Leland Gaunt

Jade wanders as an exotic gypsy, bound by her community's expectations. Her ambition to become everyone's desire risks jeopardizing all she has built. During her travels, she soon discovers the horrors of the world. The terrified look she witnesses in the gaunt faces of victims of unforgivable sins. As she encounters the devastation left by a brutal war, she prays. Begging the gods to spare her community, she presents herself as a sacrifice. In the darkness of the fierce battle, she witnesses a monster she may never escape. An answer to the darkness that has haunted her all her life. Note: We will publish the story every Friday at 6:15 AM. InkItt link for main story link published twice a week: https://www.inkitt.com/stories/horror/1389044

Sophia Wang wakes up to find herself trapped in the pages of an apocalyptic novel, reincarnated as a pitiful side character doomed to a tragic end. Determined to escape her bleak fate, she sets off on a desperate journey to survive the chaos of the zombie-infested world. But luck is not on her side. Her path crosses with none other than the story’s villain—Mr. Z, the twisted genius responsible for the virus that plunged humanity into despair. Tall, gaunt, and radiating a chilling charisma, Mr. Z looms in the shadows like a predator savoring his prey. With his signature white lab coat, an unsettling smile, and glasses that gleam with unnerving intelligence, he seems to mock her every attempt at escape. "Run," his smirk seems to say. "Go ahead, keep running." And Sophiae’s face at that moment? Let’s just say it’s the kind of expression even she doesn’t want to remember. “Hello,” Z says one fateful evening, his tone dripping with faux politeness. “Care for a midnight snack? How about some brain-flavored ice cream? —Sincerely, Z.” As Sophia is dragged into Z’s nightmarish experiments, survival becomes more than just staying alive. It’s a battle of wits and wills against a man who is both a menace and an enigma—a game where losing means becoming just another statistic in his deadly research. Will Sophia outsmart the mad scientist and rewrite her destiny, or will she succumb to the role the story has written for her?

A young mans adventure through a new universe.

Crown Prince Aiden Jonas William Agilofings "AJ”, is not interested in love or marriage. A confirmed bachelor, AJ will not fall in love. Not even for inheriting the throne to his beloved Leland. But his grandfather is as stubborn as him, so a marriage will be on the cards. A contracted one. And when a perfect candidate falls into his lap, quite literally… what is he to do? Amelia Brighton was born a princess but a twist of fate now relegated her to the role of a commoner instead of ruling her nation-Valleys. But destiny cannot be changed. Amelia Brighton is now ready to ascend a different throne. As the beloved bride of Crown Prince AJ, much to the consternation of her own birth family and the ministers of Leland, she will rule by his side. A fairy-tale come true, the nation revels in their love story. But enemies lurk in the shadow, ready to expose everything that AJ and Amy hide. So, as they fight the unknown enemies, will they fall in love or end up hating each other? Excerpt: AJ looked into the green eyes of the woman, no, the young girl who had come out of nowhere and was now sitting on his thighs like they were her personal couch. She was stunning. He was no stranger to beautiful women but this girl was too beautiful. The only make-up he could see was on her full lips were covered with a bit of gloss. Her dark hair framed her face while her shoulders were left bare enticingly. To him, she seemed like an innocent little fairy who had wandered into the mortal realm albeit a bit drunk. And there was a certain familiarity to her looks that he could not place. Without much thought, he simply placed a hand on her small waist to support her as she swayed a little. Her warm breath blew over his shoulder while her voice enthralled him, as she whispered near his ear, "Take me from here, please." "Umm, excuse me, miss...It is not good to just come and sit on someone..." “Why not? This is so very comfortable." Saying this she leaned closer to AJ. Unexpectedly AJ stood up, holding the beauty in his arms and spoke," We need to leave now..." The woman smiled up at AJ as if she had met her prince charming or even her knight in shining armour, but the onlookers knew that she had thrown herself at a wolf... The poor drunk lamb was going to die soon. Cover does not belong to me. Credit to the rightful owner

1ST PLACE / GOLD WINNER WEBNOVEL'S WEREWOLF WRITING COMPETITION 2022 "You are my mate…" Leland said with a hoarse voice. "Don't you know what I am doing?" He looked at her with a twinkle in his eyes, and right then and there, Sophie thought she could understand him. She could feel his overflowing emotions. Was this what they meant by the mate bond? She could feel so much desire engulfing Leland and she just knew what he wanted. He wanted her. He wanted to ravage her body and mark her with his love bites, he wanted her to scream his name over, and over, and over again. He wanted to pound her and make love to her like there was no tomorrow. The man climbed on the bed and kissed her again. He peppered her with kisses from her cheeks, to her lips, then he moved to her collarbone. Soon, she was moaning softly because of the stimulation. The sounds that escape her lips sounded so sexy in his ears and turned him on so badly. If he didn't have better self-control, Leland would have already ripped their clothes apart and immediately enter her. However, he held back and tried to stay gentle. This was only their first night together as real husband and wife. Tonight, he would finally be able to give her so much pleasure that she would want him in her bed every night. The sex they had the last time was an obligation. It was dry and he only did the bare minimum. This time though… he would ravage her body and make love to her in ways that only his luna deserved. His stamina was top notch and he could satisfy her all night long. ___________________ BLURB: The King, or the Alpha? When she jumps over the academy walls to escape from her bullies, Sophie falls straight into the arms of Nicholas, the kingdom's crown prince with a sweet and sunny disposition. Sparks fly and love blossoms between the poor orphan and the prince. But... suddenly, Leland, the dangerous new alpha of the most powerful werewolf pack in the kingdom claimed her to be his mate?! Sophie is torn between two men. One calls her his wife, the other claims her as his mate. The prince is warm and sweet, his love is burning like the sun. The alpha is cold and overbearing, his love is as heavy as the mountain and as cold as the winter. Which one will Sophie end up with when both sides wage war over blood, hatred, and revenge? Leland will burn the entire kingdom just to get Sophie and avenge his race. On the other hand, the newly crowned king, Nicholas, strives to drive out the werewolves that the kingdom deemed as monsters... while keeping a dark secret within himself — He is also a werewolf. __________________ Note: This book is a reverse harem, meaning the female lead will end up with multiple male leads. Cover is mine, by Arkans READ MY OTHER BOOKS? * The Alchemists - COMPLETED * The Prince Who Cannot Fall In Love - COMPLETED * Till Death Do Us Part - COMPLETED * The Cursed Prince - COMPLETED * The Cursed King - COMPLETED * Finding Stardust - COMPLETED

Hannah Wilde is a working girl who hopes to one day attend the college of her dreams. When she meets Leland - the enigmatic son of her employer - they begin a puzzling friendship which leads them to discover who they truly are - and find the deeper meaning of their relationship.

Leland's Father was a man who drew the blood of many famous people, given his name the Last Ronin. A single man who struck down anyone with the simple use of a black katana. Now that his Father trained him to the point that Leland's raw talent is unheard of, Master L, a man who runs one of the four major secret schools that develop the worlds most talented and strongest killers, assassins, and body guards is interested. Master L seeks to enroll Leland in his school, in hopes he can be as great as his Father.

Leland Tombs was charged for the murder of his father, and to no discord, he accepts it. His own ideals led him to making a choice others were to afraid to make, and to Ren, it was all he needed. Hidden away in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, a school specializing in the art of the kill, fight for a particular objective. Secure a Jesus Card. A single slip of titanium that allows the owner to be void of any laws or restrictions from any and all governments. Ren Zo, Head of the school recruits Leland in hopes of finding another perfect Assassin.

____ tenía en cuenta que, si estaba de esta forma ante ese tempestuoso e incrédulo escenario, todo lo demás sería un tremendo lío en sus adentros. Debido a que la magia; en cualquiera de sus formas e implicancias inimaginables; también tenía sus propias limitaciones... Como en un ideal amoroso. En cierto modo... Estaba ahí para recordarle qué era lo correcto. En realidad, él era todo lo que ______ necesitaba. Y era lo que a veces se resistía a aceptar. ∆ Línea temporal luego de años al delatar a Sebastian. ∆ El arte mostrado no me pertenece.

1. PLATZ / GOLD-GEWINNER DES WERWOLF-SCHREIBWETTBEWERBS 2022 VON WEBNOVEL "Du bist mein Kumpel ..." sagte Leland mit heiserer Stimme. "Weißt du denn nicht, was ich tue?" Er sah sie mit einem Glitzern in den Augen an, und in diesem Moment glaubte Sophie, ihn zu verstehen. Sie konnte seine überschwänglichen Gefühle spüren. War es das, was sie mit dem Partnerschaftsband meinten? Sie spürte, wie Leland von so viel Verlangen übermannt wurde, und sie wusste genau, was er wollte. Er wollte sie. Er wollte ihren Körper verwüsten und sie mit seinen Liebesbissen markieren, er wollte, dass sie seinen Namen schrie, immer und immer wieder. Er wollte sie stoßen und mit ihr Liebe machen, als gäbe es kein Morgen. Der Mann kletterte auf das Bett und küsste sie erneut. Er überhäufte sie mit Küssen auf ihre Wangen, auf ihre Lippen und dann auf ihr Schlüsselbein. Schon bald stöhnte sie leise auf, weil sie so stimuliert wurde. Die Laute, die ihren Lippen entkamen, klangen so sexy in seinen Ohren und machten ihn so sehr an. Hätte er sich nicht besser beherrschen können, hätte Leland schon längst ihre Kleidung zerrissen und wäre sofort in sie eingedrungen. Doch er hielt sich zurück und versuchte, sanft zu bleiben. Dies war erst ihre erste gemeinsame Nacht als echter Ehemann und Ehefrau. Heute Nacht würde er ihr endlich so viel Freude bereiten können, dass sie ihn jede Nacht in ihrem Bett haben wollte. Der Sex, den sie beim letzten Mal gehabt hatten, war eine Verpflichtung. Es war trocken und er tat nur das Nötigste. Doch dieses Mal würde er ihren Körper verwüsten und sie so lieben, wie es nur seine Luna verdiente. Seine Ausdauer war erstklassig und er konnte sie die ganze Nacht lang befriedigen. ___________________ BLURB: Der König oder der Alpha? Als Sophie über die Mauern der Akademie springt, um ihren Tyrannen zu entkommen, fällt sie direkt in die Arme von Nicholas, dem Kronprinzen des Königreichs mit dem süßen und sonnigen Gemüt. Die Funken sprühen und die Liebe zwischen dem armen Waisenkind und dem Prinzen erblüht. Aber... plötzlich verlangt Leland, der gefährliche neue Alpha des mächtigsten Werwolfsrudels im Königreich, dass sie seine Gefährtin wird?! Sophie ist hin- und hergerissen zwischen zwei Männern. Der eine nennt sie seine Frau, der andere beansprucht sie als seine Gefährtin. Der Prinz ist warm und süß, seine Liebe brennt wie die Sonne. Der Alphamann ist kalt und anmaßend, seine Liebe ist so schwer wie ein Berg und so kalt wie der Winter. Bei wem wird Sophie landen, wenn beide Seiten einen Krieg um Blut, Hass und Rache führen? Leland wird das gesamte Königreich niederbrennen, nur um Sophie zu bekommen und seine Rasse zu rächen. Der neu gekrönte König Nicholas hingegen ist bestrebt, die Werwölfe zu vertreiben, die im Königreich als Monster angesehen werden... während er selbst ein dunkles Geheimnis hütet. Er ist auch ein Werwolf. __________________ Hinweis: Bei diesem Buch handelt es sich um einen umgekehrten Harem, d. h. die weibliche Hauptfigur wird mit mehreren männlichen Hauptfiguren zusammenkommen. Das Cover ist von mir, von Arkans MEINE ANDEREN BÜCHER LESEN? * Die Alchemisten - VOLLSTÄNDIG * Der Prinz, der sich nicht verlieben kann - VOLLSTÄNDIG * Bis dass der Tod uns scheidet - VOLLSTÄNDIG * Der verfluchte Prinz - ABGESCHLOSSEN * Der verfluchte König - ABGESCHLOSSEN * Die Suche nach dem Sternenstaub - VOLLSTÄNDIG

``` 1RE PLACE / VAINQUEUR D'OR DU CONCOURS D'ÉCRITURE DE LOUPS-GAROUS DE WEBNOVEL 2022 « Tu es ma compagne... » Leland dit d'une voix rauque. « Ne sais-tu pas ce que je fais ? » Il la regarda avec une lueur dans les yeux, et à ce moment précis, Sophie pensa qu'elle pouvait le comprendre. Elle pouvait sentir ses émotions débordantes. Était-ce cela qu'ils entendaient par le lien de compagne ? Elle pouvait ressentir tant de désir envahir Leland et elle savait juste ce qu'il voulait. Il la voulait elle. Il voulait ravager son corps et la marquer avec ses morsures d'amour, il voulait qu'elle crie son nom encore et encore et encore. Il voulait la marteler et lui faire l'amour comme si demain n'existait pas. L'homme monta sur le lit et l'embrassa de nouveau. Il la couvrit de baisers depuis ses joues, jusqu'à ses lèvres, puis il se déplaça vers sa clavicule. Bientôt, elle commença à gémir doucement à cause de la stimulation. Les sons qui s'échappaient de ses lèvres sonnaient si sexy à ses oreilles et l'excitaient tellement. S'il n'avait pas eu un meilleur contrôle de soi, Leland aurait déjà déchiré leurs vêtements et serait entré en elle immédiatement. Cependant, il se retint et essaya de rester doux. C'était seulement leur première nuit ensemble en tant que vrai mari et femme. Ce soir, il serait enfin capable de lui donner tant de plaisir qu'elle le voudrait dans son lit chaque nuit. Le sexe qu'ils avaient eu la dernière fois était une obligation. C'était sec et il avait fait le strict minimum. Mais cette fois... il allait ravager son corps et lui faire l'amour de manière que seule sa luna mérite. Son endurance était de premier ordre et il pouvait la satisfaire toute la nuit. ___________________ RÉSUMÉ : Le Roi, ou l'Alpha ? Quand elle saute par-dessus les murs de l'académie pour s'échapper de ses intimidateurs, Sophie tombe droit dans les bras de Nicholas, le prince héritier du royaume à la disposition douce et ensoleillée. Des étincelles jaillissent et l'amour fleurit entre la pauvre orpheline et le prince. Mais... soudainement, Leland, le nouvel Alpha dangereux de la meute de loups-garous la plus puissante du royaume la réclame pour être sa compagne ? Sophie est déchirée entre deux hommes. L'un l'appelle sa femme, l'autre la revendique comme sa compagne. Le prince est chaleureux et doux, son amour brûle comme le soleil. L'Alpha est froid et autoritaire, son amour est aussi lourd que la montagne et aussi froid que l'hiver. Avec lequel Sophie finira-t-elle alors que les deux camps se font la guerre sur fond de sang, de haine et de vengeance ? Leland brûlera le royaume entier juste pour récupérer Sophie et venger sa race. D'autre part, le roi nouvellement couronné, Nicholas, s'efforce de chasser les loups-garous que le royaume considère comme des monstres... tout en gardant un secret sombre en lui-même — Il est lui aussi un loup-garou. __________________ Note : Ce livre est un harem inversé, ce qui signifie que l'héroïne finira avec plusieurs protagonistes masculins. La couverture est mienne, par Arkans VOUS LISEZ MES AUTRES LIVRES ? * Les Alchimistes - TERMINÉ * Le Prince Qui Ne Peut Pas Tomber Amoureux - TERMINÉ * Jusqu'à ce que la Mort Nous Sépare - TERMINÉ * Le Prince Maudit - TERMINÉ * Le Roi Maudit - TERMINÉ * Trouver l'Étoile Filante - TERMINÉ ```

—Tú eres mi compañera... —dijo Leland con voz ronca—. ¿No sabes lo que estoy haciendo? Él la miró con un brillo en sus ojos, y justo en ese momento, Sophie pensó que podría entenderlo. Podía sentir sus emociones desbordantes. ¿Era esto a lo que se referían con el vínculo de compañeros? Ella podía sentir tanto deseo envolviendo a Leland y simplemente sabía lo que él quería. Él la quería. Quería devorar su cuerpo y marcarla con sus mordiscos de amor, quería que ella gritara su nombre una y otra y otra vez. Quería poseerla y hacerle el amor como si no hubiera un mañana. El hombre se subió a la cama y la besó de nuevo. Le llenó de besos desde las mejillas, hasta los labios, luego se movió a su clavícula. Pronto, ella estaba gimiendo suavemente por la estimulación. Los sonidos que escapaban de sus labios sonaban tan sexys en sus oídos y lo excitaban terriblemente. Si no tuviera mejor autocontrol, Leland ya habría rasgado sus ropas y entrado en ella de inmediato. Sin embargo, se contuvo e intentó permanecer gentil. Esta era solo su primera noche juntos como verdaderos esposos. Esta noche, finalmente podría darle tanto placer que ella querría tenerlo en su cama todas las noches. El sexo que tuvieron la última vez fue una obligación. Fue seco y él hizo lo mínimo indispensable. Esta vez, sin embargo... él devoraría su cuerpo y le haría el amor de maneras que solo su luna merecía. Su resistencia era de primera y podría satisfacerla toda la noche. ___________________ SINOPSIS: ¿El Rey, o el Alfa? Cuando salta sobre los muros de la academia para escapar de sus acosadores, Sophie cae directamente en los brazos de Nicolás, el príncipe heredero del reino con un carácter dulce y alegre. Saltan chispas y el amor florece entre la pobre huérfana y el príncipe. Pero... de repente, Leland, el nuevo alfa peligroso de la manada de hombres lobo más poderosa del reino, la reclamó como su compañera. Sophie está dividida entre dos hombres. Uno la llama su esposa, el otro la reclama como su compañera. El príncipe es cálido y dulce, su amor arde como el sol. El alfa es frío y dominante, su amor es tan pesado como la montaña y frío como el invierno. ¿Con cuál terminará Sophie cuando ambos bandos libren una guerra de sangre, odio y venganza? Leland quemará todo el reino solo para conseguir a Sophie y vengar a su raza. Por otro lado, el recién coronado rey, Nicolás, se esfuerza por expulsar a los hombres lobo que el reino considera monstruos... mientras guarda un oscuro secreto dentro de sí mismo Él también es un hombre lobo. __________________ Nota: Este libro es un harén invertido, lo que significa que la protagonista femenina terminará con varios protagonistas masculinos. La portada es mía, de Arkans ¿LEER MIS OTROS LIBROS? * Los Alquimistas - COMPLETADO * El Príncipe Que No Puede Enamorarse - COMPLETADO * Hasta Que La Muerte Nos Separe - COMPLETADO * El Príncipe Maldito - COMPLETADO * El Rey Maldito - COMPLETADO * Buscando el Polvo de Estrellas - COMPLETADO

``` 1º LUGAR / VENCEDOR DE OURO NA COMPETIÇÃO DE ESCRITA DE LOBISOMENS DA WEBNOVEL 2022 "Você é minha companheira..." Leland disse com uma voz rouca. "Você não sabe o que eu estou fazendo?" Ele a olhou com um brilho nos olhos, e naquele exato momento, Sophie pensou que poderia entendê-lo. Ela podia sentir suas emoções transbordando. Era isso que queriam dizer com o laço de companheiros? Ela podia sentir tanto desejo envolvendo Leland e ela simplesmente sabia o que ele queria. Ele a queria. Queria devorar seu corpo e marcá-la com suas mordidas de amor, queria que ela gritasse seu nome uma, e outra, e outra vez. Queria possuí-la e fazer amor com ela como se não houvesse amanhã. O homem subiu na cama e a beijou novamente. Cobria-a de beijos, das bochechas aos lábios, e depois passou para a clavícula. Logo, ela estava gemendo suavemente por causa da estimulação. Os sons que escapavam dos lábios dela soavam tão sexy em seus ouvidos e o excitavam terrivelmente. Se Leland não tivesse um autocontrole melhor, já teria rasgado as roupas de ambos e a penetrado imediatamente. No entanto, ele se conteve e tentou permanecer gentil. Esta era apenas a primeira noite deles juntos como marido e mulher de verdade. Esta noite, ele finalmente poderia dar a ela tanto prazer que ela iria querê-lo em sua cama todas as noites. O sexo que tiveram da última vez foi uma obrigação. Foi seco e ele fez apenas o mínimo necessário. Mas desta vez... ele iria devorar o corpo dela e fazer amor com ela de maneiras que apenas a sua luna merecia. Sua resistência era de primeira linha e ele poderia satisfazê-la a noite toda. ___________________ SINOPSE: O Rei, ou o Alfa? Quando ela pula os muros da academia para escapar de seus intimidadores, Sophie cai direto nos braços de Nicholas, o príncipe herdeiro do reino com uma disposição doce e ensolarada. Faíscas voam e o amor floresce entre a pobre órfã e o príncipe. Mas... de repente, Leland, o perigoso novo alfa da matilha de lobisomens mais poderosa do reino reivindicou-a como sua companheira?! Sophie está dividida entre dois homens. Um a chama de esposa, o outro a reivindica como sua companheira. O príncipe é caloroso e doce, seu amor é ardente como o sol. O alfa é frio e dominador, seu amor é tão pesado quanto a montanha e tão frio quanto o inverno. Com quem Sophie acabará quando ambos os lados travam guerra por sangue, ódio e vingança? Leland incendiaria o reino inteiro apenas para ter Sophie e vingar sua raça. Por outro lado, o recém-corado rei, Nicholas, luta para expulsar os lobisomens que o reino considerava monstros... enquanto mantém um segredo sombrio dentro de si — Ele também é um lobisomem. __________________ Nota: Este livro é um harém reverso, o que significa que a protagonista feminina acabará com vários protagonistas masculinos. A capa é minha, por Arkans LER MEUS OUTROS LIVROS? * The Alchemists - COMPLETO * The Prince Who Cannot Fall In Love - COMPLETO * Till Death Do Us Part - COMPLETO * O Príncipe Amaldiçoado - COMPLETO * O Rei Amaldiçoado - COMPLETO * Encontrando Stardust - COMPLETO ```

A group of gray werewolves that rule Silver Town are not about to accept any outsiders. Lelandi Wildhaven arrives in Silver Town in search of her sister after escaping from her red pack before the leader forces her to mate his nasty brother. But her sister has allegedly committed suicide as she died. Everyone thinks Lelandi is trying to win over her sister’s widowed partner. Darien Silver, the leader of the pack, feels guilty for his mate’s passing and suffers from regrets and memories of her. He becomes enchanted when her twin arrives in his village, and when someone tries to quiet her, his entire pack and way of life are under risk. He might have no choice but to defend the attractive stranger in order to keep his pack—and himself—safe.

A husband and wife were in despair. The woman had just given birth to their 13th child, and the growing family was quickly running out of food and money. Wandering into the woods, the father encountered a skeletal figure with sunken eyes and a gaunt face: this was Death himself, come to offer his services as Godfather. Dive into the German tale of Godfather Death and his godson, the doctor who tries to master mortality. Based on: German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm 1812 Inspired by: The tale of the doctor who defied Death by Iseult Gillespie

In a planet called Rheixa where very strong people makes the rules. Our protagonist, Leland finds himself transported in that world is now filled with excitement because he can finally fulfill his greatest fantasy. Join him in his adventures not only to experience the beauty and bright side of that world but also the ugly and dark side of it. ———————————————————————————————————————————— IMPORTANT NOTE I may be an old reader but I'm not an experienced writer so feel free to help me by correcting some words or sentences that you may think is not right and I will appreciate it. Appreciation cannot be eaten but In exchange I can give you a novel that you will like..... Probably. ———————————————————————————————————————————— This novel is full of twists Just an advice Read properly and carefully the story who knows you already miss a hidden detail.

A gaunt old man finds himself before the highest power - the very gods themselves. "You shall haunt this world no longer," they tell him. Thus, he is condemned to atone for his the many atrocities he has committed. When next he opens his eyes, what greets him is a wasteland of terrifying creatures and an unknown will forcing him to fight the horrifying monsters. But will he adapt... or will he fall back into his old habits? --- Since this story produces $0 in revenue, the promotional image is AI-generated. A human artist will be commissioned to illustrate a new cover, should the book ever produce income. The story itself was written without AI.

In a world ravaged by catastrophic destruction, Damien, a frail and gaunt young man, finds himself at the forefront of a desperate struggle to survive. As the fabric of reality unravels, unleashing unspeakable horrors and twisted creatures, Damien must confront his inner demons and harness the power of a mysterious system to stay alive. With each step, Damien's resolve is tested by the unrelenting chaos around him. He faces impossible choices, forges uneasy alliances, and uncovers the dark secrets behind the distorted realm. As he grows stronger, Damien's determination to unravel the mysteries of the system and the malevolent forces driving the apocalypse becomes an all-consuming quest. Will Damien's unyielding spirit and the system's power be enough to overcome the unrelenting onslaught of twisted creatures and uncover the truth behind the cosmic entities manipulating the world? Dive into this gripping tale of survival, self-discovery, and unrelenting ambition to find out.

THE GHOST KNEW his master was about to die, and he wasn’t exactly unhappy about it. He knew that sounded bad. You’d think, after all those years together, that even he might have felt a twinge of sadness about the whole situation. But it’s hard to feel sorry for someone when: a) you’re a ghost, and everyone knows ghosts don’t have hearts, and b) that someone made her living out of forcing you to make other people miserable. He stared at her now as she lay on the narrow bed, gray and gaunt in the light of the full moon, her breath rasping and shallow. Watching her teeter slowly toward the end was a bit like watching a grape slowly become a raisin: the years had sucked the life and vitality out of her until she was nothing but a wrinkled shell of her former self. “Well,” she wheezed, squinting at him. Well, he said. “One more for the road, eh?” she said, nodding to the full moon out the window. And she grimaced as she offered him the ring finger of her right hand, as she had done so many times before. The ghost nodded. It seemed frivolous, but after all, he still needed to eat, whether or not his master lay dying. As he bent his head over the wrinkled hand, his sharp little teeth pricking the skin worn and calloused from time and use, the witch let out a sharp breath. Her blood used to be rich and strong and so thick with her magic that the ghost could get himself drunk on it, if he wasn’t careful. Now all he tasted was the stale tang of age, the sour notesthat came with impending death, and a bitter aftertaste he couldn’t quite place. Regret, perhaps. It was the regret that was hardest to swallow. The ghost drank nothing more than he had to, finishing quickly and sealing the tiny pinpricks of his teeth on her skin with spit. It is done, he told her, the words familiar as a favorite song, the ritual as comforting as a warm blanket. And I am bound to you, until the end. The witch patted his horned head gently. Her touch surprised him —she had never been particularly affectionate. “Well,” she said, her voice nothing more than a sigh. “The end is now.” And she turned her head to the window, where the sun was just rising over the cusp of the world, and died.

"In the depths of winter, I found within me, an invincible summer." Chi Yun was the best student at an esteemed music school and once had a bright career ahead of her as a talented pianist. But she had to take a long break from her education due to an unfortunate tragedy. Now that five years have passed, she is at last going back to school. However, she quickly finds herself embroiled in a heated argument with Wang Zhanyan, a disturbed student with a twisted past and a propensity for disruption, as soon as she arrives. Excerpt... Chi Yun sized up Wang Zhanyan and teased, “My, my. How could Chef Lu ever fancy you with a weak body like yours? Have you seen the difference? Which chef does not have a strong body?” Was Chi Yun belittling his strength? Wang Zhanyan grew indignant. “You really shouldn’t think so little of me. I beat up Cheng Xin and the others. Have you forgotten?” Chi Yun thought about it and agreed. Although Wang Zhanyan appeared frail and gaunt, he did possess some modicum of skill. Wang Zhanyan thought Chi Yun did not believe him, so he lifted his shirt and grabbed Chi Yun's hand, running them down his abdomen. “Hah! Can you feel them? I’ve got six-pack abs; count them if you don’t believe me!” The sudden warmth and firmness under her touch sent a jolt down Chi Yun's spine. She tried to retract her hand, but Wang Zhanyan, incensed, refused to let go and insisted she felt his abs. Thankfully, there was no one around. Otherwise, Chi Yun felt she would probably have to find a hole to hide in. It was so mortifying she would not have had the face to greet anyone. “Wang Zhanyan, unhand me!” Chi Yun hissed through gritted teeth. ... Highschool romance x entertainment industry. Two-faced fl x troublemaker ml