, and razor-sharp. A deep, guttural growl escaped my throat, one I didn’t recognize as my own. "Nate!" Leona yelled again, stepping closer. Brave, or stupid. Maybe both. I lifted my head, locking eyes with her. Her fear hit me like a wave—but behind it, there was something else. Trust. “Stay back,” I growled, my voice layered with something... inhuman. My lips curled back, revealing sharp teeth. The beast wanted out. It wanted blood. But I wasn’t ready to give it everything. Not yet. With a shuddering breath, I forced myself to stand, claws flexing, muscles coiled like steel. I could feel the strength surging through me—powerful, untamed, and deadly. "You wanted a monster," I snarled, glaring at the enemy ahead. "You’ve got one." ---

As acid rain corrodes the skyscrapers of New York City, Luna, a convenience store clerk in Kansas, finds herself a post-apocalyptic “savior” with the last 5,000 cans of beans in the state stacked in her underground warehouse. The sociopathic, blood-sick, cockroach-shy 24-year-old is forced to establish the rules of her new world with tin cans and expired candy: Want food? Trade secrets. But when marauders point guns at her glass door, a swarm of mutant voles gnaws at the shelves, and survivors begin to question “why the Savior is a dumbass who's never even been in love,” Luna finally raises the crowbar to her betrayer's throat: “Now, get down on your knees and call me God. ”

[Main Plot Completed] A love doomed from the start, a lost cause, a losing battle—and yet, neither hearts are willing to let go until the very end. ----- Arlan Cromwell, the epitome of the perfect Crown Prince. All he wants is to live a normal life of a human but the life of a dragon is anything but normal. He has but one goal—to find his runaway betrothed and behead her. What happens when he discovers that the woman who has snagged his heart is the one he vowed to kill? Oriana, a Black Witch, disguising herself as a man, has spent her entire life on the run without knowing what she is running away from. When the mysteries of her past slowly catch up to her, she has no one to turn to…except Arlan. But when she learns that the man she has given her heart to is the same man who wants to kill her, how can she accept the cruel card life dealt her? Two people with secrets to keep, identities to hide, and answers to find. When the certain darkness threatens to take Oriana away, will the Dragon be able to protect his mate? ----- Excerpt- “If I knew you were my betrothed, I would have killed you the very first moment we met." Arlan's gaze darkened with hatred. “If I knew I was betrothed to you, I would have killed myself before you even killed me!” Oriana mirrored the same emotions as him. He pulled out a dagger and offered it to her. “It’s not too late. Just slit your throat with this and you'll bleed out painlessly.” She accepted the knife, her fingers clutching its handle tightly. The next moment, he was pressed against the wall and the knife was on the right side of his neck. “How about I try it on you first, my betrothed?” “Feel free to try. But when you fail, this knife will first taste your grandpa's blood, then yours.” Anger rose in her eyes, and the next moment, blood was flowing through the right side of his neck. She cut deep enough to severe an important blood vessel. “You should not have challenged me,” she sneered and stepped back, waiting for him to collapse. He simply smirked and brushed his finger along the deep wound on his neck. “Seems like you failed.” She watched the wound on his neck heal on its own and felt shocked to her bones. “You.. what are you?” “Guess?” ----- Instagram- mynovel.20 Facebook- Author mynoveltwenty

HEED MY ADVICE, TO ALL WHO WILL LISTEN, THE FURY OF A WOMAN WHO LIVES ON REVENGE, EVEN IN THE FACE OF DEATH, IS A RECKONING THAT SPARES NO ONE. The Dukedom Heiress Luella Van-Rensselaer thought that by doing everything her family needed, she would have the beautiful and loving family she had always wanted. However, she ends up getting betrayed by her own twin sister and her fiancé. Having gotten fed up with her family and how badly they had put her through, Luella wishes for death, which her sister gives to her as she ends up dying in the hands of her sister and fiancé. Finally, finding the peace she had always wanted, she wakes up to when she was eighteen (18) years old as the funeral service of her father. And now filled with nothing but rage and memories of her past, she now aims to destroy the entire dukedom with its name. The Van-Rensselaer dukedom will end WITH her and BY her. ~+~ A MAN WHO LOVES HIS WOMAN WITH NO POWER OR WEALTH IS NOTHING BUT A DREAMER; BUT A MAN WHO LOVES HIS WOMAN WITH POWER AND WEALTH IS A PROTECTOR, WORTHY TO BE BY HER SIDE. And that was what Grand Duke Ozed Rhinelander was. A man who went to war for his woman, accumulated wealth for his woman, lives for his woman. And he would kill for his woman. When Luella decides to take revenge on her family, she goes to one person she fully trusts. ~+~ ~Fragment~ "Do you want this?" His voice was low, almost a growl, but there was a hint of something else beneath — something that made her heart skip a beat. She swallowed hard, her throat dry. The question hung in the air between them, heavy and tangible. "I… I don't know," She finally answered, her voice barely above a whisper. His lips curled into a smirk, a slow, dangerous smile that sent shivers down her spine. "Liar" he murmured, his voice a deep rumble that vibrated through her. "You want this. You want me." She opened her mouth to protest, to deny it, but he didn't give her a chance. His hand shot out, gripping her chin roughly, forcing her to look up at him. "Do you want me to prove it?" He asked, his voice dripping with challenge. ~+~ Tags: #Revenge #Strongfemalelead, #norape, #reincarnation, #Fakeidentity, #EdwardianEra, #VampireRomance #Smut #Supernaturalpowers #magic #darkfantasy #long-distance pining (The main characters are aware of each other's feelings but can't be physically be together yet. IN THE BEGINNING CHAPTERS). ~+~ Cover is mine. DO NOT USE ____ @AR

Clara's breath caught in her throat as Ethan loomed over her, his presence dominating the small space. She could smell his cologne, a heady blend of spice and masculinity that made her head spin. "Ethan," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "We shouldn't..."

A festive day, a week have the kingdom of Polestin celebrated for their victory with the crimson general leading their army. The soldiers who served have been guaranteed a spot inside a local bar of the capital city. Clank! "The Crimson General despite being a woman is a talented warrior! Three cheers for the general!" "That woman saved me when I needed it! All hail the general!" "She's like a sister to all the soldier! All hail our general!" Every warrior kept on drinking as the news reached them that the war with their neighboring kingdom was over, the ruler raised their white flag as they asked for mercy- being beneath the crimson general. "General! Come drink with us!" "..." The Crimson General, for how she got her name is because of her crimson hair that became the trademark of her legendary name already spreading across the many kingdoms. "I don't drink." she denies the invitation her comrades and just sat down on the table watching the others enjoy themselves. "Enjoy, general! You might even find a man here that suits to your liking! You know... your type I think...! The general would love a soft-spoken man!" "...No." "Hah! That's a shame! In any case I heard that you'll be receiving a reward for helping win the war!" "A reward... I wonder what could it be." ... The reward: "You can choose any of my children to marry you. I have the finest royal princes for you to choose. That is my reward." The King motions to his left side showing his sons who smiles, sitting in their throne meeting her gaze.. "Eh?" "My liege, forgive me but this is..." "Are my children not good enough for you? General, I applaud your accomplishment. Isn't marrying into the royal family a good enough reward for the general?" The King asked the general who swallowed the lump in her throat looking at the princes in display. "I choose-!" Everyone stopped and waiting for the girl to continue. "I choose the princess instead!"

[Warning: Mature content, R-18, Sexually explicit content.] LISTEN UP, YOU THIRSTY DEGENERATES! YOU THINK YOU CAN HANDLE THIS SH*T? Forget all that watered-down, fairy-tale bullsht you’ve been spoon-fed. You still here? Well, guess what—you’re about to step into a world where the only rule is to fck sht up and survive. You got demons crawling out of hell and humans so degenerates, they’d trade their own mother for a shot at power. This ain’t no noble quest, it’s a f*cking bloodbath—and you better be ready to get drenched in it. Here’s what you’re about to dive into: • Demons so fine seductive they’ll make you forget what’s right or wrong—who cares when evil looks this damn sexy? • Humans? Hah! They’re more fcked up than the demons! You think they’re the good guys? Guess again, dipsh*t. They’re here to carve out their own slice of hell, and they don’t care whose throat they gotta slit to do it. • Battles so savage, you’ll be choking on blood—if you’re lucky. If you ain’t? You’ll be crawling through the mud, beggin’ for someone to finish you off. Spoiler: They won’t. • Lust? This ain’t romance, you dumb fck. This is raw, filthy, boner-breaking need. Warriors in the heat of battle, ready to fck or kill, sometimes both. And trust me, they don’t care if you watch. "Holy sh*t, I don’t know who’s worse—the demons or the humans!" — Some pervert who thought he was ready for this trash fire. THINK THAT’S IT? HELL NO, YOU DIRTY BASTARD! • Twists so fcking brutal they’ll rip your soul out and use it for target practice. • Choices so fcked up you’ll wish you never had to make ‘em—but guess what? Nobody cares what you wish for, bitch. • A world so black, so hopeless, even the demons are lookin’ for an exit—and there ain’t one, motherf*cker. FINAL WARNING: This ain’t a story for the weak, the clean, or the sane. We got gut-wrenching violence, straight-up vulgar dirty f*cking, and choices that’ll make you puke. If you ain’t down to get your soul violated, turn around and get the f*ck out. This is the point of no return. #DemonsWantBloodAndAss #WuxiaWithZeroF*cks #MoralityIsForTheDead #ThisIsYourNewHell Disclaimer: This story will ruin you. Side effects include sleepless nights, uncontrolled boners, and the overwhelming urge to f*ck, fight, and die all at once. Proceed if you got the balls for it—or not. Cover Art AI Generated.

"Young people often fall for the wrong people, and I guess my wrong person was you." Morana, a young lady, who was treated cruely by her family, unwanted by the society, was assassinated by her husband and her supposed step-sister. "Even if I had to crawl out of the depths of hell, I would return. I would make them pay for every lie, every betrayal, every moment of agony they had inflicted on me. And when I did, they would know the full weight of my wrath." Those were her last words before she succumbed to darkeness. But she never expected to be given a second chance at life. "Three hundred and sixty-five days. That is the time you have to carry out your revenge. If you succeed, your soul will be free to move on. But if you fail..." My throat tightened. "If I fail?" The being’s glow darkened, and its voice echoed with finality. "You will cease to exist. Your soul will turn to dust and vanish, leaving no trace of you in any realm." What happens after she exhaust one year, even if she succeed in seeking revenge?

[Entertainment Industry + Strong Female Lead + Refreshing Story + Hidden Identity] The Young Sect Master of the Tang Sect, Tang Shu, who was skilled in Poison Techniques and Hidden Weapons, had transmigrated and became an 18th-tier newbie, debuting as a supporting actress. After a variety show aired: Haters: "I actually think Tang Shu is kind of cute. Is there something wrong with me?" When the National Mechanical Engineering Research Institute announced: Miss Tang is our key-appointed research consultant. Haters: "What????" When an authoritative Chinese medicine expert revealed during an interview: The development of a new type of medicine owes much to Tang Shu. Haters: "Isn't this just too coincidental?" When the Porcelain Restoration Department openly stated: No one surpasses Tang Shu in the fields of porcelain restoration and calligraphy and painting. Haters: "Is this white lotus getting a bit too intoxicating?" When a Weibo big V with millions of fans accidentally revealed her face during a live broadcast... The haters all declared that their minds were blown! *** Jing Yu, the favored son of heaven, had always had an iron grip and a successful career until— he met Tang Shu. Inside the cinema, after watching four or five movies in a row, he realized the person sitting next to him hadn't changed, enjoying the popcorn with great relish. Jing Yu's throat moved slightly; this woman was flirting with him. Facing each other in a coffee shop, she casually pulled out a double-sided straw and placed it in her cup. Jing Yu's eyes tinted red; this woman was definitely flirting with him!

What is martial arts? Martial Arts has nothing to do with musical instruments, chess, calligraphy, painting, treasures or secret manuals, nor is there so much talk about being the best in the world. Martial Arts is a technique, a method that gives the weak a chance to draw their blades against the strong. What is chivalry (xiá)? Chivalry is not about romantic affairs, traditional culture, or being gentle, respectful, frugal, and compliant. Chivalry is violence, it's the bayonet forged by those driven to Mount Liang to use against tyrants. Cao Mo pledged with a dagger, (Returning to) Lu to invade. Zhuan Zhu entered with grilled meat, (Pacifying) Wu to usurp the throne. Brother Zhang cried in the market, avenging his lord by defiling a lavatory. Suicide by cutting one's own throat to seek justice, acting while concealing his sleeve. The tyrant of Qin seized souls, the coward gained courage. This is a martial artist's story. In the 1930s, a group of like-minded young people came together, striving to change the world. Then, two hundred years later, in a garbage landfill, Xiang Shan, the Progenitor of Cyber Martial Arts who had once rebooted heaven and earth, woke up reciting the name of his enemy, having lost all his memories. "Perhaps it's because I lost back then that the world has become what it is..." "So this time, I won't be defeated again!" This is the story of a person changing the world once more!

Ronaldo: Kai, I thought you were here to assist me. Deng Kai: Initially, I indeed came to assist you. Ronaldo: Then why have I become the king of assists? Deng Kai: Because I've realized that I can Carry better than you! Don't be mad, being the king of assists isn't so bad. Everyone is now saying that you and Xixi are in a league of your own beneath me! Ronaldo: Pah! Messi: Smug face! Kaka: ??? Beckham: Watch my flying boot! Fat Ronaldo: I'll get your family some Golden Throat Lozenges! Ronaldinho: Let’s swing together! Zidane: Take this, my Iron Head Skill! Neymar: So what about us younger ones? Deng Kai: We're all kings of the ball, no need to be formal! Keep the music playing on the green field, keep dancing!

Mount Hua Simulation: Regressor's Path Rudra was never meant to wield a sword. A nameless servant in the legendary Mount Hua Sect, his days were spent scrubbing floors and obeying orders-until the night of the massacre. On that fateful night, the Demonic Sect descended upon Mount Hua, slaughtering every master, disciple, and servant in sight. Amidst the carnage, Rudra stood powerless, his body broken, his vision darkening. Then, as the Heavenly Demon reached for his throat, tearing his head from his body- A screen appeared before his fading eyes. [You have died.] [Simulation Activated.] [Regressing to designated point...] When he opened his eyes again, he had returned fifteen years into the past, bound to a Simulation System that grants him limited retries. Each time he dies, he learns, grows stronger, and gains new paths forward. Yet, there is one problem-his retries are not infinite. The massacre will come again. The Heavenly Demon will return. And if Rudra cannot change his fate before his final life runs out, he will die for good. To survive, he must steal knowledge, manipulate those around him, and fight in the shadows-all while hiding his true abilities. Because in Mount Hua, a servant is nothing. But Rudra is done being nothing. This time, he will carve his own legend-one death at a time.

Two centuries after the Great War, peace between humans and werewolves was finally achieved, or so everyone believes. Werewolves reign like gods, and humans remain blissfully unaware of their true place in the new world order. To maintain this fragile balance, each year, a handful of "lucky" humans are selected from various districts to attend Lunaris Academy, a prestigious institution that promises glory, status, and a chance to mingle with the elite. Those chosen are hailed as the lucky few, destined to marry powerful alphas and rise as luna. This year, Violet Purple is among the chosen, much to everyone's surprise. For an orphaned girl adopted by a disgraced prostitute, this is a golden ticket to a better life or so she's told. But Lunaris Academy isn’t the paradise it’s painted to be. Everything Violet and her fellow humans have been taught is a lie. Humans are far from equal; they're pawns in a much larger game. The academy is nothing but a gilded cage, and the students are lambs led to slaughter, playthings for the alphas to toy with in their ruthless games. To make matters worse, Violet catches the attention of the most dangerous players in this game, the Terror Four: the Alpha of the North, Alpha of the South, Alpha of the East, and Alpha of the West. Each one is more dangerous, more twisted, and more powerful than the last. But even among themselves, the alphas are divided, each with their own deadly ambitions. Yet, they all have their eyes on her. They expect Violet to play along, to fall in line like the others who worship at their feet, to break under their games. But Violet isn’t like the others. She refuses to bow. She’ll defy them all. *********** With a grin that made her uneasy, he handed the application to her. “Approve this one.” Principal Jameson’s curiosity got the better of her as she took the paper from him, her eyes scanning the text. Almost immediately, her breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening in disbelief. “What the...?” “It’s perfect, isn’t it?” Asher’s voice was almost gleeful. Fucking psychopath! Jameson could hardly believe what she was reading. “Mr. Nightshade, with all due respect, this applicant….this girl just admitted to—” She couldn’t even finish the sentence, still horrified at the explicit nature of the application. Taking a deep breath, she continued, “I’m sorry, but I cannot approve this.” “She’s issued me a challenge,” Archer said, a dark gleam in his eyes. “What?” “‘Wait till you see me in bed,’” he repeated the bold line from the application, his grin widening. “And I can’t wait to find out.” “Mr. Nightshade—” He stood up, cutting off her protest as he fixed her with an intense stare. “Approve the application. I won’t ask again.” Without waiting for her response, Asher strode out of the office, confident she would follow his orders. He always got what he wanted. Archer Nightshade walked down the hall, a spring in his step. For the first time in a long while, he felt alive, his blood pulsing with excitement. The other Cardinal Alphas had no idea what he was up to, but it would soon hit them. He’d just set the game in motion. And the target was Violet Purple. It was game on. Note : This is not your average werewolf story. Eveything you think you know about werewolves would be challenged in this book. And yes, it is reverse harem. Do give the book a try.

Raymond Shelby was brutally killed by his girlfriend. It turned out that she was the daughter of a crime boss, and Ray's testimony had been the final nail to the coffin that put the crime boss on death row. Ray would've been a vengeful spirit, having died like that, if not for the fact that in his last moment, using his last bit of life force, he picked up the gun he felt on the floor and fired. He didn't know where he was firing at because both his eyes had been plucked out but he heard his girlfriend's goons scrambling in panic. From what he was able to gather in that moment, he had shot her straight to the throat. Armed with this knowledge, Ray died with a smile on his face. In an instance, he found himself in an unfamiliar place, standing in front of an unfamiliar face that sent him to an unfamiliar world, but instead of being excited, he was a little pensive because of what the person who claimed to be a goddess had said...

[Warning: r18+/strong mature content] Amidst the clash of desire and betrayal, who will dare to sacrifice everything for the sake of love? With the ability to foresee the future, Tarah could propel kings to unprecedented heights of success or plunge them into the depths of irreversible failure. But when her kingdom fell, Tarah was forced to offer herself into servitude to her captor in exchange for her brother’s life, becoming a spy in a dangerous game against Ezekiel, the future Dragon King of Ebodia. Haunted by a prophecy of his doom by a woman’s hand, Prince Ezekiel has meticulously avoided female company throughout his life. However, everything changed when he met Tarah, the new fated Seer of Ebodia. Initially only caring about ruling the world, Ezekiel now finds himself strongly enamored by Tarah, at the risk of losing sight of his own goals. Caught between safeguarding her brother's life and the growing affection for the domineering ruler, Tarah faces a dilemma. Will she navigate this dangerous path, risking everything for her heart's desires? ********* Excerpt: "You can't escape me. There's nowhere in this world where you can hide from my reach," Ezekiel whispered, his breath warm against her neck. Her throat tightened as his lips grazed her skin. With a firm yet gentle grip on her chin, he tilted her head, urging her to meet his intense gaze, causing her heart to pound in her chest. "I'm here to make you remember every detail of the agony you've caused me," he declared. "Agony?!" she protested. "Yes, your cruel betrayal. Leaving me, breaking your promise..." ***** MAIN STORY STATUS - COMPLETED

"You ran," His voice was low, deliberate, disturbingly calm. A statement, not a question. "You look at me as if I am the villain of your story," he mused. Her chest rose and fell, her legs ready to flee again, but her body betrayed her. Something unseen held her still—not magic, not fear. Something far worse. Him! Meribella forced herself to meet his gaze. "Aren’t you?" His lips curved, but there was no amusement in it—only certainty. "Did you truly think," he murmured, stepping closer, "that distance would make any difference?" His fingers lifted—a single, featherlight touch trailed from her wrist to her arm. She shivered. Her breath hitched as his hand brushed her throat. Not a grip. Not yet. But the touch alone sent ice through her veins. His fingers ghosted lower, resting lightly over her collarbone. His hand was warm. His presence was not. "Tell me, does that terrify you?" She should have lied. Should have begged, pleaded—anything but the truth. "No." The word left her lips before she could stop it. His thumb brushed against her pulse, feeling the rapid, traitorous beat beneath her skin. "Liar," he whispered in her ear, his warm breath sending a shiver of electricity coursing through her, making her ears flush with heat. The shadows behind him stretched, moving as though they had a will of their own. His golden-flecked eyes darkened, and the ember-like glow within them grew stronger. "You wear defiance well," His other hand lifted, his fingers barely ghosting over the curve of her jaw. Meribella swallowed, but the lump in her throat refused to budge. "But tell me, Meribella...what will remain of it once I take everything?" Her lips trembled. "You won’t." A low chuckle rumbled deep in his chest, "I already have." She hated him. She did. But her body, the very blood in her veins told a different story. Raze pulled back just enough to look at her thoroughly. His gaze trailed over her lips, the defiance and hesitation warring in her eyes. "Are you afraid of what I might do to you?" he murmured, watching her every reaction, every breath. Her lips parted, but no words came. Because the real question—the one she was too afraid to ask herself— Was she afraid of him? Or was she afraid...of what she would become in his hands? It’s a world of mystic powers shrouded in mystery, where reincarnation binds fates, and ambition drives dominance. Predators become prey. Who is a friend, and who is an enemy? Trust is a dangerous game. They were destined to fall in love. They were meant to deceive each other. They were fated to erase each other’s existence!

|| To all the readers who are grieving over Caelestis Lanister’s death. I deeply apologize but this character always deserved death in my eyes of justice. Although he was a good leader, a good friend, probably a good son, yet he was never a good friend or boyfriend to Stella. Even after going through all his sins, if you still sympathize with him. I have an offer for you. Would you like to change the destiny of Caelestis Lanister? Yes/No|| A translucent blue window appeared in front of Eleanore, who had just opened her eyes in a strange white place, after meeting her end in a Traffic accident. Eleanore finds herself in a new world, with a mission to change the destiny of her favorite character from a book she had recently read, "Revenge is her only desire." Tired from her daily struggles, she was ready to venture into a new life of the rich, but to her dismay. She finds herself in the body of the villainess that dies in the first chapter of the novel, who shares the same name as hers, Eleanore Sinclair. Moreover, the day she enters into her body is the day she gets killed by Caelestis for harming his lover, Stella. Eleanore binded by the system that guided her through in her mission of changing Caelestis’ fate, realizes that the system favoured Stella over her. She struggles to keep herself alive, while working on Caelestis and Stella's relationship. As she tries to save Stella from the obsessive grasps of Caelestis, she finds herself getting entangled with the notorious villain. As tension and hatred between them rises, a love blooms between them which gives nothing but pain in return. The male lead being her own brother, will she be able to save Caelestis which is no longer her mission but her love? _______ “Lies!” he spat again, his voice rising. “I will kill you, Eleanore. If you ever try to do that to her again, I will kill you.” His words cut through her, burning with hatred and fear. Anger surged within her as she fought against him. She had never intended to hurt Stella, not once. The blame lay with the original owner of the body, not her. Why must she listen to these accusations? “I have no such intentions!” she shouted at his face, gasping to find breath. “Let me go!” Her foot lashed out, kicking him in the thigh, but he quickly pinned it down as well. Exhausted from her useless struggles, Eleanore realized she had to gather her strength and then perhaps bite off some skin from his handsome face. “You are just an obsessed man,” she snarled. “You don’t know how to treat a woman. You’re killing her!” Before she could finish, Caelestis silenced her with a violent grip around her throat. His hand tightened around her neck, cutting off her breath. Her wrists were free, but now her neck was caught, and every breath became a struggle. Panic surged through her as she struggled to find, her nails digged deep into at his arm in a desperate attempt to free herself. Caelestis’ true nature had finally appeared in front of Eleanore, and it scared her. She had already been afraid of him, but now the fear felt like it was gripping her very soul. Note: This is a dark fantasy romance novel. A war between Love and Obsession.

Crazy forbidden love and passion, had driven Lilith out of Salem, the home of witches, the only home she had known for years. Birthing a human in the witches’ world was considered a curse to them because of the legend they believed in, which went like this “when humans came, died witches fame. The watchers intervened, extinguishing both their flames” this led them to believing that humans would be the reason for their downfall and the wiping out of their clan by the watchers. She is banished to live and suffer in the contemporary world amongst the humans whom she was so much drawn to, all the while taking care of her only son. Lilith successfully learns to hide her true identity from the humans, while protecting her son from both enemies within and without. However, being secretive is always considered suspicious anywhere be it humans or witches. Therefore calamity was bound to occur. Will she be able to overcome these hardships? Or will her son become her legacy, her reason to enact revenge upon the witches, for the deathly suffering they both were subjected to? Armaros: “Armaros” meaning curse, the name given to him by the witches after his mother Lilith, had disobeyed the very laws that governed their world. Though at a young age, he couldn't understand why he was mocked for his hair and eye color, he soon grew to understand why and what they stood for. The witches claimed to be the superior race, yet the elders from their clan refused to closely approach him, making him wonder why, after all he was only but a feeble, harmless human. Forces beyond human and witches reality, soon begin unfolding like little rose petals before his eyes, making him question his mother on the true origins of his birth. When he finds out, will he be able to accept this new identity and carry on the burden that drags alongside it? Or will he keep seeking revenge for the shame that was brought by the witches upon his mother, slowly driving him into irredeemable darkness? Or thus will "love”, the reason for his mother's suffering be a firm support to him, helping him lighten the weight of the burden he carries? Excerpt In the contemporary world: The last bell to end the classes for the day rang, and a black haired boy picked up his bag heading outside the school dormitory, while four other students accompanied him as they spoke to each other on their separate ways home. Armaros soon arrived at his destination, looking around, before calling out, “Mother, mother I'm back” but there was no reply so, he went into the kitchen where she was usually always at, either cooking or cleaning. On getting there, the pungent smell of blood welcomed him and he looked below the kitchen counter to see his mother’s throat slit and her eyes staring at him with a hollowness in there. Beside her body lay a letter which read "from your loving….. find out yourself” with a smirking sticker glued beside the letter. *** Female lead will be introduced later in the book. Please feel free to drop reviews on this book and vote if you want. For updates and more information, reach out to author on; Email: justtrouble021@gmail.com Instagram: just_trouble45 Discord: Just_trouble#3566 You can also join our discord server to discuss this book and many more with other readers, when you follow my Instagram page and click on the discord link in my bio.

"Embrace your dark side, just like me. Make those who hurt you suffer. Become my Dark Luna and moan beneath me every night.... That's what I want from you" He said in a commanding tone.. **** Elara Lunaris is an omega cursed by the Moon Goddess herself—born with dark powers and burdened with a prophecy that says she will either save the world or be the destruction itself. Branded as the Cursed Dark Omega, she is shunned by her own pack, despite being the daughter of its rulers. Scorned by her parents and despised by her people, she lives a life of an outcast, haunted by a fate she never chose. Her life takes an even darker turn with the rise of the Forsaken *twisted, cursed wolves consumed by darkness and rage,* threatening to tear apart the fragile balance between the packs. When the Forsaken attack her home, the ruthless Lycan King and Supreme Alpha, Kael Vyrean, steps in. Feared across the realm as the Demon Werewolf, Kael offers protection—but at a cost. He claims Elara as his fated mate and demands she become his Luna. For Kael, their bond isn’t about love. He wants her for reasons far more dangerous than anyone realizes. Her resistance and protests means nothing. Her parents, eager to be rid of their cursed daughter, hand her over without hesitation. Forced into the arms of a demon Lycan werewolf, a soulless being carved from death itself, one who possess demonic powers and kills without blinking. A man who screams evil, deadly and powerful in every way. Will she learn from him and become a dark soul herself? Will she save her pack from the impending doom of the Forsaken? No!! One thing is certain—she won’t lift a finger to save the very people who caused her relentless pain and humiliation. The fate of the world rests in her hands. To save it… or to let it crumble. They expect her to submit, to bow like she always did. To be their salvation. To become their obedient saviour. The same people who scorned her, who called her cursed and evil, now beg for her mercy, hoping she will wield the Moon Goddess’s dark power to protect them. How hypocritical!. But guess what? She doesn’t. She doesn’t kneel. She doesn’t obey. Instead, she embraces the darkness, her dark and evil side, shatters their expectations, and becomes the monster they should have never dared to create. *** "I'll only agree to be mated to a man who can fuck—one who's extremely good in bed." Kael growled, his fangs grazing her throat as he pressed her against the bed. The weight and heat of his body making her shudder. "Those were your exact words." His hand trailed lower, fingers teasing her heat. Without giving her what she wanted. "So be a good girl and spread your legs for me… so I can prove how worthy of a mate I am and how lucky you are to have a mate like me..." His voice was hoarse and commanding. *** Note: There's smut/mature content sprinkled throughout this novel, so if you're up for it, grab your popcorn and dive in!!!

After meeting an unfortunate death on earth, Sigrid unwillingly transmigrated into a novel world becoming Lady Sigrid Thorin the unwanted wife of the crown prince. She resigned herself to her fate and set a goal to become the empress. But to become the future empress, she had to gain the heart of her husband_the foul tempered Prince Roland Maximus a man that loathed her and would sooner kill her than kiss her. While his heart was too thin for her to squeeze into, it was rather wide for the woman he brought home on returning from a three month expedition, a woman he had sworn to protect forever. The same woman Sigrid was on a mission to destroy, an irreconcilable enemy. With misunderstandings, scheming and jealousy, thus begun Sigrid's trials to win the heart of the man that had undeniably captivated her with his dazzling smile and her mission step over the fake female lead, be crowned empress and change her fate. Excerpt. "A knife to the throat of your husband that has just returned from war, what do you hope to accomplish crown princess?" Sigrid's eyes trailed down, to the silver blade pressed against her abdomen, she raised her head and laughed snidely. "A knife to the belly of your wife as soon as you return from war, other men start by saying, honey i am home. They also don't bring home unwanted canaries as presents for their wives." Roland leaned down with a part smug and part angry smoldering look in his eyes. It was if he wished to set her on fire, and not in the passionate way. "Honey i am home." he slowly said, dragging the words out. Sigrid trailed the knife slowly over his neck, almost as if she was caressing it with her fingers. "Welcome back, i hope you don't mind but i intend to kill that canary. If you want to bring me a gift next time, try gold and diamonds. I can also accept you, just wrap a ribbon around your bare chest."

[Content Warning: This story contains several dark themes, including death and gore. Please read with caution.] The female lead may or may not display cruelty. (Proceed with caution if you choose to roast her.) _____________ The art of revenge is often a slow burn - calculated, patient and emotionally restrained. But what happens when vengeance strikes instantly? After being banished and dethroned as Luna by her pack Veronica Gordon is betrayed by her fiance' and is brutally murdered by him and his lover,her body shredded for organ trafficking on the eve of her wedding. Death should have been the end,but Veronica defies it, striking a deal for a second chance. Bound to the site of her deminse and granted the powers for her revenge, she transforms the place into Delilah's Inn,an establishment named after the infamous biblical seductress. Her mission is clear: lure and destroy cheating men and their accomplices. Centuries later, Delilah's Inn becomes a legend, immortalised in a mysterious novel with only 200 copies printed every five years. Adonis McCallum, a 24 year old university student and devoted fan of the tale, devours every edition. But his obsession takes a grim turn when he meets the same fate as Veronica - betrayed and murdered by his lover. Instead of passing on, Adonis is sent to the Inn by The Grim Reaper,who hopes to expedite his soul collection. Yet Adonis,with his innocence intact, proves immune to the Inn's seductive power. To escape and reclaim his life, he strikes an unlikely deal with the Grim Reaper: make Veronica fall in love with him - a woman whose heart has been dead for over a century cursed to feel nothing but cruelty. As Adonis navigates the sinister politics,lies and anguish entangled within Delilah's Inn, he must decide if his freedom is worth breaking through Veronica's icy facade - or if her revenge will claim him too. ______ TROPES: •— Werewolf. •—Dominant FL. •—Isekai x Transmigration. •—Dark Romance. •—Betrayal x Revenge. •—Slow Burn (some what) •—Horror?(I'll leave that you to decide) •—Boss × Employee relationship. •—Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine. •— Possessive x obsessive. •— Morally Grey FL. ______ Recommended Reading Theme: Dark. Recommended Reading Font: Lora Or Merriweather. _____ EXCERPT: I walked into the room, my chest still heaving as I stopped in front of her. She sat there, calm and unbothered, as though she hadn’t just spilled blood in the lobby like it was her second nature. Her crimson-polished nails clicked rhythmically against the smooth table. Her gaze was fixed on the open book in front of her—a book she hadn’t turned a single page of all morning. “I see you love standing, Adonis.” Her voice was calm, almost too calm. She didn’t bother looking up. “It was just a hug, Veronica,” I said through gritted teeth. “You shouldn’t have done that. Maya has served you loyally for years—” “Until she touched what is mine.” Her voice sliced through my words, sharp and absolute. I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. “What’s yours? What’s the point of being yours when you treat me like… like I’m nothing?” The book slammed shut with a deafening clap. She rose to her feet in one fluid motion, every step toward me deliberate, predatory. Her eyes met mine, cold and unrelenting. “No one touches you but me, Adonis. Good, bad, whatever label you want to slap on it—I don’t care.” My breath caught in my throat, but I forced myself to hold my ground. “That’s not love, Veronica.” She tilted her head, a cruel smile tugging at her lips. “Love?” She laughed, soft but sharp, the sound laced with mockery. “Don’t insult me.”

Samantha never expected to find magic in her hometown, let alone in a dimly lit bar on a rainy Tuesday night. Yet here she was, perched on a barstool at the Black Swan, her world about to tilt on its axis. The air thrummed with an otherworldly energy she couldn't quite place. Ethereal dancers moved like smoke across the floor, their bodies fluid and mesmerizing. As Samantha nursed her drink, she felt the weight of curious stares prickling her skin. That's when she saw him. Marcus. A name she didn't know yet, but one that would soon be etched into her very soul. Their eyes locked across the crowded room, and Samantha's breath caught in her throat. He moved with predatory grace, all lean muscle and barely restrained power. Their first interaction was as intoxicating as it was bewildering. One moment, he was her gallant protector, rescuing her from an overly aggressive drunk. The next, his eyes hardened to chips of ice as he snarled, "Stupid girl," before melting into the shadows. Samantha's mind reeled, but her body hummed with an excitement she couldn't explain. Little did she know, this encounter was merely the first step into a world beyond her wildest fantasies – a realm where vampires ruled the night and pain blurred exquisitely with pleasure. As she delved deeper into this hidden society, Samantha found herself drawn to the intoxicating blend of power, submission, and supernatural allure. The crack of a whip, the whisper of leather, the exquisite sting of fangs – each sensation pushed her boundaries and ignited desires she never knew existed. But with every ecstatic high came the sobering reality of danger. Vampire politics were as deadly as they were intricate, and Samantha soon realized she was a pawn in a game where the stakes were life, death, and eternal servitude. As she left the Black Swan that night, Samantha couldn't shake the feeling that she stood on the precipice of something life-changing. She had no idea how right she was, or how deeply she would fall into a passionate, dangerous dance with forces beyond her imagination. The real question was: in this world where pleasure and peril intertwined so intimately, would she emerge empowered... or lose herself completely?

Synopsis #R-18 (Mature Content - No Rape) "If the beast inside you could be healed, I will heal it with my love," ~~~~ "What secrets are you holding, Delilah?" The Elder prince stepped forward. "S-secrets? W-what secrets? I am not hiding anything," Delilah whispered, her heart drumming against her chest as she tried her best to hide what was going on. The man in front of her smirked before he gripped her throat and pulled her close, loving the sound of her fast-beating heart. "Is that so? Do I make you nervous?" "A little," Delilah admitted. The smirk on the prince's face widened. "Good. Only I am allowed to make you nervous, just like only you are allowed to touch and have this kind of effect on me," The prince rubbed her lips with his thumb before leaning closer, their breaths coming sharp as he gazed into her eyes. "The moment you allow another man to make you feel anything, he will end up dead, and you, you my sweetheart will end up naked under me while I punish you for even looking at others," Zephyr whispered before he crashed his lips on hers, undressing her gently. ~~~~~~ On the mission to find the hidden secrets of the most powerful ancient wolves, Katherine Moon, the leader of the special task force, found herself in a fatal situation. Betrayed by her own organization, she closed her eyes with just one wish, the wish to find out why they betrayed her as she took her last breath. Bestowed by mercy from the heavens, Katherine finds herself reincarnated in the body of a petite girl, Delilah Rosewood. Delilah Rosewood, who had entered the royal palace as the cousin of the Alpha's daughter, committed suicide after being rejected by the commander of the royal army. Katherine had never thought she would get the chance to get her answers in this lifetime, but now that life has given her this opportunity, she must secure it. However, there were some problems with her plans. "Well, I am the problem that will lead you to a better life!" Her system shouted. First, she got a system to monitor her life. Task#12- Prepare a sweet dish for the prince. Reward#- 10 points in strength. Second, the system wanted her to seduce the future alpha king if she wanted to make this body stronger. If being reincarnated in a weak body wasn't enough, the body didn't even have a wolf. "Aaaaaa! Fuck my life!" Katherine groaned. "This isn't your life. You must help Delilah reach her destiny," the system's voice came again, making her groan. "If you want to become stronger, you must seduce the future alpha king," The system said again. What Katherine didn't know was that the man in the hidden palace already had his eyes on her. "Sir, is that lady the only one you can touch?" His subordinate asked. Zephyr's eyes shone brightly. "Yes, and I want that girl to be mine," Zephyr said. "But sir, it looks like after being rejected by the commander, she has made your brother her next target," Jacob whispered. "It's a statement, Jacob. That girl is mine. Full stop." Zephyr licked his lower lip as he looked at the girl dancing on the ground after eating a freshly picked cherry Katherine, unaware of the elder prince's intentions, gets ready to bear it all and live her new life with new tasks, but what happens when she finds out the system she was living with was fake? A fake system? It's bearable… Right? But what about the powers who have started to go haywire inside her? And why do Gypsies keep visiting her in both her lives? Just who was this Delilah Rosewood? Disclaimer- There might be scenes with high violence, stalking, dark romance, goth, gore, blood, details graphic visuals of deaths and murders. The first 50 chapters might look a bit dull because of world-building, but if you decide to stay after that, I promise to make this journey worthwhile. ~~~~~~ You can follow me on Instagram - @angelinabhardawaj Or join my discord (Link only given in DM)

[This Story will Resume in March 2025] “This mark tells the world the sight of your neck belongs to me, so, no one will ever dare to look. I hate sharing what’s mine.” He whispered low, then pulled back to look into my smoldering eyes, a smirk playing on his lips. With his hand still on my throat, his thumb brushed softly over the sting mark he'd just left on my neck, sending a jolt through my body before he pulled away and walked off. I hated the way his torment turned to pleasure, leaving my body craving more while my mind rebelled. Even Lucifer in hell would have cringed at the clash between my desire and logic. Hell no, I’d never give in. *** Money, power, desire—can you really have it all? What would you do if such an opportunity came? For Zara, working as a chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant hasn’t brought her closer to freedom. Debts and the weight of her past keep her shackled in darkness. Not even in her wildest imagination did Zara think her passion for cooking would captivate an enigmatic billionaire, Ravier Auckland, to offer her a contract as his ‘atypical’ private chef. Fueled by a sense of betrayal from her loved ones and a desperate need to prove her worth, Zara sees Ravier’s offer as her way out. But will it lead to the salvation she craves or rather ignite a flame of raw, uncontrollable desire that consumes everything in its path? Very Mature Content!

"TAKE YOUR SHIRT OFF…NOW!!" Queen Lysandra commanded the king Erythian in anger as her eyes turn blood red. he didn't see it coming and his face is flushed with shock.. "WHAT? LYS—" he asked before she interrupts. "if I have to ask again...I WILL DO IT MYSELF" she is unrelenting. Does Eythian comply? Imagine dying in your own world and be reborn as the queen of a kingdom in total uproar and also falling in love with two men, one of which is dangerous and must not be loved…all in one day? Zara...scratch that, Queen Lysandra has got a lot of work cut out for her. When Zara placed her trembling hands on the assassin’s wounded chest, she wasn’t prepared for the force that gripped her mind. Her own hands betrayed her, snatching a dagger from her court lady and pointing it at his throat. “Who sent you?” she demanded, her voice not her own. But the assassin stayed silent, and just as quickly, the force released her. Gasping for air, Zara collapsed—only to use her fading strength to heal the man who had tried to kill her. Zara, a modern woman who died in a car crash, doesn’t belong here at all. she woke up in Queen Lysandra’s body, a fragile ruler with strange powers and enemies in every shadow. Queen Lysandra is betrothed to the calm and charming King Erythian, Zara finds herself drawn to his warmth and steady devotion it is her duty to marry Erythian as it would help calm the political tension arising in calithea; but duty is complicated by Alaric, a dangerous warlord, his violent aura should terrify her and yet it doesn’t, instead they cause her to be intrigued by him. His warnings pull her deeper into a game she doesn’t understand, where he’s both her enemy and something far more dangerous. The lines between love and duty are blurred and Zara must navigate threats that come from outside the kingdom and from within herself. As she is taken further into a world of secrets. Will Zara honor Queen Lysandra`s duty to the crown and her people, or will she risk it all to follow the desires of her heart?

The moonlight spilled through the canopy of the dark forest, casting an eerie glow on the man lounging against an ancient tree. Morris was impossibly handsome—too handsome to be real. His sharp jawline, framed by tousled black hair, was shadowed by the flicker of firelight in his golden eyes. He swirled a goblet of wine lazily in his hand, his lips curved into a devilish smirk. Elowen froze, captivated. He looked like a prince from a forbidden story, but something in the air warned her he was no mortal. “Lost, little lamb?” His voice was velvet, dark and smooth, wrapping around her like a spell. “I was...just—” she stammered, but he stood in one fluid motion, closing the distance between them. “Just wandering into my domain,” he interrupted, his tone teasing yet dangerous. “How bold of you.” His gaze raked over her, and her heart pounded under the weight of his attention. “You shouldn’t be here,” he murmured, stepping closer until she could feel the heat radiating from him. “Do you know who I am?” She shook her head, her throat dry. “I am Morris,” he said, his voice dropping to a low, seductive growl. “The devil. The one your kingdom fears, the one your priests curse. And now,” he leaned in, his golden eyes glowing like embers, “you’ve wandered straight into my hands.” The shadows around him seemed to ripple with his amusement as a smirk played on his lips. He extended a hand, his voice both a command and an invitation. “Come closer, Elowen. Let me show you what happens when innocence meets the devil.”

Joonwoo stood there, frozen in despair, as the King of North India dragged his daughter away from him. he saw the tears streaming down her face, and he felt his own eyes welling up with tears. As he watched, helpless, the King of North India grasped his daughter's arm and pulled her away, his face twisted in anger. The Princess of North India stumbled, her feet struggling to keep up with her father's pace. he felt a surge of rage and desperation. he wanted to rush forward, to grab the Princess of North India and pull her back into his arms. But he was frozen in place, unable to move or speak. As the King of North India dragged his daughter away, he felt a sob rise up in my throat. he tried to hold it back, but it was no use. The sob burst forth, and he felt tears streaming down my face. he stood there, crying like a child, as the Princess of North India disappeared from view. he felt like his heart was being ripped from my chest, like he was losing the only person he had ever truly loved. His father's voice was distant, a vague echo in his mind. "Joonwoo , come," he said, his father's hand on his shoulder. "We must leave." But he couldn't move. he was rooted to the spot, his eyes fixed on the empty space where the Princess of North India had last stood. he felt like he was drowning in a sea of despair, like he would never find my way back to the surface. Jun Joonwoo( king of half of the korea , Bukhan to Deagu )

WARNING: Mature Content. Winner of WPC #197 (Silver) The handmaiden's hurried footsteps can be heard in the hallway, followed by a loud slamming of the door. When we were finally left alone, Rin's calm voice can be heard, "I don't like that maid of yours, I will have to get you a new one within the week." I nodded, by this time I am used to having my handmaidens changed. He took the comb and started combing my hair, his dark eyes looking straight into my eyes, the sheer perfection of his face in contrast to my ever-plain-looking face. I looked away, I can't bear looking at it, it reminds me of the book that I'm in and how this is not a fairytale. He held me by the shoulders and asked in a cold voice, "Why do you look away? Is the idea of us still so intolerable for you?" I don't know how to answer him so I just nodded and bit my lower lip. He carried me to bed as he kissed my hair. Then, he laid me on the bed, his eyes boring through mine. "I hate that you are afraid of me, and that the idea of us is unacceptable to you. But right now, the only thing making you stay with me is fear of what I'd do if I lose you, I have no choice but to hold onto it. Forgive me Maru, I have no choice but to cherish the fear I have inflicted on you." He disrobed me, his calloused hands rough against my skin, feeling, touching, and leaving warmth where it landed. I winced every time his fingers land on a bruise, or on some of the fresh marks he placed there last night. "Do you want this?" he asked me as his fingers curled against my breasts, pinching one taut nipple after the other. I nodded, unable to deny under his skeptical gaze, I moaned in pleasure when his lips replaced his touch. His tongue licked on a pinkish bud and then sucked so very gently. "Tell me, any time you want me to stop, Maru. One word, that is all I need," he whispered and I blushed as I was reminded that I never stopped his assaults. I was powerless against my own needs, in the modern human world, it seems I am a submissive. And right here taking me in for another torturous night, is my dominant. I am married to Rin Saito, the most powerful monarch this world has ever seen, and I... I think I may have found my master in him. "Raise your hands for me, raise them above your head, and clasp them together," he whispered, his mouth barely an inch from my ear. I obliged, my body trembling from desire and fear combined, anticipating his next orders and feeling my body give in to his control. He took a silky rope he has been keeping on the drawers of the bedside table, and smiling, bounded up my wrists. "Tighter?" his sadistic smile made him a bit more benevolent in my eyes. I trembled from excitement as I nodded my head. He tightened my bind and leveled his head with mine, then he dipped his head, claiming my lips as I squirm helplessly against him. He opened my lips and slid his tongue inside my throat, my own saliva dripping down my neck. "Beautiful, my beautiful Maru," I heard him whisper as his hands continued to travel down, stroking and sliding gently down my skin until it reached my undergarments. "You shouldn't even bother with this, you know of my appetite. I told you not to wear them at night, my love, do you really want to be punished that badly?" I moaned, his lips curving in a proud smile. "I like it when you lose yourself in shameless pleasure. I like it when I can sully the princess and turn her into my queen," he claimed my lips more possessively.

I woke up in a dark dungeon, my body screaming in agony, reeking of death. The air was thick with decay, each breath clawing at my throat. My mind was blank, a hollow void. "Who am I?" I whispered, but no answer came. Stumbling into the world beyond, I was greeted by thick fog and cold silence. The ground was littered with gutted bodies and shattered swords—fragments of lives lost to battles I couldn’t begin to understand. The monsters I’d killed to get here felt like a prelude to something worse. I couldn’t stop wondering about the stories behind the broken swords, the fallen warriors. Maybe my own story lay hidden among them. They say curiosity killed the cat. I can only hope my curiosity ends up killing me too.