Derek Shepard

Derek McCoy era um homem que passou a vida inteira enfrentando adversidades e injustiças. Depois de ser forçado a se contentar com sobreviver em vez de viver, ele finalmente encontrou seu lugar no mundo, até que tudo foi tirado dele uma última vez. Após perder sua vida para vingar seu irmão assassinado, ele reencarna até encontrar um mundo digno de se viver, um mundo cheio de magia e monstros. Acompanhe-o em sua jornada, de irmão enlutado a soldado alienígena. De bebê a Mago Supremo. ------------------------------------------- Tags: Transmigração, Protagonista Masculino, Fantasia Ocidental Cronograma: 12 capítulos/semana (a menos que eu esteja doente ou aconteça algo) Comprimento do Capítulo: 1200 - 1400 palavras Aviso: O protagonista não é um herói nem um anti-herói. Ele é uma pessoa quebrada, cínica e misantropa em busca apenas de seu próprio benefício. Se você procura um protagonista bondoso e tolerante que vai por aí salvando pessoas em perigo, este não é o seu tipo de história. O mesmo vale se você deseja um protagonista imutável e sem desenvolvimento de personagem.

After obtaining the Mech Designer System, Ves aims to create the greatest mechs in the galaxy! In the far future, the galactic human civilization has entered the Age of Mechs. The countless lesser powers of humanity have come to adopt mechs as their main weapons of war. Only a small number of humans have the right genetic aptitude to pilot these destructive war machines the size of buildings. Born to a military family in the edge of the galaxy, Ves Larkinson is one of the many people who lacks the talent to earn glory in battle. Instead, he became a mech designer. Helped by his missing father, Ves has obtained the mysterious Mech Designer System that can help him rise in the galaxy and beyond. His mechs based on the principles of life quickly allows him to rise to prominence. Powerful and highly compatible with mech pilots, his products have the potential to take the market by storm. However, success does not come easily, and countless challenges bar his ability to sell his mechs to a market eager for innovation! With the sins of the human race in the galactic arena slowly catching up, Ves must navigate the perils of the ultra-competitive mech market and maintain control over his growing organization of misfits. This is the golden age of mechs. This is the golden age of humanity. The question is, will it last? "Any challenge can be overcome as long as I design the right mech!" --Join The Mech Touch's unofficial Discord server! https://discord.gg/APB5KCU --Follow my Instagram and Twitter! https://www.instagram.com/mlduong https://twitter.com/MLDuong --Cover Art by Derek-Paul Carll (carlldpn) --The Mech Touch is an original webnovel written by ML "Exlor" Duong. The Mech Touch is mainly published on Webnovel.com and a select few platforms affiliated with the parent company of this website.

Nachdem Ves das Mech-Designer-System erhalten hat, will er die besten Mechs der Galaxie erschaffen! In der fernen Zukunft hat die galaktische menschliche Zivilisation das Zeitalter der Mechs erreicht. Die zahllosen niederen Mächte der Menschheit haben sich Mechs als ihre wichtigsten Kriegswaffen zugelegt. Nur wenige Menschen haben die richtige genetische Veranlagung, um diese zerstörerischen Kriegsmaschinen von der Größe von Gebäuden zu steuern. Ves Larkinson, der aus einer Militärfamilie am Rande der Galaxis stammt, ist einer der vielen Menschen, denen das Talent fehlt, sich in der Schlacht Ruhm zu verdienen. Stattdessen wurde er Mech-Konstrukteur. Mit Hilfe seines verschwundenen Vaters ist Ves in den Besitz des geheimnisvollen Mech-Designer-Systems gelangt, mit dem er in der Galaxie und darüber hinaus aufsteigen kann. Seine Mechs, die auf den Prinzipien des Lebens basieren, ermöglichen ihm einen schnellen Aufstieg. Seine leistungsstarken und mit Mech-Piloten bestens kompatiblen Produkte haben das Potenzial, den Markt im Sturm zu erobern. Doch der Erfolg stellt sich nicht von selbst ein, und unzählige Herausforderungen erschweren es ihm, seine Mechs auf einem Markt zu verkaufen, der nach Innovationen lechzt! Während die Sünden der menschlichen Rasse in der galaktischen Arena langsam aufholen, muss Ves die Gefahren des ultrakompetitiven Mech-Marktes meistern und die Kontrolle über seine wachsende Organisation von Außenseitern behalten. Dies ist das goldene Zeitalter der Mechs. Es ist das goldene Zeitalter der Menschheit. Die Frage ist nur, ob es von Dauer sein wird. "Jede Herausforderung kann überwunden werden, solange ich den richtigen Mech entwerfe!" --https://discord.gg/APB5KCU --Folgt mir auf Instagram und Twitter! https://www.instagram.com/mlduong https://twitter.com/MLDuong --Cover Art von Derek-Paul Carll (carlldpn) --The Mech Touch ist ein origineller Webroman, geschrieben von ML "Exlor" Duong. The Mech Touch wird hauptsächlich auf Webnovel.com und einigen wenigen Plattformen veröffentlicht, die mit der Muttergesellschaft dieser Website verbunden sind.

Derek McCoy was a man who spent his entire life facing adversity and injustice. After being forced to settle with surviving rather than living, he had finally found his place in the world, until everything was taken from him one last time. After losing his life to avenge his murdered brother, he reincarnates until he finds a world worth living in, a world filled with magic and monsters. Follow him along his journey, from grieving brother to alien soldier. From infant to Supreme Magus. ------------------------------------------- Tags: Transmigration, Male MC, Western Fantasy Schedule: 12 chapters/week (unless I'm ill or stuff happens) Chapter Lenght: 1200 - 1400 words Warning: The MC is not a hero nor an anti-hero. He is a broken, cynic and misanthropic person looking only for his own gain. If you are looking for a forgiving, nice, MC that goes around saving people in distress, this is not your cup of tea. Same if you want an unchanging MC with no character development. ------------------------------------------- Discord Server: https://discord.gg/suprememagus ---------------------------------------- Cover of Tiamat form Lith Verhen by josh groban aka manohar aka Animustw. My new Pfp was made by Josh (same as above). Visit the official discord for his official portraits of the characters.

Diego Smith a junior in college moves into a dorm and meets Derek Scott a senior. A couple months later Diego and Derek show Markus Wilson a junior, to Alexander Sukprasert a senior, A couple weeks later a new kid by the name Harrison Hill a junior moves into a dorm but is forced to be a roommate with a gay guy named Johnathan Miller a senior because there are no single bedrooms left, Will they hate each other or will they learn to live with each other? Trigger warnings Depression Borderline Personality Disorder Murder Death Graphic Sex Profanity Child Abuse Sexual assault Homophobia

Tara has given it her all, taking care of Derek and being a devoted house wife. But he takes it all for granted, and brings home his first love one sudden day. He even goes as far as divorcing Tara, just so he can be with his lover. Seven years later and Tara returns with her smart and handsome son, Richard. Derek is jealous and wants to take him from her. He is even desperate as to make Tara his wife again. "No. We are over, Derek. You will not take my baby away from me. Go back to your mistress." He is going to do everything he can to take her back, but what he doesn't know is that there is another billionaire out there who is madly in love with Tara and her amazing baby.

When Skye's boyfriend of five years, Derek, breaks up with her out of the blue during their wedding preparations, it feels like her whole world is crumbling. That is, until she happens upon a notebook containing what looks like magic spells. With nothing left to lose and in need of a distraction, Skye tries a spell...

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be known that this book wouldn't have made it this far without the support my dear writing buddy Rachel E. Canton who is a great writer of SINS OF THE SERAPHIM - https://www.webnovel.com/book/sins-of-the-seraphim_26438336605116805 and Derek J. Perna To Rachel & Derek, Thank you for everything! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When the last heir of Ardel lost everything, fate would bring her to her rightful protector. Anna Adhemar, the forgotten princess, found herself betrayed by the Regent. Hunted by the Bargesians and the ruthless slave traders, she desperately fled for her life. Rescued by a mysterious man, her newfound safety was short-lived as she succumbed to a potent aphrodisiac. Then, she awoke in the arms of the fearsome Knight Commander of Gerhard, stripped bare, in a foreign kingdom. Fear, confusion, and a sense of profound devastation enveloped her. But the man before her declared, "I am your husband. I married you last night." Then, with unwavering determination, he vowed, " You're my woman now. No one can hurt my woman." --- Kyren Raychard, the Crown Prince who had chosen to forsake the throne and became celibate, led the Knights of Gerhard to safeguard his kingdom’s border from slave trading activities. Outside his camp, he found Anna poisoned and delirious. The healer informed him of the only cure, of which he must race against time to give and honour her. For the first time, he felt an overwhelming instinct to protect and claim her as his own. Unaware of his deepening affection, he belatedly realised his feelings as he stood on the brink of losing her. Bound by a soul-binding spell, their fates intertwined…

The world is a battlefield, where the powerful prey on the weak and unlucky. Amidst all the violence and suffering, there are those who refuse to give up, who continue to fight for what is right. Derek Owems and Alexander Majes once lived fairly peaceful lives until a storm of misfortune tore through their worlds, intertwining their paths on a dire and fateful journey. In search of a better life, they joined the Ranks of Azma, determined to use their strength to protect the helpless and those they care about. But Fate is unpredictable. Their path through the Ranks of Azma revealed a deeper meaning to their lives, as they found themselves facing the cruelty of the corrupt systems of the Kingdom of Azma. Their lives now full of twists and turns, their strength and determination are put to the test. Now they must fight to overcome the obstacles in their path or be overwhelmed. Becoming a Hero is a tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the unyielding spirit of two men determined to forge a better path—one battle at a time.

"Ariel's wedding day turns into a nightmare when she discovers her adopted mother's dead body and is framed for the crime. But that's only the beginning. Betrayed by her best friend and mate, Ariel loses everything, including her unborn child. Consumed by a thirst for revenge, she makes a pact with Alpha Derek, the ruthless prince of the Shadow Pack. As she navigates the treacherous world of werewolf politics, Ariel must confront the darkness within herself and the prophecy that threatens to destroy her. Will she claim her true powers and exact revenge, or will she become the Alpha King's next victim?"

"Love in Full Color" is a heartwarming romance novel that follows the journey of Lila, a talented and aspiring artist navigating love, loss, and self-discovery. After a painful breakup with her ex-boyfriend Evan, Lila finds herself at a crossroads, questioning her artistic passion and her sense of identity. That's when she meets Derek, a charming and free-spirited artist who inspires her to take risks and pursue her dreams. As Lila finds herself torn between her lingering feelings for Evan and her growing attraction to Derek, she must confront her fears, insecurities, and doubts. Will she choose the comfort and familiarity of her past, or will she take a chance on a new love and a new future? Through a vibrant and colorful cast of characters, "Love in Full Color" explores themes of love, art, identity, and the power of embracing life's uncertainties.

Framed by his own pack, Derek has no other option than to flee his clan with the chance created with his father's sacrifice. He escaped to a clan far away, and found love but was betrayed by his own mate, who handed him over to his enemies. Will he be able to escape their clutches? And what if the dad he thought dead is still alive. Follow Derek through his journey and experience his world with him.

Derek’s life couldn’t be more ordinary—until the night he wakes up to find a towering, menacing demon ghost claiming to be his clone. Bound by an ancient soul contract, Derek gains the power to control the ghost, opening the door to an extraordinary new world. But power comes with a chilling condition: to grow stronger, Derek must harness the fear of humans.

Nexus Online—a game launched by an unknown publisher—was shunned at first but became the world's most popular phenomenon within a year. From its virtual landscapes, players rose as superstars, industries poured billions into sponsoring high-ranking players, and guilds flourished into powerful factions. But Nexus was no mere game. Slowly, its reality began to seep into the real world. Stats, skills, and items crossed over, creating a global sport—and a new world order. Guilds thrived, corporations strengthened, and humanity stood in awe. But none of it could stop the Fracture, the day the creatures of Nexus broke into reality. Only one person was chosen to stop it, but he failed. Raine Shepard failed. 400 regressions. 400 deaths. 400 failures. He had tried everything—alliances, betrayals, brute force, treasure hunts—but nothing worked. The Fracture always came. On his 400th attempt, broken and on the brink of surrender, Raine awaited death. But as the final blow struck, the treasure bound to him—the Key of Eternity—activated on its own. For the first time in three years, he regressed again. But this time, something was different. “You’re really stubborn, you know that? It seems like you can’t do this alone,” a voice said. A mysterious AI, one that called itself Echo, emerged from the shadows of the Nexus system. It offered him something new: knowledge, guidance, and the possibility of success. The goal? To unlock the Ascendancy Protocol, a mythical program hidden within Nexus Online that could shatter the level cap and grant limitless potential. To achieve it, Raine must take a new path—a path to find the five other Keys of the game hidden deep within Nexus. “Maybe, just maybe, this time I can succeed…” But in a world where the lines between game and reality blur, "maybe" is never a guarantee.

Em uma zona marginalizada, um garoto após ser libertado dos maus-tratos que sofreu, culminando no trágico assassinato de sua mãe. Agora, ele se vê em uma situação desesperadora: precisa encontrar maneiras de levar sua irmã para a cidade central, em busca de uma vida melhor e mais segura.

Um homem acorda no centro de um experimento devastador: uma esfera negra de energia mágica foi implantada em seu corpo, transformando-o em uma arma viva. Perseguido por cientistas inescrupulosos, cavaleiros implacáveis e mercenários, ele precisa lutar por sua sobrevivência enquanto tenta compreender os poderes instáveis que agora o consomem. Determinando acabar com aqueles que o transformaram em cobaia, ele embarca em uma jornada brutal pelas zonas marginais da cidade, enfrentando inimigos formidáveis e revelando segredos sombrios sobre o experimento que pode mudar o destino do mundo. Uma guerra está prestes a explodir, e sua existência é a faísca. No fim, ele deve decidir: será um agente de destruição ou uma força de redenção?

"Being mated to the dreadful alpha was something I could’ve never imagined," Diva thought with a heavy sigh. "Ugh! Ahh!" she screamed, throwing a pillow across the room. "I’m so frustrated with everything right now," she muttered to herself. Her voice wavered with anger as she continued, "I never liked this man! And yet, that stupid soothsayer declared I’m mated to this unmerciful brute who kills over the slightest mistake." Her words were venomous, her frustration spilling into every corner of her room. She began tearing through her belongings, scattering clothes and breaking anything in her path. A loud bang came from the door, making her pause. "Diva!" Mikael’s firm voice cut through the silence. "You have to stop this nonsense and come back to your senses. Destiny doesn’t change just because you want it to." "Go away, Mikael!" Diva snapped, her voice cracking with desperation. "I hear you, loud and clear," Mikael replied with an edge of sarcasm. "But when you’re ready to stop acting like a child, don’t forget to call me. I’ll always be there, whether you like it or not." His tone softened slightly, but the sound of his footsteps walking away came swiftly after. Diva leaned her back against the door, sliding down to the floor as tears streamed down her cheeks. It felt like her whole world had been flipped upside down. She wiped at her face but couldn’t stop the sobs from breaking free. "Why him?" she whispered into the empty room. "Of all the people in the world, why did it have to be Derek?" Her mind raced with memories of Derek—the cold, piercing eyes that seemed to see through everyone, the air of authority that silenced even the boldest warriors, and the bloodstained rumors of his merciless reign. A knock came at the door again, softer this time. "Diva," Mikael’s voice was gentler now. "I know this isn’t easy for you. But running from it won’t change the truth. You need to face him. Talk to him. Maybe he’s not as bad as you think." She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. "Not as bad as I think? You don’t know him, Mikael. You don’t know what he’s capable of." "And neither do you," Mikael replied. "Maybe it’s time you found out." The silence that followed was deafening. Diva closed her eyes, her head dropping to her knees. She wanted to scream, to protest, to demand a different fate. But deep down, she knew Mikael was right. "Why does it feel like my life has been sold off to the devil himself?" she murmured. Her thoughts were interrupted by a chilling gust of wind that swept through the open window. She froze, her eyes darting to the curtains billowing in the night air. For a moment, she felt as if she was being watched. "Destiny, huh?" she whispered bitterly, glancing at the reflection of her tear-streaked face in the shattered mirror across the room. "If this is my destiny, then fate has made a terrible mistake."

The story follows Ethan, a seasoned martial artist and hunter who crosses the veil into the realm of Shomei to hunt an assassin. After crossing the veil, he discovers a system that empowers him. Ethan rescues Wendy, and they find a home in the Shepards Inn. The innkeeper points them to the Adventures Guild, where he meets Lucy. Ethan's first quest leads them to Chief Detective Thompson, who gets them involved in investigations. Ethan, Wendy, and Lucy must navigate their duel lives as adventurers and investigators. Each clue they uncover brings them closer to a sinister truth that threatens the very fabric of their world. Chapters - 1000 to 1400 words

In the dim corridors of a life fractured by loss, Derek Dixon stumbles upon Aria, a woman whose quiet strength stirs something long dormant within him. With the relentless Abyss casting a shadow over his every move and Victoria, his mother, serving as a distant beacon, Derek is pulled into a dance between light and dark. The road he treads is not one of simple vengeance but of an awakening—a transformation whispered in the spaces between. Love, elusive yet undeniable, weaves through the cracks of his broken world, becoming the silent force that shapes his journey. As Derek’s path intertwines with Aria’s, the lines between salvation and destruction blur, leaving only the question of what, or who, truly holds the power in the end.

In a world where everything seemed normal, Derek, an ordinary student found himself drowning in the mysteries of supernaturals, until everything stopped making sense. Just as he found out about his bloodline powers and his real identity as an Alpha, an even bigger secret is about to unravel in front of him, everything changed bringing Derek into a completely different world that has always been present in the shadows where all his Luna are chasing after him

"I Emma DRACKSON, hereby, reject you, Derek, Alpha of the Blue Moon's Pack as my mate." Derek's eyes twitched, and his fists balled, but Emma was far from being done. "Don't ever search for me for whatever reason. I never want to see you again all the days of my life. If I ever find any of your people spying on me, I will kill them, or better, I will burn them alive. Do you understand what I just said?" She asked when she was done. But Derek was mute. Melvina tried talking, but Emma shut her up with a wave of her hand." I'm disappointed in you, Melvina. So, keep shut." She stated in anger, not minding the murmurings from the crowd.  She knew why, but she didn't care. Melvina wasn't her Luna. *** *Emma, a 17 years old gutsy teenager is shipped off to southern England by her Dad to complete her college studies; a strategic punishment to tame her wild behavior. On reaching there, she discovers that half of the campus population were paranormal creatures, she thought only existed in comic books and novellas. She also discovered that she wasn't really her father's daughter, but was kept by him because of an oath made to a hidden lover. What happens when she uncovers the fact that she wasn't the average human girl, rather a fulfilled prophecy; a reincarnated queen mated to an Alpha wolf. What path does she choose when she is rejected by the Alpha wolf in the face of grueling circumstances?

Ella Brown’s life was supposed to change for the better when she turned 18—gaining her wolf and preparing for her engagement to Alpha Kevin Taylor. But everything shatters when she catches Kevin with her stepsister, Sandra, the night before the ceremony. Heartbroken, she flees into the night, only to stumble upon her fated mate, the powerful Alpha Derek of the Moonstone pack. Their irresistible bond leads to a night of passion, but Derek coldly rejects her the next morning. At the engagement party, Kevin twists the truth, publicly humiliating Ella. Alone and betrayed by both alphas, she discovers she’s pregnant and flees her pack. Years later, as a renowned healer in the north, Ella is sought after by desperate packs suffering from a deadly plague. But when Derek shows up at her doorstep, demanding her help and refusing to let go of the bond he once rejected, Ella must decide—will she heal his people or make him suffer the way he made her? Can Ella protect her heart from the mate who broke it, or will Derek reclaim what he believes is rightfully his?

Immortal Quest.... In the bustling halls of modern high school life, six extraordinary teenagers discover that their ordinary lives are merely a veil hiding a world of ancient secrets, magical powers, and an immortal destiny. Scott, the fearless leader with the ability to command the elements, finds his strength tested when a shadowy force threatens to engulf the world in eternal darkness. Joined by his loyal friends—Mia, whose radiant light fights the creeping shadows; Allison, a master of stealth and agility; Derek, with the power to bend objects to his will; Theo, who manipulates shadows to strike against the darkness; and Malia, whose psychic abilities delve into the minds of friend and foe—the group embarks on a journey that will push their courage, friendships, and love to the limit. As they navigate high school drama, budding romances, and the weight of their growing powers, they uncover a prophecy that ties their fate to an immortal battle. When Scott is captured by the darkness, the group faces their greatest test yet: saving their leader while holding their fragile bond together. In a story of love, loyalty, and unyielding determination, Immortal Quest takes readers on an epic adventure through the trials of youth and the perils of an ancient war. Together, this unlikely team must prove that even in the face of overwhelming odds, the light of friendship and love can pierce through the darkest of nights. This is their quest—an immortal battle against darkness, with the power of love and unity as their greatest weapon. Will they prevail, or will the shadows consume them?

Derek Stormrage, Alpha of the Redwood Pack, has spent the last five years haunted by the disappearance of his mate, Diana. On the night the moon is at its fullest, a familiar, elusive scent leads him back into the wilderness, where he hopes to finally uncover the truth of her sudden vanishing. But when he finds her, Diana is a stranger—her memory of him, their bond, and the love they once shared, completely erased. As Derek grapples with the painful reality that his mate no longer recognizes him, he is forced to confront unsettling questions. What happened to Diana during the years she was gone? Why has she returned with no memory of their past? And, most painfully, is the connection between them truly broken, or is something more sinister at play? In a journey filled with emotional turmoil, secrets, and unhealed wounds, Derek must navigate the challenges of a lost bond while searching for answers, all while protecting his pack and fighting the fear that the woman he once loved may be slipping further away with every passing day. Echoes of the Forgotten Mate is a story of love, loss, and the painful hope that even forgotten memories can be reclaimed.

Introducing: SCARIER MOVIE II Haunted houses? Boring. Creepy diners? Bring it on. Ghosts that snatch your wig? Now we’re talking! From the creators of Scarier Movie and questionable life choices comes the parody horror novel of the year that will have you screaming... with laughter! Follow the dumbest group of ghost hunters in history as they fumble their way through a totally haunted (but they swear it’s not haunted) mansion, face off with creepy poltergeists, flirt with seductive ghosts (R.I.P. Nathan), and discover that splitting up is always the worst idea. Meet your new favorite team of idiots: Brad – The jock who thinks punching a ghost will solve all his problems. Stacey – The cheerleader more concerned about her TikTok views than the literal demon behind her. Derek – The nerd whose Dungeons & Dragons dice roll won’t save him from getting whacked by a haunted lamp. Morgana – The goth girl who’s lowkey hoping the ghosts invite her to the afterlife party. Tammy – The snarky queen who’s just trying not to get killed... again. Warning: Ghostly apparitions may steal your hair. Side effects include: uncontrollable laughter, confusion, and an irrational fear of diners with missing letters. SCARIER MOVIE II: Where death is optional, sarcasm is mandatory, and nothing is scarier than bad decisions. Available now exclusively on Webnovel!

Aiden's life of material abundance is overshadowed by a lack of familial and romantic love, plunging him into a deep depression. Filling his days with extracurricular activities, Aiden seeks solace in an unexpected confession to both his unsupportive parents and the object of his long-standing affection. When all seems lost, Aiden's escape into the virtual realm takes an unforeseen turn. A Quantum AI named Apollo, residing within his mind, employs the familiar comfort of a PS2 to transport Aiden to Eldoren, a fantastical world of swords and magic. Here, Aiden discovers his newfound role as a Shepard, destined to combat the encroaching miasma threatening Eldoren. As Aiden navigates this captivating world, little does he know that the boy of his dreams has been unwittingly crafted from his unrequited crush. The intersection of reality and fantasy blurs as Aiden grapples with self-discovery, love, and the impending fate of Eldoren. Will he find the strength within himself to save both worlds? Dive into a unique blend of romance, self-realization, and epic adventure in this enchanting tale of reincarnation with a twist. [MON] - [FRI]

Emily Molson, PA to Derek Haven, CEO of Haven Group has nightmares every night, that prevent her from getting a good night's rest. Derek Haven, on the other hand is lucky to get any sleep at all. The two of them work close together but have no idea that they have the same problem. Then one night they end up in bed together and a miracle happens.

My gaze fell on a slender mortal girl with short dark hair and glowing brown eyes. She looked like she was about to cry, and soon enough, she began sobbing. I glanced at the heaps of bodies around her—were they her companions? Why was she crying? This was war, and their fate was sealed the moment they entered my domain. I tilted my head, resting it on my hand as I studied her. There was something different about her, something I couldn’t quite figure out. Why did I feel a flicker of pain, an emotion, from my pitch-black heart? It shouldn’t be possible—my heart was dead. I was sure of that. Yet, she walked toward my castle, forcing herself closer with each step. Her foundation was weak, far weaker than the knights I had just slain. I channeled my cosmic bolt, aimed to kill, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I tried, but she kept moving forward, weeping uncontrollably. The ache inside me grew as she finally reached me, collapsing and embracing me, her cries so loud they seemed to echo in my soul. I was frozen, unsure of what to do. Emotions I thought long dead came crashing back. She sniffled and cried out, “Come home, big brother. Please come home with me.” She cuddled closer, and a warmth spread through me. I felt a warm liquid on my cheeks—tears. I realized I was crying. “Please, big brother, let’s go home,”

Rowan’s life had always been one of quiet suffering. Born into the royal bloodline, she was expected to bring honor to her family, but destiny had other plans. Her mother passed away when she was just a child, leaving her to navigate a harsh world without maternal guidance. When it was discovered that Rowan had the Herless condition—a rare affliction that rendered her incapable of cultivating spirit energy—her father’s indifference turned into cold neglect. In a world where strength and cultivation were paramount, Rowan was branded as a disgrace. Despite her royal lineage, Rowan’s condition made her a target of scorn, particularly from her siblings, who never let her forget how pathetic they thought she was. Yet, Rowan’s spirit remained unbroken. She longed for a life beyond the palace walls, a life filled with exploration and the thrill of the martial and immortal worlds. Her uncle, the only figure of warmth in her life, was her reliable confidant, though his way of showing love was through indulgence rather than guidance. Everything shifted on the night of the MoonBound ceremony. Desperate to escape her chains, Rowan sought a contract with Solen, a powerful elf who she believed could free her from her life of insignificance. But fate played a cruel trick. Instead of binding her to Solen, the ceremony tied her to Roderan, the most powerful immortal of his generation. Known for his cold and distant nature, Roderan held nothing but disdain for mortals, especially one like Rowan who couldn’t even cultivate. To him, she was less than nothing. But fate wasn’t done with its twists. Not only were Rowan and Roderan bound by the Thread of Fate, a rare phenomenon that linked their destinies, but also by the Seal of Love—a curse that was as feared as it was mysterious. The appearance of both at the same time was unheard of—one a blessing, the other a curse. The Thread of Fate suggested their lives were meant to intertwine, while the Seal of Love marked them with a bond that could either destroy them or bring about something no one could foresee. Rowan, once dismissed as a powerless mortal, now found herself bound to the most formidable immortal, with her future more uncertain than ever. The path ahead was filled with danger, heartache, and the potential for a love that could challenge the very fabric of their world.