How Did Shanks Get His Scars

Rein Aster is just a scary-looking commoner who wants a peaceful life. Unfortunately, life has other plans. Thanks to a clerical error (or maybe divine mischief), he’s accidentally enrolled in Astrelia Royal Academy—a prestigious institution meant only for nobles of pure bloodlines. His presence alone is a scandal, and the academy’s elite students demand his immediate expulsion. But there’s just one problem: Rein is an absolute monster in combat. Having been raised and trained by his terrifying aunt, Lilith Aster, a so-called "Demon Lord" (who’s actually a legendary hero), Rein endured years of brutal training disguised as "character-building exercises." Now, thanks to that hellish upbringing, he’s: Unfazed by deadly magic, casually walking off spells that would cripple knights. A natural-born warrior, wielding weapons like an extension of his own body. So desensitized to pain that academy duels feel like a relaxing pastime. At first, the noble factions try to crush him. Instead, he crushes their expectations. Celestia von Ardentia, the prideful high elf princess, sees him as a brute—until she realizes his strength is beyond noble superiority. Eleanor du Rosette, the cold and calculating half-dragon, suspects Rein is no mere commoner and sets out to uncover his secrets. Lilia von Helios, the mischievous fox girl, finds him endlessly amusing and attaches herself to him for entertainment. Seraphina Nachtwald, the feared dark elf villainess, is shocked when Rein doesn’t flinch at her intimidation tactics—and starts shadowing him instead. As Rein unwittingly shakes up the entire academy, dark forces begin to stir. An underground faction sees him as a threat, and assassins are sent to eliminate him. Too bad Rein just assumes they’re part of a particularly intense training exercise. And just when the academy reaches peak chaos, the truth is revealed: Rein Aster isn’t just any commoner. He’s the nephew of the strongest hero in history. His reaction? "Wait… my aunt was a hero?! I thought she was just a crazy old lady!" A ridiculous fantasy romcom harem where the overpowered commoner just wants a quiet life—but accidentally conquers the royal academy instead!

Abducted and forced into the world of human trafficking, Lucky endures the worst of the worst as a high-end plaything for the worst of the wealthy. One fateful night, she discovers something about herself that gives her hope, a chance to escape from the hell she lives in. With escape, Lucky experiences a life changing chance encounter, a kind of anonymous celebrity she never anticipated, and a very unexpected new identity. Fate is leading her down a path, one that leads her to realize that escaping alone was not enough. To truly be free, she will have to uncover her roots, and the secrets entangled within them. Claws will scratch far past the surface, digging deep into a web of deception and evil that threatens her very life and the lives of those she loves. What happens when this beautiful young woman, once a terrified victim, realizes that she is more powerful than she could ever have imagined? Now that she is surrounded by love and laughter, can she defeat the dark forces aligning against her? Will she find the courage to face the trauma of her past and free those still shackled to what she once accepted as her fate? Content Warning: ADULTS ONLY! This book contains some dark themes relating to the crime of human trafficking, forced sexual encounters, physical and emotional abuse, and violence. It is intended for a mature audience. Some content may be upsetting to survivors of sexual assault and abuse. Beware of two labrador retrievers that are very good at stealing hearts and treats! I am doing a major edit on this book and adding new chapters daily. The basic story has not changed, I am correcting spell check errors and such. I have also made some minor changes within the story itself, which I believe have improved the logical flow of the story and enhanced character development. 03/05/2025

Elisya lost trust from the one man she had loved with all her heart. she was abandoned by her family, and he took her in and now she got abandoned all over again? will Ronan take her back? will she find room in her heart to love someone again? will she allow Kieran to be her comfort zone? why not find out...

Synopsis: In a world where Alphas rule with absolute power, Alpha Caidren Thorne stands above them all—a warlord feared for his cruelty, a ruler whose hands are stained with the blood of both enemies and kin. His lands are harsh, his rule even harsher, and his name alone is enough to strike terror into the hearts of those who hear it. But there is a darker truth hidden beneath his legend. Every Omega sent to him has perished. No one knows why. No one dares to ask. Some whisper that his presence alone is enough to snuff out their fragile lives, that no Omega can withstand his brutality. Others say that he is cursed, doomed to be alone forever. But Caidren does not care. He has never let anyone close—not a mate, not a lover, not even his own people. His heart is stone, and his hands are weapons. When the noble House Velmire is forced to offer him an Omega, they do not send their treasured daughter. Instead, they send Elias—an adopted outcast, a boy without a place in their world. Elias has spent his life alone, unwanted, and now, he is being sent to a fate worse than death. And when he arrives at the Bloodfang Stronghold, he is welcomed by a scene of horror. A man clothed in black can be seen writhing in agony. Blood soaking the ground. And standing above it all, delivering judgment with cold precision, is Alpha Caidren. Elias’ fear takes root instantly. This man is no savior. He is death itself. Caidren barely acknowledges him, dismissing him with a single glance. Another Omega. Another life that will soon disappear. But Elias does not die. Days pass. Then weeks. And for the first time, an Omega survives. Elias is not weak. He is not fragile. He is not like the others. And against every instinct, every warning, Caidren begins to take notice. What starts as indifference turns to fascination. What was once just another burden soon becomes something the Alpha refuses to let go of. For the first time in his life, Caidren is afraid—not of war, not of death, but of the one thing he never thought he could have. And when enemies rise and threaten to take Elias away, Caidren will burn the world to keep his Omega safe.

He was the crown of the most feared mafia organization. Having his parents killed at young age, he was left alone to inherit the legacy left behind, that was being the mafia lord. Having only ambition to avenge his parents, in his journey enters a girl who is mysterious yet sweet, kind yet mischievous. Slowly, she made her way to his cold heart, warming it, but the truth about past and in the process of his revenge, he lost her. After her departure, he lived alone for many years blaming himself.But one day he came across a girl with same face, same personality but completely different identity. In her presence, his once dead heart started beating again. Is this sin, falling for another girl despite promising his beloved a lifetime or a sign to indicate, it is not just anyone but her.

Jillian Smith’s life takes a heartbreaking turn when her mother, Lillian, passes away. Struggling with grief, she faces even greater challenges when her father, Harlond Smith, remarries. Thrown into an unfamiliar world of deception and betrayal, Jillian is sent to the countryside, her education abruptly cut short by those determined to erase her future. But Jillian refuses to be a victim. With resilience and unexpected allies—including gang members who see her strength—she fights back against those who tried to destroy her. Amidst family conflicts, school rivalries, and dangerous threats, she discovers the power of love, friendship, and perseverance. As she unravels the truth behind her expulsion and the enemies lurking in the shadows, Jillian must decide: will she let her past define her, or will she forge her own path to healing and love?

This novel follows the journey of a young man, Shuang Yue, who awakens the power of the Inner Universe—an ability that allows him to absorb external energy. In the early stages of his journey, he ventures alone into the Northern Territory to investigate an interdimensional rift. Along the way, he meets Ray, a warrior with exceptional combat skills, and Yun Che, a former member of an enemy faction who has since awakened to his past mistakes and chosen redemption. Together, the three face fierce battles and life-or-death trials, gradually learning to regulate their absorption of foreign energy to prevent the collapse of their Inner Universe from overloading. As the sinister plans of their adversary, Ji Mie, begin to unfold, Shuang Yue not only establishes an alliance and unites powerful warriors to resist the interdimensional invasion but also surpasses his own limits through numerous battles. Ultimately, he faces Ji Mie in a final showdown. After enduring devastating sacrifices and counterattacks, he masters the power to rewrite the laws of reality, successfully sealing away the invading forces. Leading the survivors, he rebuilds their homeland and establishes the Devourer Academy, ushering in a new era of peace. This is an epic saga that blends a vast cosmic setting, intense combat, and a profound exploration of human nature. It not only showcases the boundless allure of power but also serves as a warning against its reckless misuse—ultimately guiding humanity toward a future of hope and rebirth.

WARNING! **DARK ROMANCE** ****A STORY OF FIRE AND ICE**** Locked away from the world, Selene, the cursed daughter of the Dark King, knows only shadows and despair. Then, fate intervenes. Drawn by an irresistible force, Alpha Zephyr, a warrior scarred by a brutal attack orchestrated by Selene's father, discovers her in a river that borders their territory. He uncovers a truth that threatens to shatter both their worlds: Selene is his fated mate. This forbidden love would ignite an ancient war. Can Zephyr overcome his hatred and embrace the forbidden, or will the weight of the past consume him and tear their worlds apart? As Selene discovers more to herself than she ever imagined, her world once bitter and empty becomes filled with growth and a chance at Love. Will she warm up to her chances of growth and prevails?

Waking up in a new world, the protagonist realizes he's landed in a genuine magical fantasy realm full of wonders—and deadly dangers. Just yesterday, he was an ordinary university graduate celebrating the end of his studies at a lively party. But today, he's a newcomer in a mysterious world ruled by three powerful academies, each led by a great mage. Things take an even stranger turn when he acquires a unique Trolling System! Its mission? Drive these mages to madness! However, there’s one significant problem—it’s not just a joke. The great mages are powerful, dangerous, and won't tolerate being mocked. If the hero isn't careful, he'll become ashes faster than he can say, "It’s just a prank!" Can he survive, balancing the leveling of his strength, jokes on the edge of life and death, and dangerous enemies who fail to appreciate his sense of humor? Or will he become the first person ever to drive the great mages to rage—and live to tell the tale?

A story of a young girl forced into slavery in a strange land but grows to become a powerful queen, dive into in story of queen Esther the Jewish queen of Persia.

She lost everything, fought with nothing, and in the end she lost what was never hers to begin with. . . . Eliara was just a child when dragons burned her world to ash. Powerless and broken, she swore vengeance—not for herself, but for the people she lost. Years later, war consumes the land, and Eliara will do anything to protect those who remain, even if it means sacrificing herself piece by piece. Alongside Princess Iris, the only light left in her darkened world, she fights for a future where no one else has to suffer as she did. But the deeper she sinks into war, the more the lines between justice and vengeance blur. Kingdoms crumble, alliances shatter, and the people she swore to protect slip through her fingers—some lost to death, others to something far worse. And as she uncovers the truth behind the war, she is faced with a horrifying realization: the enemy she has been fighting all along may not be the true threat. Betrayed by fate, torn between love and duty, Eliara is forced to ask herself—how much of herself can she sacrifice before there’s nothing left? And if she loses everything… will she still have the strength to stop what’s coming? . . Hope you enjoy this!!!

Ana grew up in a home where love was an unattainable luxury. Marked by abuse and despair, her life takes a devastating turn when her father sells her to a wealthy family, stripping her of her freedom, her first love, and everything she once knew. Trapped in a world of appearances and lies, Ana clings to the illusion of love when a young man from that family becomes her only light in the darkness. But that light soon turns into shadow when she realizes he is not the savior she imagined, but a far more dangerous version of the demons she tried to leave behind. Caught in a web of manipulation, pain, and inner struggle, Ana must face her past and herself to find the strength to escape, heal, and reclaim her right to live on her own terms. A story of love, obsession, and redemption-where the scars of the soul run deeper than those on the skin.

"You know what a good girl would have done? A good girl would have stayed home instead of sneaking out of her father's compound just to get a man to fuck her. A good girl wouldn't have stabbed a man like me with a pen. And most of all, a good girl wouldn't be turned on by holding a gun to a man's chest." I lean closer to her. "You're no good girl, Ivanna." "You… you're wrong." "Go on then. Come on. Pull the trigger." *** My name is Ivanna. I am the daughter of Misha Sidorov, the head of the Krasnoyarsk Bratva. I have just graduated and I’m about to go to college. My life is perfect until Sergio Sakharov comes into the picture. He is the darkness itself. He reigns over the entire Sakharov family and by extension, the Dvina River Vory Bratva. His word is law, and his desire is absolute. Everything changes in a split second when he steals me away and holds prisoner in Tyva, a bride for his only heir. But Sergio doesn’t take no for an answer. He always gets whatever he wants and against all reason, he claims me for himself instead. He thinks I’m the perfect match for his desires and he is determined to keep me close, even if I fight him at every turn. Except, I’m no helpless pawn. I’m not innocent. I have tasted his dark side, and I want more. The don himself, the man they call the Volkov of Dvina River appeals to me in the most sinful of ways. His wickedness draws me in, and when he decides that he wants me, I’m helpless. I can’t resist him, even if it means giving myself to him. He may think he has power over me and can control me every step of the way, but I’m about to show him who the real boss is.

Kimberley Laurent has spent her life under her father’s oppressive rule, never expecting that her freedom would be completely stolen when she is forced into an arranged marriage with Alexander Silver, a man feared across the city. She is nothing more than a pawn in a business deal, trapped in a gilded cage. Alexander, cold and unyielding, views their marriage as nothing more than a contract When betrayal, manipulation, and a hidden enemy threaten to tear them apart, Kimberley must decide: will she run from the monster she was forced to marry, or will she stay and fight for the man hidden beneath the ice?

Daxton Vice returns from London on a business trip to find his older brother unexpectedly insane. Apparently, he’d missed a series of incidents that led to his brothers predicament. He meets his brothers almost-wife, and is captivated by her. Like every man, he falls for her after a few months. Because of the strong bond and love he shares with his brother, he visits him frequently in the mental asylum, and realizes that his brother always has minor lucid, yet fragmented moments. After months of visitation, he puts two and two together, discovering that all was not as it seemed. Events that had occurred naturally in the eyes of all, were exactly the opposite. A new emotion arises in him, and he’s forced to play a game of life. With the odds stacked against him, he vows to bring the truth to light and give his brother the justice he believes he deserves. Only he doesn’t know that his competitor is as deadly as a snake’s venom and far more dangerous than he could ever imagine. Gwenever Welch was a woman no man should ever want to meet.

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Emmy Hart, a frail and introverted high school student who has endured relentless bullying from his peers. In a world where strength determines survival, Emmy is constantly targeted—mocked, beaten, and humiliated. His only solace lies in music, particularly the songs of Juice WRLD, which he listens to through his worn-out headphones. Emmy’s suffering reaches a breaking point when a brutal attack leaves him on the brink of death. But in his darkest moment, something awakens—a supernatural system that grants him abilities through daily quests. At first, he uses his newfound powers from the shadows, exacting revenge on those who tormented him. Yet, as he delves deeper, he discovers a hidden world beyond his school, filled with individuals who possess even greater abilities. Manipulated and betrayed, Emmy is drawn into a war between factions far more dangerous than school bullies. With his past erased and his memory restored only by the system, he sets out on a path of vengeance, determined to dismantle both the villainous group that used him and the so-called heroes who stand in his way. But as the battle escalates, he uncovers an even greater truth—a secret faction pulling the strings from the shadows. When they unite against him, wiping out his allies and imprisoning him, all seems lost. Yet, a girl from his past, the one person who secretly admired him, risks everything to set him free. Now, with the full power of his system unlocked, Emmy must recover five elemental stones hidden in perilous locations, each granting him even stronger abilities. His final test lies in stealing the last stone from a high-ranking member of the neutral faction. But as he faces impossible odds, an unexpected ally emerges—another rogue thief seeking their own vengeance. Together, they will wage war against a system built on lies. And Emmy Hart, once powerless, will rise from the shadows, ready to burn it all down.

Twenty two-year-old Maryln Amber is no stranger to loss. After a tragic fire claimed her family two years ago, she has tried to rebuild her life, clinging to her tight-knit group of friends for stability. But when students at her elite Campston University begin to die under strange and violent circumstances, the fragile world Amber has constructed starts to crumble. As suspicions spread like wildfire and fear grips the campus, Amber becomes determined to uncover the truth behind the deaths. She notices an unsettling pattern—each victim was someone she had argued with or felt betrayed by in some way. The deeper she digs, the more the clues seem to implicate her closest friends, until she’s left isolated and paranoid. When the shocking reality is unveiled, Amber discovers a truth more horrifying than she could have imagined. Dark, chilling, and deeply psychological, this tale of fractured identity and buried trauma will leave readers questioning the limits of the human mind and the power of the past to shape the present.

Blurb "She was perfect—confident, untouchable, a girl who had it all. Until he came along and shattered every illusion she hid behind. He exposed the cracks in her flawless world, forcing her to face the insecurities she buried for years. But he wasn’t unscathed either. Beneath his cold exterior lay scars deeper than he’d ever admit. She was his light, and he was her storm. Together, they could heal—or destroy each other completely."

In "A Map of Scars", this powerful and evocative collection of poems, the speaker embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Through raw and unflinching language, the poems explore the darker corners of the human experience, laying bare the scars of grief, loss, and pain. From the haunting echoes of sorrow to the tentative whispers of hope, these poems chart a course through the turbulent waters of the soul. With unflinching honesty and vulnerability, the speaker confronts the shadows of their own psyche, and in doing so, creates a map of scars that becomes a testament to the human capacity for resilience and transformation. Through the poems in this collection, the speaker invites the reader to join them on this journey of self-discovery, to bear witness to the pain and the beauty, and to find solace in the knowledge that they are not alone in their struggles. "A Map of Scars" is a powerful and moving collection of poems that will resonate with anyone who has ever known pain, loss, or sorrow. It is a testament to the human spirit's ability to heal, to transform, and to find hope in the darkest of places.

Tsukiko once believed in love—until betrayal shattered her world. Now, she guards her heart behind a wall of thorns, focusing solely on her rising career. Love is a risk she refuses to take again. Haruki, a nature photographer haunted by his past, never expected to be drawn to someone like Tsukiko. Yet, from the moment their paths crossed, he found himself captivated—not just by her beauty but by the quiet strength beneath her guarded exterior. What begins as reluctant companionship slowly grows into something deeper. Through fleeting moments, stolen glances, and unspoken words, Haruki chips away at Tsukiko’s defenses. But their love is tested by ghosts of the past—his lingering guilt, her unhealed wounds, and a truth that threatens to break them apart. Like a flower pushing through the cracks of a hardened earth, love begins to bloom again. But can they nurture it, or will it wither under the weight of old scars? A heartfelt journey of love, loss, and healing, Blooming Through the Thorns is a story about finding the courage to embrace love again—even when the past threatens to pull you back.

Julian Moreau has built a life of wealth and prestige, a dazzling empire born from ambition and sacrifice. But beneath the gilded veneer lies a man tormented by expectations—his mother's relentless demand for a family and his own inability to envision a life beyond his business. The hollow luxury of his existence is shattered one fateful night when an accident nearly claims his life, and a mysterious young woman named Isabella risks everything to save him. Isabella, a selfless girl from a humble background, is thrust into Julian's world of opulence after a desperate plea from his mother, Cilla Moreau. With the promise of money that could change her family's life, Isabella agrees to marry Julian, a man she barely knows. As she steps into the grandeur of the Moreau estate, Isabella is faced with the enormity of her decision—and the daunting task of breaking through Julian's guarded heart. Bound by a sense of duty, a promise, and an unexpected act of courage, Julian and Isabella are thrown together in a world neither fully understands. Can love grow in the shadow of an arrangement built on desperation? And will Julian find the courage to confront the emptiness within him before it’s too late? "The Scars We Carry" is a poignant tale of redemption, resilience, and the transformative power of love, where two lives collide in the unlikeliest of circumstances, and fate tests the limits of their hearts..

The scar you gave and still giving my name is Aileen Quinn, my dream is to travel abroad why? because I want to get my mom out of their claws. who are they? the richest people in this city. though their house is made up of gold we give fire to refine their gold. .............................. today I had the chance to travel abroad, wow I am on the plane, the excitement that brew my heart turned into regrets. the moment I got off the plane I was robbed and left wanting by the police. ... thank goodness there is my savior "you thought I was your savior? me!!! the police here don't like me. I visit them more often than I do my books for a high school student, and they love me for my presence. that place is like my second home" indeed he wasn't joking because of him my passport was ceased they don't trust him.......... now what will I do in this foreign land This cover does not belong to me

Nas falas originais do romance, eu era uma vilã – usada como instrumento político por meu pai e meu irmão mais velho – que acabou morrendo nas mãos de meu futuro marido. Para salvar seu reino, meu pai implorou desesperadamente ao meu quinto noivo que me casasse. O problema é que o homem com quem devo me casar, o lendário cavaleiro do Norte, é o mesmo homem que acabará assassinando a mim e a toda a minha família. Tenho que encontrar uma maneira de sobreviver. Dentro do próprio romance, há muitos desafios assustadores pela frente: tenho que encontrar uma maneira de salvar a irmã mais nova do meu marido, conquistar o meu marido de coração frio e ganhar o apoio do povo do Norte, todos os quais atualmente Me despreza. "Eu estou apaixonado por você!" Então, por favor, não me mate!

"She needed a solution, any exit out. He needed just someone to do nothing else but believe in him. Together, they broke the walls of insecurities around them, then and only then did they found the courage to face and rewrite their stories." Ava Mitchell is on a cross road where desperation sets in, and all she has in mind is to save her family from nothing, but financial ruin. When luck shone on her, and she’s offered the opportunity to work as the personal assistant to Lucas Blackwood, a reclusive tech billionaire with a reputation for being not only cold, but also unapproachable, she was left with no choice but to accept. Lucas, over the years had built a great empire, but his success was nothing to him because of his tragic past, a secret he promised himself to keep hidden forever. When a dangerous scandal threatens all he has worked for, especially his company, Lucas was left with no choice other than take drastic measures, which one of them is making Ava an offer: pretend for some time to be his fiancée for the purpose of silencing the rumors and restore his public image. As Ava and Lucas brass up to navigate their fake relationship, unquechable sparks begin flying, and the irresistible walls they built around themselves crumble. But when Lucas’s past, with its ugly nature collides with their new found fragile bond, Ava must make her own decision, whether to fighting with all her being for the man behind the ugly mask or walk away without looking back before she loses herself in the fight completely.

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