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Echoes of an Empire

Synopsis of Echoes of an Empire Echoes of an Empire is a historical novel chronicling the rise, dominance, and eventual decline of Pakistan’s most influential business empires. Spanning over a century, it tells the intertwined stories of six prominent business families: the Adamjee Group, Hashwani Group, Saigol Group, Fateh Group, Kohinoor Maple Leaf Group, and Ittefaq Group. Each of these families played a pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s economic landscape, their successes symbolizing the nation’s industrial progress and their struggles reflecting its political and social turbulence. Echoes of an Empire is a gripping historical novel that chronicles the rise and fall of Pakistan’s most influential business empires: the Adamjee, Hashwani, Saigol, Fateh, Kohinoor Maple Leaf, and Ittefaq groups. Spanning over a century, the novel weaves together the personal struggles, family conflicts, and ambitious dreams of these business dynasties as they navigate the country’s shifting political and economic landscape. From the Adamjee Group’s pioneering role in the textile and jute industries to the Ittefaq Group’s dominance in steel and their complex ties with politics, the novel captures the highs and lows of entrepreneurial ambition. With political upheavals, nationalization, and internal family rivalries threatening their legacies, these families face immense challenges as they strive to maintain their empires. At its core, Echoes of an Empire is a tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring impact of these industrial giants on Pakistan’s economy. It offers a compelling exploration of ambition, legacy, and the intricate relationship between business and politics, leaving readers to ponder the cost of power and the legacy of those who shaped the nation’s industrial future. --- The Hashwani Group: Building a Hospitality Empire Next, the novel delves into the journey of Sadruddin Hashwani, a dynamic entrepreneur who transformed his modest cotton trading business into a hospitality powerhouse. The Hashwani Group became synonymous with luxury through its Pearl-Continental and Marriott hotel chains, redefining Pakistan’s tourism industry. Set against the backdrop of political instability and terrorism in the 1980s and 1990s, the Hashwani family’s resilience shines through. The narrative captures their ability to navigate crises while maintaining their business integrity, symbolizing Pakistan’s potential for perseverance and excellence. --- The Saigol Group: Innovators in Industry The Saigol Group emerges as a beacon of industrial innovation. Originating in the early 20th century, the family expanded from textiles into chemicals, electronics, and power generation. Their establishment of Pak Elektron Limited (PEL) marked a significant milestone in Pakistan’s industrialization. Through the Saigol family’s story, the novel examines the balance between tradition and modernization. Internal family dynamics, generational clashes over business strategies, and the challenges of staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market are central themes. The Saigols’ narrative underscores the importance of innovation and adaptability in sustaining long-term success. --- The Fateh Group: Titans of Textile The Fateh Group, founded by Haji Mohammad Ilyas, became a leading textile manufacturer in the 1950s, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s export economy. Their commitment to quality and innovation allowed them to dominate the textile sector for decades. However, financial mismanagement and external economic pressures in the 1990s led to their decline. The novel portrays the family’s struggle to maintain their legacy amidst mounting debts and internal disagreements. It serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of over-expansion and the importance of strategic foresight in business. --- The Kohinoor Maple Leaf Group: Masters of Diversification The Kohinoor Maple Leaf Group, spearhead
FarheenSadiq · 13K Views

Reformation: Southern Knight

In a world where magic thrives and mythical beasts lurk in the shadows, Tohgi Akura is born into the unforgiving southern district of Vandekar, a lawless land ruled by bandits and plagued by poverty. Despite his humble beginnings, Tohgi harbors an audacious dream: to achieve that dream he must become a Knight, a title synonymous with honor, power, and nobility. His raw talent rivals the elite, but his lack of noble heritage leaves him scorned by the privileged. Yet, Tohgi’s unwavering determination and resilience catch the attention of influential figures who see potential in the unrefined boy. With their assistance, Tohgi rises through the ranks, challenging a society built to keep people like him in the dirt. But ambition has its price. As Tohgi carves his path toward greatness, his defiance against the status quo ignites conflicts that spiral into devastating wars. In his quest to protect those he loves and what he stands for, Tohgi must grapple with the weight of his choices and the sacrifices demanded by his legacy. Will Tohgi Akura go down in history as a hero, a tyrant or just another man. His story is one of ambition, loyalty, and the unrelenting cost of dreams. Do not hesitate to comment your thoughts at any point in the story, it would bring me great joy to be able to interact with readers of my work. I hope to see you on the other side. PS: Bold text indicates the use of magic, parenthesis () indicates thought. Thank you! Enjoy! :)
Tedag_Pen · 18.9K Views

Tale of the Mythical Beast Tamer

In a realm where humanity’s survival hinges on taming the primordial beasts that rule land, sea, and sky, ten-year-old Kai is branded a failure after bonding with a pitiful Rock Sparrow—a creature synonymous with weakness. But when Kai awakens a forbidden gift, **Beast Insight**, he uncovers the truth: even the lowliest beasts harbor mythic potential. Armed with the ability to see evolution paths invisible to others, Kai embarks on a perilous quest to transform his sparrow into a legendary Skyfeather Roc. Yet the materials he needs lie in the deadliest corners of the world: Stormheart Crystals guarded by tempests, Phoenix Down plucked from ashes of rebirth, and Essence of Gale siphoned from the lungs of hurricanes. Along the way, he forges bonds with misfit beasts discarded by society—a scarred Azure Wolf, a flame-drained Salamander, and a tree spirit cursed with rot—each hiding secrets only Kai can unlock. But power attracts envy. Ruthless Tamers, greedy nobles, and ancient beasts who resent humanity’s arrogance conspire to crush him. As Kai defies the limits of what a Tamer can achieve, he unravels a darker truth: the line between “tamer” and “beast” is thinner than anyone dares admit. And the gods who forged these bonds are watching… ***Tame or be tamed?*** In this epic saga of growth, betrayal, and soaring ambition, Kai will rewrite the laws of evolution—or become another cautionary tale in humanity’s fragile reign. --- **Tagline:** *"Weakness is an illusion. Every beast—and every soul—has a path to godhood."*
Nep_Facts · 1.9K Views

Come, Just as You Are

Dear Diary, What is going on!? Am I seeing things- are my eyes going bad!? I keep on seeing these gray hazy shapes beside people! And no, they're definitely not shadows! They shape is completely different from what it's next to- well, most of the time. I'll just ignore it and maybe it'll go away. -Week later- Dear Diary and my sanity if it's listening, Things are going from delusional to outright cuckoo crazy! I swear I saw a face in the gray globs I've been seeing, but it wasn't scary or anything, it was like catching the face of an angel. And it wasn't like he had perfect features or anything, but his eyes. The care and heartfelt love in them was so... unbelievable? I guess? I can't explain it... I can neither explain what I saw today, but it wasn't the sort of spooky but endearing sort of thing I saw yesterday, but a bewildering (?, yeah, I would put it that way) scene of a witch riding on a broom through out traffic on the highway. Every once in a while, she would disappear into one of the cars and then jump into another one. Strangely enough, after she came out, most of the people driving would either start becoming careless or be shooting off their horn at another car. I am seriously considering going to see a psychiatrist, but I don't want to explain why to my dad, so I'll just ignore it for now. Surely, it'll go away!? -Week later- Dear Diary!!! It hasn't gone away!!!! It's getting worse!! I keep on seeing roads disappearing and being replaced with wide open fields as if no man has touched it before! Not only that, sometimes I see part of a building missing as if a line was drawn straight down in a clean cut and a forest begins as if it was natural! I've been keeping my distance from these strange things I've seen, but now I wonder if I should investigate? I picked a flower from one of my 'hallucinations' and it was real! Maybe, the rest is real too? Could it be possible? But if it is, why did it have to be me? I'm just a normal girl in high school trying to graduate so I can go to college with a dance scholarship. Maybe go on a few dates or see if Sean would help me find a guy from the soccer team? They are so hot! Isn't that hard enough for a girl? -Couple of days later- Dear Diary!!!!!! I have HUGE NEWS! I'm not crazy after all, I actually found someone who gave me some answers! His name... did I ask him? I'm sure I did, but I don't remember! Darn my horrible memory that acts like a willful child choosing what it wants and doesn't! Anyway, I atleast remember the most important thing- I'm not crazy! So it turns out, I came across our forgotten world. Or should I say kingdom. Anyway, he tried to explain that the world is like a coin with 2 faces on it- same world but two parts that can't face each other. Although, we did at one point, but that was before the rebellion and this really evil guy took a third of the kingdom to go up against the king. He didn't win though and retreated. .... but then, what was it? He put out a bet to the king? or something? Ah, faulty memory, I'll have to ask again. But in the long run- he and his minions are fighting the King and his loyal people for our world.... or something. I don't think it has anything to do with me, I'll just enjoy the new scenery I get to see now. -Couple of Months Later- "EXCUSE ME!? You want me to do WHAT NOW!? I must've heard you wrong!"
Smile_4_Life · 4.8K Views

Duality of Shadows

In a world where everyone is a slave, someone is born who cannot be controlled. At the same time, an unstoppable villain rises on a quest for revenge. But the truth is darker than he ever imagined, and now he must face an unbeatable enemy — including himself. *** Bruno was a young man born on Earth, the son of an influential modern Emperor. Despite having everything money could buy and receiving the best and most rigorous training to succeed his father, he chose the opposite path, defying his family’s ruthless rule. The price of his innocence? A merciless death and the complete erasure of his existence by the deity controlling his fate. On Earth, the law of the powerful was absolute; a slave could never rebel. But then, he wakes up again. He’s reborn in a world of cultivation, where freedom was promised to those strong enough to claim it. Now, he could soar like a free bird and carve his own destiny... or so he thought. The harsh reality of this new world soon showed him how insignificant he still was. He realized he had only changed masters. The freedom he sought was an illusion. The heavenly laws treated everyone as servants, and their rules were unbreakable. Bruno learned this bitter truth after losing everything that made him happy due to an unjust rule. But who was he to question? Hopeless, Bruno died... and was reborn as Alm, an unstoppable villain. With a soul poisoned by pain and vengeance, he sowed chaos across the universe. Planets were destroyed, countless lives taken, and his name became synonymous with terror. A hero rose to oppose him, wielding a sacred sword of hope. People from all corners of the universe united against Alm, raising their voices and weapons to stop the villain who defied the heavens. But Alm was no longer just fighting for revenge. He was challenging the heavenly laws that sought to control him, fighting fate and all living beings. And against all odds... the sacred sword shattered. The alliance of the entire universe was defeated. The villain won! Now, Alm found himself alone in the empty void of a dead universe, facing his own inner demons. Who could be more ruthless to him than himself? “What have I done?” At that moment, the doors of truth opened to him. Everyone was a puppet of a supreme figure, an entity that manipulated minds and even the heavenly laws. “I will find you, no matter where you are!” Thus, the last emissary of the true Heaven’s Will awakened. Alm, who once only relied on his sheer will and rage, now had a system to guide him. But his opponent was an immortal existence, above even the heavens. The villain who destroyed an entire universe now faced a new beginning. He discovered that the universe he devastated was just a tiny grain of sand in an infinite cosmos, where countless other universes existed. And so begins the legendary tale of the villain’s rise... and the Sacred Round God? A strange Duality of Shadows existed within one person. But this time, he wouldn’t be alone. *** To clear up any potential confusion or frustration, here are some key points about the story. I’ll avoid major spoilers, but a few things will be revealed. You might find this concerning at first, but just check the book cover—it shows the main character and his only partner. She first appears at 10 years old, but rest assured, there’s no inappropriate content or early romance. At around 13, SHE starts developing feelings for the protagonist, but he doesn’t respond until she’s an adult. With her determined personality, she tries to seduce him at 17/18, but it doesn’t work. Their relationship only happens much later. The book has nods to other works, with my own spin on them, and focuses on avoiding elements I find problematic in other stories. Lastly, the beautiful book cover was commissioned and created by HDIArt.
Suiyan · 653.2K Views

Divine Ascension: Rise of the Wild Card

When the gods grew bored of eternity, they create the Trials of Ascension....a deadly game where humanity’s strongest are summoned to compete for the ultimate prize;immortality and divine favor. But for Elias, a seemingly ordinary orphan boy chosen to join the trials, his journey ends before it even begins. He was killed in an accident before even entering the game, his soul should have been erased. Instead, Elias returns, resurrected by the power of the Aether Core....an ancient power that predates the gods themselves. The Aether Core doesn’t just bring him back...it makes him a wildcard, unbound by the rules of the divine. Now armed with forbidden powers, Elias must navigate a world of ruthless contestants, monstrous foes, and jealous gods who see him as a threat to their order. As he rises through the brutal ranks, Elias begins to uncover the truth about the Trials. The gods want him erased. The other contestants want him dead. But as Elias masters the Aether Core’s abilities.....absorbing powers from fallen foes and challenging the divine itself....he realizes the Trials aren’t just a game to survive. They’re a war to win. And Elias may be the only one capable of shattering the chains binding both mortals and immortals alike. But every victory comes at a cost, and the Aether Core whispers of a darker purpose. With every power Elias claims, he inches closer to losing himself. As rivalries turn into alliances, betrayals, and outright war, Elias must decide: Will he become humanity’s savior? Or the force that dooms them all? [Ding!] [Initializing....] [Welcome player 223] [You have been chosen!] [Welcome to the game of the gods!] ................... A.N: Well, this is my first book, reviews and feedback will be very much appreciated. Add to library and gift power stone
Third_Eyed · 15.7K Views

By Blood and Ashes

In the heart of the empire, House Velcraven stood as a legend of power, feared for their dark blood magic and ruthless might. Their name was synonymous with strength, their red eyes a mark of nobility, and their rituals a gateway to unearthly force. At the center of their bloodline was Katherine, the youngest heir, born under a prophecy that declared her the future of her house. Her birth was marked by tragedy: her mother perished in childbirth, a sign of strength according to Velcraven tradition, for to kill in birth was to claim dominion. Yet this triumph was short-lived. When Katherine completed her Rite of Passage—drinking the blood of her ancestors—she gained the power of twenty men, but at a price: her very life would now depend on the blood she drained from others. No longer could she live in peace; she must feed or succumb to death. But the day of her ascension brought more than just power. She began seeing visions—cryptic whispers from the past, a woman shrouded in shadows, who seemed to be her long-dead ancestor. The woman shows her a vision of destruction, and of a war that would tear her house apart. Before Katherine could warn her family, the great houses of the empire, in league with the emperor himself, set their treacherous scheme in motion. Stormhold, the Velcraven ancestral castle, was engulfed in flames. Her father, seeing her gift as a sign of ancient power, managed to send Katherine away in secret, safeguarding the last hope of the Velcraven bloodline. But her family stayed behind to face the slaughter, their names lost to the ravages of war. Alone in a foreign land, Katherine must learn to survive, to feed, and to rebuild her house to its former glory. The blood of her ancestors courses through her veins, guiding her path as she seeks vengeance against the cowardly houses that betrayed her—and the emperor who plotted her house’s downfall. With visions haunting her every step and the weight of her lineage upon her shoulders, Katherine will carve her way through a world that knows nothing of House Velcraven and everything of its wrath.
RyoInThaBassu · 821 Views

Turning the Tide: Reclaiming $26,000 from Binary FX

When I first deposited funds into Binary FX, the process was seamless, and they were quick to accept my money without hesitation. However, everything changed when I attempted to withdraw my funds. What initially appeared to be a straightforward process turned into a nightmare. Withdrawal requests were repeatedly delayed or outright ignored. Despite countless attempts to contact their customer support team, I was met with vague replies or no assistance at all. It felt like they had disappeared, leaving me stranded and frustrated. Losing $26,000 wasn’t just a financial blow, it was emotionally devastating. I had placed my trust in this platform, recommended by a friend since high school, believing it was a sound investment. Instead, I found myself entangled in a seemingly impossible situation. I tried every avenue of emails, calls, and relentless follow-ups—but each attempt only underscored the extent of the problem. It became evident that this company had no intention of fulfilling its promises. At my lowest point, a relative suggested I reach out to Digital resolution services. Initially, I was skeptical, uncertain if recovery was even possible after such an ordeal. Still, I decided to give it a chance, and that choice marked a turning point. The team at Digital resolution services was nothing short of remarkable. Their expertise, professionalism, and dedication stood out immediately. They guided me through the intricate process of reclaiming my funds, offering strategic advice and practical solutions I hadn’t considered before. Throughout the journey, they kept me informed and reassured, ensuring I never felt alone in the fight. Thanks to their relentless efforts, I successfully recovered my $26,000. The relief was immense, and I am profoundly grateful for their support. Beyond recovering my money, they restored my confidence that even the most challenging situations can be resolved with the right help. I cannot thank Digital resolution services enough for their invaluable assistance and for turning a hopeless situation into a success story. You can reach out to them if you ever find yourself in a situation like that, I guarantee you they will help. Contact Digital Resolution Services: Website: digitalresolutionservices.com Email: digitalresolutionservices@myself.com WhatsApp: +1 (361) 260-8628 Sincerely, Cliff Mondy
Cliff_Mondy · 494 Views

Sovereign of the Heavenly Sword

In the world of Tianxia, where martial arts and magic reign supreme, Lin Tian, a young and ambitious swordsman, sets out on a journey to become the strongest warrior in the world. With his trusty sword, the Heavenly Sword, by his side, Lin Tian embarks on a quest to master the ancient art of swordsmanship and become the Sovereign of the Heavenly Sword. His ultimate goal is to ascend to a higher world, a realm of true power and divinity, where he will become a god. As he journeys through the cultivation world, Lin Tian is joined by a group of beautiful and powerful women, each with their own unique abilities and strengths. Together, they form a formidable team, taking on the toughest challenges and overcoming incredible odds. With his swordsmanship skills and his harem by his side, Lin Tian battles against powerful enemies, ancient clans, and mysterious organizations. He must navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries between powerful cultivators, ancient clans, and mysterious organizations. As Lin Tian grows in power and influence, he becomes known as the Sword Emperor, a legendary warrior feared and respected by all. His name becomes synonymous with bravery, strength, and unwavering dedication. But Lin Tian's journey is not without its challenges. He must confront his own limitations, overcome his own doubts and fears, and make impossible choices that will determine the fate of the world. Will Lin Tian be able to overcome the challenges ahead, become the Sovereign of the Heavenly Sword, and ascend to a higher world with his harem? Or will the dangers of the cultivation world prove too great for him to overcome? Sovereign of the Heavenly Sword is a fantasy novel that combines elements of martial arts, magic, and harem romance. With its epic scope, memorable characters, and heart-pumping action sequences, this novel is sure to captivate fans of fantasy and adventure.
zxn_xiao · 10K Views

Seclusion System: Exile to Ascendance

{On hiatus} {Not Dropped} {go check out my other book:- "Tower: Rebirth of the Absolute Demon"} If you're reading this, chances are you’re drawn to the allure of Eastern-themed stories... tales of ancient clans, mystical arts, and the relentless pursuit of immortality. Now, imagine waking up one day to find yourself reincarnated into the very world you’ve always longed to experience, A world where martial prowess and cultivation define one’s destiny. You’ve been reborn into one of the four major clans, a place of power, prestige, and unimaginable resources. It’s everything you’ve ever wanted. Or so it seems. But there's a cruel twist to this dream-like fate. Despite being surrounded by unparalleled talent and limitless potential, you discover that you can't cultivate. Not a single trace of spiritual energy will respond to your call. In a world where the strong thrive and the weak perish, you're nothing more than a powerless mortal. Imagine the scorn you’d face... every sneer, every whispered insult, every condescending gaze. As the sole member of your clan who cannot harness the power of the elements, you become the laughingstock, the shame of a family that has produced immortal powerhouses for millennia. Would you still cling to this world, or would you long for the ordinary life you once knew? For Feng Chen, this nightmare was a living reality. Born into the revered Feng Clan, his destiny was supposed to be one of greatness. Yet, for 14 excruciating years, he struggled in vain, unable to cultivate even the smallest amount of spiritual energy. Every day was a reminder of his inadequacy, every encounter a painful lesson in humility. His name, once spoken with pride, became synonymous with failure... a blemish on the illustrious history of his lineage. Finally, the clan could bear it no longer. Stripped of his name, his rights, and his dignity, Feng Chen was cast out, exiled from the only home he had ever known. With nothing left to live for, he wandered into the wilderness, seeking solitude in a desolate cave where he could quietly fade away from the world that had forsaken him. As he lay on the cold stone, his body broken and his spirit shattered, he closed his eyes, ready to embrace the darkness. But just as the last flicker of hope was about to die out, something extraordinary happened… *Ding!* – Activating Seclusion System! But who would've known... That this System wasn't an Ordinary one Either... ******** [ GRAVE WARNING- this book is only for those who are patient enough.. if u do not have patience, please do not read this book cuz the starting chaps are nothing but to build up story and to test the readers patience.] Just letting you guys know that its a slow paced story with a system that focuses on making its host train in seclusion… but ofcourse thats not all to it as that would make everything so boring no? So expect many adventures… And yes he will have a harem (sigh… poor lil me) yes the System of the story is unique altho seemingly normal at first, it'll show its true colours in the story.. Also, the MC might feel a bit bratty and spoiled at first but trust my cookin.. Upload schedule? 2 chapters everyday! More if u gibe me money ;-; Drop ur comments and reviews btw… votes too… and coins :) *Points a gun at u*
WanderingShadow1 · 784K Views

Silakrov

The dimly lit room was cloaked in a shroud of secrecy, its walls lined with maps, photographs, and cryptic notes that spoke of unseen dangers and tangled networks. The air was thick with the scent of old paper and cigar smoke, remnants of a world where power was wielded in the shadows. In the center of the room stood a figure, his presence commanding and ominous. Ivan Petrov, the feared Russian mafia leader, was a man whose name had become synonymous with fear and control. His reputation for cruelty and cunning was legendary, and his influence extended far beyond the criminal underworld. He was a man who thrived in darkness, pulling the strings of power from behind the scenes. Petrov's gaze was fixed on a map spread out before him, dotted with various locations and coded symbols. His mind was racing, plotting the next move in a game of high-stakes manipulation and deceit. The room's dim lighting cast deep shadows on his face, emphasizing the harsh lines of his expression. "There are always new players on the board," Petrov mused, his voice a low, gravelly whisper. "And every player has a weakness to exploit." Across from him, a shadowy figure emerged from the corner, stepping into the faint light. This was not an ordinary operative; this was a figure of enigma and danger, known only by whispers and rumors. The Broker, a mysterious and elusive figure, was as much a legend as Petrov himself. Their meeting was one of necessity and mutual benefit, but the stakes were high, and trust was a currency neither could afford. "The game is changing, Petrov," The Broker said, their voice carrying a cold, calculated edge. "The dynamics are shifting, and new players are emerging. Your empire is vulnerable." Petrov's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint reflecting in them. "I am aware of the threats," he replied, his tone laced with menace. "But I have survived this long by adapting and eliminating any threat to my power. Tell me what you know." The Broker stepped closer, revealing a set of documents and photographs that detailed a series of operations and individuals connected to a new threat. These were not mere notes but a roadmap to a larger scheme—a scheme that could disrupt the delicate balance of power Petrov had worked so hard to maintain. "This," The Broker said, placing the documents on the table, "is a precursor to what could be a major upheaval. There are those who seek to challenge your position, and they are more dangerous than you might realize. We need to act swiftly and decisively." Petrov studied the documents, his mind working furiously to assess the implications. The stakes had been raised, and the threat was imminent. The world of shadows was never static; it was a realm where power constantly shifted, and the price of failure was unforgiving. "This is not a game for the faint-hearted," Petrov said, his voice taking on a tone of grim resolve. "I will deal with these new threats as I have dealt with all others. But I will need allies and information. Tell me what you require." The Broker's lips curled into a faint smile, a gesture that spoke of hidden agendas and complex alliances. "We need to ensure that we are always a step ahead. I have my own interests and resources, but we must work together to neutralize these threats. The balance of power must be preserved." As they exchanged information and forged an uneasy alliance, the room seemed to close in around them, the weight of their plans and the shadows of their past looming large. The stage was set for a new chapter in a high-stakes game of power and deception, and the consequences of their actions would reverberate through their lives and the lives of those who would become entangled in their web. Unbeknownst to them, the paths they were about to cross would set in motion a series of events that would test their resolve and shape their futures. In the shadows of their pasts and the darkness of their plans, a new narrative was beginning to unfold
Marilyn_Joe · 3.1K Views

The Price of Devotion - A Dark Marriage Between a Vampire and a Human

WARNING: DARK ROMANCE, MATURE The judge's lips curved into a thin, wicked smile as her gaze locked onto Asher. She stepped forward, her black lace gown trailing behind her like a dark, flowing shadow. Beneath the mask that obscured her eyes, something cold and knowing gleamed—a predator sizing up its prey. Asher’s pulse quickened. He hadn’t expected this. No one had. From his seat, Mr. Evergland studied the scene with careful detachment, one hand resting casually on the arm of his throne-like chair. The room was tense, a ripple of hushed murmurs passing through the vampire assembly. Some watched with fascination. Others with growing unease. A few even looked outright afraid. The judge’s voice shattered the silence, calm but laced with a chilling authority. "You’ve made your choice," she said, each word deliberate. "You want to challenge this union, to save your sister... but you offer yourself as the prize. Very well. Let’s make it official." Asher froze, his breath caught in his chest. Official. The word settled over him like an iron weight, suffocating the air in the room. He had walked into this with no plan, no backup—but now it was too late to back down. The judge raised her hand, and the crowd fell into stunned silence. Her voice rang out again, carrying a finality that reverberated through the cold marble walls. "Tonight, Asher of the Kapella family," she declared, her tone unwavering, "you will not only interrupt our ceremony—you will replace it. We will honor the bond you’ve offered, and in doing so, I will bind you to me." A collective gasp swept through the room. Eyes flicked nervously between Asher and the judge. He could feel the weight of every gaze, but his own mind was spinning. This can’t be happening. This wasn’t part of the plan. "What do you mean?" he stammered, panic creeping into his voice. He had thought he was making a stand, but now it felt like the ground was slipping out from under him. "I... I didn’t mean—" The judge’s smile deepened, cruel and sharp. She tilted her head, as if savoring his discomfort. "Did you really think there would be no consequences?" she asked, her voice silk over steel. "You’ve disrupted our world, Asher. You’ve made your offer, and now... you’ll fulfill it. In the most fitting way." ______ In the desolate world of Rakan, the Evergland Clan reigns supreme as the most powerful royal vampire family. In a bid to secure an alliance, they seek a marriage candidate for their son and turn to the most coveted human family in the land, the Kapellas, who, despite their status, live in poverty and misfortune. This human family consists of a widowed mother, an eldest daughter, and two sons: the youngest son, who is mute, and the eldest son, Asher, who is terminally ill. The Evergland Clan arranges a grand dinner and ball to unite the families. Though the eldest daughter, the family’s pillar of strength, has already found love with another human, she is nonetheless chosen to marry the vampire heir. Bound by duty but conflicted by her heart, she is set to fulfill the Evergland Clan’s wishes. During the proceedings, Asher, determined to protect his sister from a loveless union, takes a bold step. He interrupts the wedding and takes over, giving himself up to a mysterious women. Unaware of the consequences this declaration will bring, Asher unknowingly opens the door to a fate far darker than he could have anticipated.
Ky_Sade · 11.1K Views
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