Mistress Of Lies By Km Enright

Gabriel, a dominant omega, is caught up in a complex web of intrigue and danger at the royal court. After uncovering the truth about Olivier, a member of the royal family, and inciting a rebellion, he is marked by an unknown alpha. As the rebellion overthrows the old order, a new empire emerges, driven by a ruthless ruler whose rise Gabriel inadvertently enabled.Haunted by the weight of his actions, he flees from his family, his past, and the dangerous ties of the court. On the run, Gabriel must deal with shifting alliances, hidden enemies, and the growing power of the mysterious alpha whose mark he carries. As the empire's grip tightens and ghosts from his past resurface, he must decide whether to confront the forces threatening to engulf him—or risk losing himself completely in a world that regards him as either a pawn or a weapon.

Simione needed to become a mistress. Not just another rich man's mistress, but M Conglomerate's President, Hawk Monsanto's. Truth was, the young billionaire does not interest Simione of any sort nor was his very attractive gorgeous looks concerned her. She just needed him for one thing, his fiancée Feather Han, owed her big time and that ballerina bitch had to pay with the most precious thing Simione desired, her broken heart. Hawk Monsanto rose to the top for one reason; he wanted to be the perfect match for the Han Scintillait's heiress. When he thought it was the right time to get what his heart desired, he willingly bleeds millions just to arrange a wedding engagement. However, whether it was work of fate or work of an evil seductress, he stumbled upon a rare beauty that he cannot set his eyes off. And before his money and rationality could ever warn him, Hawk had fallen into something his billions cannot buy. *** "Who are you?" Hawk managed to ask between his ragged breath. "That depends on who you want me to be," The girl uttered and for the first time, Hawk saw her upturned honey-colored eyes. Looking into it was like drowning yourself into something magical, something hypnotizing and very much irresistible that when the girl tiptoed to meet his lips, he willingly lowered his head to welcome her. And he was right there, opening his mouth for her—warm and wet—giving everything he must give and was kissing her back with equal ardor. The girl wrapped her arms around his neck, and he responded by pressing the girl's body closer, the fiancee forgotten. However, when Hawk was at the point of wanting more, the girl pulled away and Hawk opened his eyes bewildered onto her sudden retreat. He was gasping for air and would very much like to pull her back to finish the bliss she had started. But she only smiled at him, feeling very empowered by the fact that the M Conglomerate's President had already fallen into her trap. "What's the matter?" He asked, confused as to what made her stop. "Nothing," Her smile widened a little more, making her face bright and goddess-like and Hawk became more defenseless with that. "It's just that I only want you to have a free taste. The next of course comes with a big price"

Jacob Brown spent his old life chasing success, only to be crushed by failure at every turn. When he awakens in a steampunk world of magic and mystery, reborn as 14-year-old Leo Mantine, he’s given a second chance to rewrite his story. But life in this dangerous new world is unforgiving. With secrets lurking in every shadow and powerful forces shaping the future, Leo must rise above his humble beginnings—or risk falling once again. Will he break free of his past failures, or will this world consume him too?

He grabbed my throat hard and pinned his gaze on me. I gasped, astounded, feeling as if my neck was impeded by chains. His very dim eyes intimidated me so bad I felt I could die. His chilly breath fanned my face. He was cold, his skin felt grossly cold but I felt more hurt from his grip on my neck. He was choking the life out of me, I couldn't even make a high sound as he had seemingly suppressed my vocal cords with his hold. ~~~ Princess Almira was captured into Sihasin after an enemy kingdom invaded into her home kingdom, Perston. Now a slave, she faced incredible sufferings but yet still was able to climb high and became the fifty mistress of his royal highness, King Luther — A king so astute but yet so seemingly ruthless and sadistic. Love bloomed between them however, but with the strong need to escape and take back her father's kingdom which Luther had conquered, will she fight over her heart or let love take its lead? Note: Cover Not Mine

She was always reckless—climbing castle walls, sneaking into town, chasing danger like it was her birthright. But the day they decided to chain her with marriage, she didn't just rebel—she became feral. And when a cage threatened to close around her, she did what she did best. She ran.

Aurora's mysterious abilities are slowly awakening, creating fear and confusion within the family. Meanwhile, Gideon continues to hunt them, hinting at a deeper connection between Aurora's powers and his sinister goals. The family realizes they cannot stay hidden any longer. They embark on a dangerous journey to find answers about Aurora's origins and the nature of her powers, all while evading Gideon and his allies. Along the way, they meet individuals who have knowledge of ancient abilities, hinting that Aurora is part of a lineage bound to protect or destroy something vital. These strangers are divided: some want to help her, while others see her as a threat. Aurora begins to struggle with controlling her powers as they grow stronger. There are moments when she loses control, and the consequences are devastating. Her family must decide whether to trust her or fear her...

All she wanted was to convince Qin Zhan, a well-known patisserie, to join her in her new restaurant. But, everyone who she had sent returned with bad news: Rejected! Rumor has it that Qin Zhan quit life as a reputable chef to stay in the small town and run a small noodle stand. No matter how much anyone offered to hire him, Qin Zhan had rejected every one. No! That man would not even hear a word before he showed everyone to the door. Since everyone she sent returned with no good result, Gu Xin Ye had no other choice but to do everything herself! Just as Gu Xin Ye thought that she will be able to convince Qin Zhan with her persuasion skill and charm, a misunderstanding led her to work for Qin Zhan instead, as his helper! ----- Illustration: kirinlukis ----- Shared universe with: 1. Loving You Too Much 2. A Lifetime with You 3. You're My Only Star 4. The Dragon Beside Me 5. Love So Sweet 6. Commander Qi's Runaway Wife 7. The Wedding Planner's Romance

[Warning: R18+] "Her Greatest Revenge--Seduce him, Break his marriage, Steal his fortune, and lastly... DUMP him." ***** Sabrina Williams' life crumbles after discovering her husband's deceit and the underhanded acquisition of her family's fortune. Presumed dead after a tragic incident, Sabrina reemerges five years later with a new identity and a burning hunger for revenge. Her return sparks romantic chaos amongst the CEO's inner circle, a dazzling array of handsome bachelors vying for her attention. Sabrina Williams finds herself at the center of a romantic whirlwind with unexpected contenders– her protective best friend, a powerful Mafia Boss, and her possessive ex-husband. The stage is set for a pulsating tug-of-war—a clash of love and revenge with emotions running high. The players are all in, and the game is just getting started! ***** When her scandal with her Ex-husband spreads on the internet, bashers curse her tagging her as Shameless Mistress, Worthless Homewrecker, and Evil Slut... however several mighty bachelors unite to defend her. CEO of Top Fashion Company: "Haters go to hell! PS: to those models who antagonized my Goddess, I hereby take our brand sponsorship from them." President of the Largest Entertainment Company: "Fake news! We will take legal action for slandering my Goddess! Artists who cursed her will be banned from my company." Vice Chairman of Biggest Hotel and Resort Company: "Shut up, Bashers! Don't ever step in one of our hotels and resorts!" Domineering Mafia Boss: "Back off! Erase those malicious comments, or else my gang will hunt you down. I'll kill everyone who dares ridicule my Queen! Everyone: "..." Then a confession comment suddenly pops up amidst the chaos. FL's Best friend: "Everyone can hate you but I'll always be there for you. Sabby... I love you... I've been loving you since our childhood years... My first love... and my last." Her ex-husband can no longer stay quiet and declares to the public. Possessive Ex-husband: "She's not my mistress. She's my legal wife." FL Friend Lanny: "Legal Wife your Ass! Crazy Jerk just die!"

A team of humans arrives on the Lythari homeworld, eager to collaborate on a project that could change the course of both civilizations. But they quickly discover that trust is a currency, curiosity is dangerous, and gravity is optional. As ancient secrets threaten to unravel the fabric of Lythari society, the team must decide whether to expose the truth or let it remain hidden forever. If you want to read a good science fiction novel, read it.

Meet Ashleigh Howell - a blend of spice and everything nice. She possesses everything that a woman wish for: fame, fortune, and beauty. Her ethereal face and angelic voice effortlessly commands admiration of every man, leaving them kneeling, and kissing her feet. Her life is perfect. Everyone idolized her, wanting to achieve her success in the same field. But, after being named as the person of the year, Ashleigh's pillars of perfection shatters when she discovers her doting husband, Abhishek Howell, is entangled in an affair with his secretary. She doubts her worth, and if a single apology can mend the devastation caused by his betrayal. The star of the country becomes the head of the news, portraying her as a woman who gave up success over a single heartbreak. She sunk deeper into sadness, wishing death comes at her door, until one fateful day, she was given another chance to alter her seven lives... under one condition. Will she indulge this chance to redefine the fate of Ashleigh Howell, or succumb to the death that is waiting just a step away?

Jenn Li has a loving mom and a stubborn caring dad, and nice loud younger sister. But, at age 14 she had limb girdle muscular dystrophy. It causes her muscles in her arm and legs to slowly weaken as time pass by. It made her not as convenient to go outside. When she have to go to school, she takes her wheelchair. It gives her some anxiety and is a bit discomfort for her. But, she managed through it. She is only able to walk with a limp on her leg for only a small distance. She is able to walk with a limp all around her home. She find comfort at home while being on the internet. And, wants to making journaling youtube videos. Sometimes, she gets worried over trivial things. And, sometimes thinking things like why is her life is like this, and if she didn't have musclar dystrophy, life would be just a bit better for her. She tends to get over her worries by thinking positive listening to music and watching videos. She is grateful that she is alive and breathing. She also do not have a boyfriend. Is not a big deal, but it would be lovely to have a boyfriend and getting married in the future. One day angels and gods showed up and, decided to bless and gift everyone in the whole world with immortality and magical superpowers. . It became like a utopia. They also give her an alternative universe life to live and her story is: She and her older non identical twin sister, along with her parents are immortal. And, their stories goes like this: Jann Li and Jenn Li, two 22 years old non-identical twin sisters who has 2 childhood best friends, Jonn Li and Junn Li. They also happens to be 22 years old non-identical twin brothers. They all live together in one big house. Jonn and Junn soon becomes their boyfriends and lovers. They are part of The Li family. A family that all is immortal and have magical and super powers, just like everybody is. They are trying to enjoy and live a happy and peaceful life. And hanging out with their immortal and magical friends, sometimes.

Lied cannot remember his past. As the sole bearer of the Adam's Apple, an ancient item capable of granting people's wishes, he's targeted by a mysterious organization while desperately trying to reclaim his memories. Through his perilous quest in search of the lost truth, Lied realizes there's more to everything than meets the eye... including himself. How will Lied survive, and what will he find at his destination? Work originally written in Portuguese. Cover art by Yaya Chan.

Hey there, unlucky mortal! Welcome to 123 Serene Grove Lane, a place so legendary, so magical, and so ABSOLUTELY AMAZING that only a chosen few ever hear about it. And by "chosen few," I mean people who trip over random portals or get lost after making terrible life decisions. I'm IMP, "KING OF IMPS", the REAL STAR of this story. Forget the humans forget the moody demons, forget the boring heroes. This book I WROTE IT. It's about me, my glorious misadventures, and how I heroically survive. living with my boss, the incredible-yet-insufferable Xier. She's an artist. A sorceress. And somehow, despite my best efforts, still manages to keep her house standing. We also have Kevin, a VERY CONFUSED but disturbingly kind human carpenter who rents a room here (the biggest mistake of his life, btw). He's strong enough to build furniture with his bare hands, but soft enough to blush when Xier looks his way. Hilarious. He seither doomed... or already in too deep. Now, life at 123 Serene Grove Lane is NOT your typical "dark magic and world-ending prophecies" nonsense. BORING! We've got magic gardens that gossip when the wind blows, enchanted baths that refuse to drain properly, and random imp parties that definitely DON'T NEED PERMISSION. Expect heated arguments, accidental seductions, and AWKWARDLY INTENSE moments involving forbidden drinks. mysterious contracts, and questionable house rules. Do I care? Nope. I'm too busy being FABULOUS. Why read this Because you need a break from gloomy heroes and brooding prophecies. You need magic, mischief, and PASSIONATE CHAOS. You need ME. So. stop pretending you' re too busy. Open this book, join the fun, and remember everything here is MY IDEA. You're welcome.

The jeers followed her like a persistent shadow. "Murderer!" the crowd screamed, their faces contorted in a grotesque parody of the adoration she once commanded. Just months ago, they had screamed her name, their voices a deafening roar as she shimmied across the stage, a beacon of light and pop perfection. Now, their cheers had morphed into venomous hisses, their eyes burning with a hatred that chilled her to the bone. Noelle clutched her lawyer's arm, his face a mask of grim determination. The cameras flashed, capturing her every move, every tremor of fear. The headlines screamed: "Pop Princess Plummets: Noelle Accused of Murder." The irony wasn't lost on her. Her life, once a carefully constructed fairytale of fame and fortune, had become a grotesque tragedy. The trial was a circus. The whispers, the sneers, the relentless scrutiny – it was a constant assault on her senses. Her once loyal fans, the ones who'd plastered her face on their bedroom walls, now reveled in her downfall. They devoured every salacious detail, every whispered accusation, every tear she dared to shed. The verdict was a foregone conclusion. Guilty. Noelle watched the judge pronounce the sentence, her mind a whirlwind of disbelief and despair. Death by lethal injection. ‘At least they did not give me the electric chair’ she thought to herself in a poor attempt at humor. * Months later, a solitary figure knelt at her grave, the wind whipping at his hair. Rain lashed down, mirroring the tears that streamed down his face. "I'm sorry, Areum," he sobbed, his voice hoarse with grief. "I'm so sorry I was too late." He clutched a single, wilted rose, its petals stained crimson, a poignant reminder of the life that had been brutally extinguished. * Noelle is a bright star who has the world at her feet, she feels no guilt about being the other woman coming between a husband and his wife. After all, Evan had been in love with her since they were teenagers. The only reason he married Ma-Ri was because his family demanded it, if he had a choice he would surely have picked her… When she gets wrongfully accused of murdering Ma-Ri, she loses everything and is sentenced to death, everyone including Evan turn against her and she is left to die a miserable death. She is reborn and this time she faces the humiliation of being the woman who is being cheated on. She is determined to end the cycle and not let the future she had seen come to pass, she decides to step out of the picture and focus on her career. In doing so, everything changes, Evan clings to her and refuses to let her go, a mysterious stranger who has been studying her also steps in and decides to fight for a chance to be with her.

A one night stand was supposed to be just that-one night. No strings,no complications. But for Ellis Arroyo, that night marks the beginning of something he never saw coming. As a bartender in Miami, Ellis is used to charming customers but nothing could have prepared him for Alexander 'Alex' Del Montiez - the cold, ruthless heir to one of the most powerful Mafia families. Their night together should have ended at sunrise,but Alex doesn't let go of things he wants and right now,he wants Ellis- body, heart and soul. What starts as a fiery passion soon turned into something darker.Alex is possessive, controlling and terrifyingly intense. He's world is dangerous, filled with secrets, violence and power struggles that threaten to swallow Ellis whole. And yet against all he's his logic, Ellis can't seem to stay away. William "Willy" Del Montiez - Alex's older brother - has spent years hiding he's feelings for Ellis. Unlike Alex,Willy is warm,steady and everything Ellis should want. But choosing him would mean betraying the most feared man in Miami - his own brother. Then there's Rodrigo Gonzalez - cunning, lethal and utterly obsessed,the Cartel leader has never forgiven Alex for taking Ellis away from him now he's back to claim what he believes is his no matter the cost. Ellis never wanted be caught in the middle of a war between dangerous men but it's too late to run.Love, obsession and power collide in a deadly game where the price is he's heart or maybe he's life. Find out in this thrilling story- DESIRED BY MANY: OWNED BY HIM

Jean thinks he is an ordinary boy, but one day when he turns seventeen, it's not like a birthday party as usual that you have birthday cake, balloons, and a round of your friends to sing the birthday song to you, it's not like that, Jean's birthday party is weird, the weird birthday party and an announcement that it says you are not an ordinary boy changes your life forever. One of Jean's friends came to him and his family to say that he is Jean's Alpha, which makes Jean's world crazier because that person is the captain of the soccer club in his school. At first, Jean doesn't accept it and thinks all of it is crazy, what his grandmother says, the fate and the world that should be, but getting along with those crazy facts makes him realize and feel the truth and genuine love. But when Jean acquiesces to the facts and his fate as male omega, the truth that he thinks is the actual truth is a lie. What's the truth in this world? Anybody can make the truth itself by lying.

Aye Chul and Aye RI were separated when they were younger. Aye Chul was adopted. Years went by and Aye Ri is in her prime. She is living a life full of hardships. Surprisingly she recieves an interview letter from a re- knowned firm. Surprises wait ahead. Life full of lies. Friends in disguise. People who looked family betrayed them. A series of turns and one of the biggest heists ever. Union of long lost sisters and filthy truths. The lies of rich families and much more to be discovered. The classis story of rags to riches with a twist of crime and adventure.The story of 6 long lost sister. All the unspoken rules for a picture perfect family. The hardships to be born with. Mysteries that need to be solved. Answers that are too bitter to bear. Unruly relations. Betrayal in love and some romance in life. Will these girls ever be able to find their true happy ending without their family and anyone to trust?

In the depths of a cursed reflection, truth and deception blur into one. Vivian Sinclair never believed in the supernatural—until the day she moved into Blackthorn Manor, an old estate shrouded in unsettling whispers and forgotten secrets. A long-forgotten mirror hidden within the greenhouse awakens something inside her, something that shouldn’t exist beyond the glass. A shadow of herself stares back, watching, waiting. At first, the visions are subtle—flickers of movement when no one else is there, a whisper of her name in the dead of night. But as the days pass, the haunting presence becomes undeniable. Her reflection begins to move on its own, revealing memories she never lived, secrets she never uncovered, and a version of herself she doesn’t recognize. Sebastian Graves, a scholar obsessed with the manor’s dark past, warns her that some mirrors do more than reflect—they remember. And the one in Blackthorn Manor doesn’t just hold history; it holds something alive. Something that wants out. As the lines between reality and illusion fracture, Vivian realizes she isn't just being haunted—she is being rewritten. The more she resists, the stronger the presence grows, feeding off her fears, her doubts… and her lies. Because the darkest truths aren’t the ones buried in the past. They’re the ones we tell ourselves. And in the end, the mirror never lies. But Vivian might.

Di malam yang bersalju, Kanna melihat seorang pemuda bertubuh kurus yang duduk di kursi taman. Kanna baru saja pulang dari kantor dan taman itu memang taman yang biasa ia lewati. Pemuda itu tampak pucat. Kedinginan. Tatapannya kosong, ia seperti kehabisan energi untuk hidup. Kehilangan keinginan untuk bertahan. Dengan kasihan, Kanna menghampirinya dan memayunginya. "Anu... Apakah kau baik-baik saja?" Perlahan, pemuda itu mendongak dan menatap Kanna. Matanya berwarna mint. Warnanya terang, tetapi kehilangan cahayanya. Pemuda itu hanya diam. "Di rumahku ada makanan dan minuman hangat. Apakah kau mau mampir sebentar?" Ah, andai saja Kanna ingat pesan ibunya untuk tidak membawa masuk sembarang orang ke dalam rumahnya, niscaya Kanna tidak akan tahu bahwa kedepannya, ia akan dipuja oleh pemuda itu seakan-akan ia adalah seorang dewi. Pemuda itu mulai terobsesi padanya, menempel padanya, dan benar-benar takut Kanna meninggalkannya. Pemuda itu jadi menganggap bahwa ia 'hidup' hanya untuk Kanna. Ia ingin berguna untuk Kanna. Ia tidak apa-apa menjadi 'peliharaan', disakiti, atau apa pun oleh Kanna, asal Kanna bisa tetap bersamanya, ....selamanya.

The final ingredient to finding true love is one teaspoon of lies. **** On her 18th birthday, Elspeth's world was shattered after a one-night stand left her pregnant. The child's father, Alan, betrayed her by revealing his alliance with her scheming half-sister, Heather, who aimed to steal Elspeth's position as heiress. To protect their family’s reputation, her parents sent her away in disgrace. Years later, Elspeth returns, determined to reclaim her place and exact revenge on those who wronged her. But her family’s pressure to marry complicates things. Desperate to dodge a blind date, she impulsively kisses Castiel Stepanov, her daughter's teacher, using him as a convenient escape. When a key investor insists on meeting her husband, Elspeth sees an opportunity and proposes a fake marriage to Castiel. Castiel, a powerful Russian business mogul and part-time elementary teacher, has his own hidden agenda. Traumatized by witnessing the murder of his family, Castiel’s life has been driven by the desire for revenge. Unbeknownst to Elspeth, her father is responsible for the tragedy that destroyed his family. Eager to destroy Elspeth's life, Castiel agrees to the sham marriage, intent on ruining her and her father. As their fake marriage progresses, hidden truths and deep-seated wounds begin to surface. Can Elspeth balance her desire for vengeance with her need to protect her heart, her daughter, and her empire? And will Castiel follow through with his plan for revenge, or will love and the weight of the past consume them both? _______ TROPES: One night stand. Pregnancy. Contract/Fake Marriage. Win her back. Betrayal x Revenge Family. First person (dual perspectives) ______ IG: @ebynamani TT: @eby.namani

Marriage is nothing but hell to Ashley Scott. From her husband's unbearable indifference to his open affair, she just wants nothing to do with this miserable union. After almost five years with her husband, Nathan Li, Ashley was tired. She wanted to be free and that would only happen if they got divorced. And Ashley was determined to get a divorce, even if it meant getting on her mother's bad side. Nathan, on the other hand, did not want that. Ashley was his other half, his person and separating from her was something he could not stand. Ashley didn't want Nathan, but Nathan wanted her, and he would do anything to keep her. With the revelation of secrets, would the couple be able to get past their trials and sustain their marriage, or would they forever be apart? *Excerpt: He held her shoulders, his dark blue eyes glowing in the dark. "No one else can have you, Ashley. You're only mine." The scene then changed. This time, the blue-eyed man in her memories was kissing her. After, he spoke in an awfully dangerous tone. "You know what I'm capable of, Ashley. You're only mine."

Loved by Logan Maverick, who is seven years younger than her, Grace finds it hard to accept his love—especially since she has been married before, while Logan is a rising model in the spotlight. However, as time passes and Logan’s persistence grows, her heart softens, and she begins to see him as her last hope. Insecurity constantly plagues her, particularly since Logan is a famous model with many fans and always pursued by paparazzi. She tries to distance herself multiple times, but Logan holds her back, even making their relationship public, leaving her with no way to escape. Yet, this only brings her waves of criticism from Logan’s fan, who mock her for her age and social status. On top of that, she must deal with Logan's childish, emotional, mischievous, and selfish behavior, making the relationship feel toxic. Will she be able to endure? Or will Logan keep holding on to her? Will his reckless behavior drive Grace away in the end?

A noble girl who cares for only books and knowledge, not giving a single thought about marriage or what others think of her. She meets a commoner boy in a garden and their meeting keeps growing and growing, like the many flowers that grow. But lies grow the more they meet. Here, in the garden of lies, their tragic love begins. I will be posting this story on RoyalRoad.com and Tapas!

Li Chen was an ordinary man living an uneventful life—until an accident thrust him into the mystical Realm of Xuanhai, a world where powerful cultivators reign and spiritual beasts roam. Armed with the **Supreme Beast Taming System**, Li Chen discovers his new destiny: to master the art of taming and bonding with spiritual beasts. From his first companion, Xiao Yue, a rare Lunar Spirit Rabbit with untapped potential, to fierce Thunderfang Wolves and beyond, Li Chen embarks on a journey filled with adventure, danger, and discovery. In a world where strength is everything, Li Chen must rise through the ranks, conquer formidable foes, and unravel the secrets of beast evolution. As he gathers a team of extraordinary beasts, challenges mighty sects, and uncovers ancient mysteries, he begins to forge his path toward ultimate power. But the cultivation world is ruthless. Can Li Chen and his growing menagerie of spiritual beasts survive the trials ahead and carve their names into legend? Join Li Chen in this action-packed journey of beast taming, cultivation, and epic battles.

Is it possible to fall in love with a guy you just met on a resort? Was it fate or just coconuts? An 18 year old girl is on a fun summer vacation with her family; and later finds out that maybe the Berry sangria isn't the sweetest thing she can enjoy this summer.

Falling in love wasn't part of the package. Revenge was more important. Zafira, a sexy down to earth succubus who has a nick for sinners has a revenge scheme on her mind but would need the help of a human, an innocent one. Cole comes home one day to find his pregnant wife stabbed and raped. His entire world crushing down. He has to find out who had the audacity to do this. Zafira and Cole joins hands together in this amazing sequel. #General warning# Mature content 18+

I look longingly into Irina’s blue eyes on this tranquil night. I am about to ask her, “Irina… will… will you…” She looks at me with curiosity, “Will I what Franz?” Suddenly a deafening boom sounds throughout the city. Then the city’s air raid sirens scream to life with its ear splitting shrieking. The wispy fingers of the searchlights probe the cloudy night sky. Irina and I look at each other in alarm. We silently agree, we need to find out what is happening. Germany, Toter Garten, 1944. The flames of the Second World War have engulfed Europe, no longer sparing the German people. In a quiet town far away from the chaos of battle is a young German teen, Franz Henkel, who desperately tries to find his way into adulthood in a world gone mad for violence.